Spirit's Journey Designs

Digital Whispers of Artistic Souls - New Book!

2011-02-05T16:20:00.002-06:00

Digital Whispers of Artistic Souls | Make Your Own Book

Digital Whispers of Artistic Souls - New Book

2011-02-05T15:46:00.007-06:00

I am so excited to announce a new book available from Blurb. It's called Digital Whispers of Artistic Souls and it's gorgeous! I have several pieces and some text in it....order it here.

Digital Whisper January Banner #3

2011-01-13T20:41:00.002-06:00

Here is the 3rd banner I created for Digital Whisper this month. It's a great group of digital artists with interesting challenges. Come on over and check it out!

Digital Whisper January Banner #2

2011-01-13T20:37:00.003-06:00

This is actually the first banner I created....ever! I found it difficult to work on such a strange size canvas but once I got going with the images, it worked itself out. If you are interested in being challenged digitally, come check out Digital Whisper; it's a great group!

Digital Whisper Banners

2011-01-01T00:08:00.002-06:00

I created four banners for Digital Whisper this month. Here's the first one, more to follow! If you love creating (or viewing) digital art...come on over and take a look around!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T00:05:00.002-06:00

Poppy Fields Forever

2010-12-16T23:01:00.004-06:00

A gentle reminder for 2011...

Urban Exploration

2010-12-16T22:55:00.002-06:00

Yahoo posted an article about Urban Decay and I was inspired to create this piece. I love the haunting photos in the article but I do think Urban Exploration is a bit more whimsical. Enjoy your trip!

Create Bliss

2010-11-28T20:46:00.003-06:00

Created for a "depth of field" challenge on Digital Whisper which required using lots of shadows. I also focused on creating movement, which is how an artist moves the viewer's eyes throughout the piece. Totally fun! Enjoy!

Have a Magical Halloween!

2010-10-29T22:09:00.005-05:00

I decided to try out a monochromatic color scheme for this piece. Hope you enjoy it!
Stock images are from my personal photos and the following artists:
http://mjranum-stock.deviantart.com/gallery/
http://archistock.deviantart.com/gallery/
http://ashensorrow.deviantart.com/gallery/

Rest in Peace Marie!

2010-10-24T21:23:00.005-05:00

A combination of images from my recent trip to New Orleans along with model stock from Mizz D.

Stylish Surreal Portrait

2010-09-06T08:42:00.006-05:00

I just had fun with a new Digital Whisper Challenge using the tutorial found here. It was written for Ph0t0sh0p and I use PSE8 so I had to work-around a few steps but I still learned a lot! Everyone agreed that the whole project took more than the time stated on the tutorial but I will definitely use this process again. This is the original image I used from Katanaz-Stock.
And here is the finished art! :-)

Digital Whisper

2010-08-19T23:48:00.005-05:00

Visit Digital Whisper
A few months ago, I joined a community of digital artists that are inspiring, challenging, educational and supportive. The group is called Digital Whisper and while the group is invitation-only, I would be happy to invite you if you are interested in stretching and growing your digital art skills. Kimmie, the group leader asked what digital whisper meant to me...my reply was, “A whisper is something I keep inside, deep down in my soul, at the very core of my being...and when I create art, I share that part of me with others. Not everyone knows my secrets and I don't have to share my story if I don't want to...but in my art...my secrets are shared but not everyone will hear them.” What does "digital whisper" mean to you?

Four Eyes

2010-08-19T23:38:00.001-05:00

Another mixed media/digital art collage...All the elements are from original mixed media art I created, scanned, then mixed together digitally. Fun?

Grow

2010-08-19T23:35:00.000-05:00

...nuff said!

I Might Leave Marks

2010-08-19T23:31:00.003-05:00

I'm sorry, I just can't help myself sometimes; I might leave marks!

Destination Unknown

2010-08-19T23:28:00.001-05:00

I am beginning to experiment by using some of my mixed media art pieces as elements or backgrounds in my digital work. Do you like it?

Circus Raven

2010-08-19T23:26:00.001-05:00

OMG, I love this model! She is extraordinary to look at and a joy to work with. Do you notice anything unusual or unexpected in the collage?

Caffeine Dreams

2010-08-19T23:10:00.003-05:00

This is one of my absolute favorite creations...you know how when a piece just falls into place and you like the elements, the colors, the images, and the effects? Well, this is one of those collages for me. If you would like to purchase a coffee mug with this design on it, it is available at the Digital Whisper Cafe Press store, found here. It's only $12.99 and the profits go to help support the DW annual fees.

Angel I, II, and III

2010-08-19T23:05:00.002-05:00

Okay, I was obsessed with these doll heads for a while but I've moved on now! LOL

Color Pallete Challenge

2010-08-19T23:02:00.002-05:00

Trying to create a color pallete for future challenges on Digital Whisper. Didn't get all the hues just right so am still looking for purple in my past art work...it's definitely a color I DON'T use! LOL

The Grandville Diamond

2010-08-19T22:58:00.001-05:00

Just a bit of Steampunk-oriented fun with a touch of J.J. Grandville tossed in!

Orange & Blue & Frida Too - DW Challenge

2010-06-12T09:16:00.005-05:00

How could I NOT join in when Kimmie posted the Orange & Blue Challenge Images on Digital-Whisper....with such delicious colors I was compelled to create! When Frida Kahlo said "I leave you my portrait so that you will have my presence all the days and nights that I am away from you" she couldn't possibly have known how much we would all love her face. Stunning!

The New Monroe Hotel, Albia, IA circa 1908

2010-06-05T14:51:00.002-05:00

The "New" Monroe Hotel in it's hey-day! The building is still standing but it needs MUCH attention! Is this 1908 or 2808? This piece just makes me smile! :-)

First Iowa State Bank - Albia, IA 2010

2010-06-05T14:48:00.002-05:00

This piece was created using an original photo taken last summer and LOTS of digital layers. My brother, who works at this bank, said he had no idea what was just outside his second story window. For me, Albia always looks like this! :-)

Albia, IA circa 1908 - Looking NE from the Courthouse

2010-06-05T14:45:00.002-05:00

A Digital Collage created for an online art challenge at Digital Whisper.

Carnegie-Evans Public Library Albia, IA circa 1910

2010-06-05T14:34:00.004-05:00

Anyone that knows me at all, knows that I love my little hometown of Albia, IA. I totally love combining Vintage Albia postcards with whimsical elements! Here's one of the Albia Carnegie-Evans Library, circa 1910

If I'd Killed Him When I Met Him...

2010-06-04T06:53:00.004-05:00

So many times I said, "If I'd killed him when I met him...I'd be out of prison by now". Abuse, in it's many forms, left me feeling like I was in prison. If only I had found the courage to leave before it was too late.

Blog Hiatus Almost Over

2010-05-23T07:31:00.003-05:00

Yikes! I just realized I haven't posted anything on my blog since January. It's not that I haven't been creating anything, I just run out of time for posting. SO, my goal for this week is to get some photos uploaded of my recent projects and in the process hopefully will find a bit of time to share some of the changes in my life; my absolute obsession with digital collage, exercise, weight loss, nutrition, etc.

Gee, I feel better just having written that much! It's a start, right?

Chat more later!

Carol Murphy Online Joggles Classes Starting

2010-01-10T12:05:00.005-06:00

Carol Murphy is getting ready to start two new online classes on Joggles; Altered Tin & Enchanting Encaustics. She is so talented and her prices are great! If you want to check them out and/or sign-up, here is the link. Have fun!

Get Inspired by Your Reading Materials!

2009-10-24T20:56:00.014-05:00

Oh my goodness! I have to say it...I absolutely love this piece! LOL It's weird and funky and those shades of green and mysterious dots/circles give me an artistic orgasm! Ooo, baby baby...This piece was created from Helga's Challenge on My ARTistic Life. The prompt was "Get Inspired by Your Reading Materials" and incorporates the dots/circles from last weeks' challenge. What fun it is to be challenged to try something new. Thanks Helga!

Hilda Conkling The White Cloud

2009-10-24T20:51:00.008-05:00

Inspired by my new journalling obsession and Hilda's words, "there are many clouds but not like the one I see" ... Delicious poem!

Hilda Conkling Waking the Moths

2009-10-24T20:45:00.003-05:00

I love the simplicity of this poem "I awake them one by one from their sleepy hours"...isn't that delicious? Gives me chills and inspired me to create this altered book spread. OH, and this color combination is one of my new favorites; teal, lime and yellow!

Hilda Conkling Land of Nod

2009-10-24T20:42:00.005-05:00

Another Hilda challenge hosted by the generous Gale Blair at Paper Whimsy....aaahhh....such whimsical dreams in the land of nod.

Hilda Conkling Loveliness

2009-10-24T20:31:00.003-05:00

Vibrant? uh, yes! LOL

I just love Hilda Conkling...wasn't she amazing? Just a few words in this poem, yet so much wisdo there....

Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub

2009-10-24T20:17:00.008-05:00

I love using this hand scrub after working at the art table all day! Jan DeBellis is hosting an Apron Recipe Card Swap on the Paper Whimsy Forum and I am tickled to share this recipe for the first go-around...won't you come and join in the fun?

Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub

Ingredients:
1 ½ Cups Sugar
1/3 Cup Kosher Salt (or substitute more sugar)
3/4 Cup Olive Oil
Zest from one Large Lemon (or other citrus zest)
¼ Teaspoon Lemon Extract (optional)

One recipe makes 2 cups, enough for a 1-pint jar, or 2 half-pint jars.This project is great for reusing old jars that have been cleaned out; jam jars, sauce jars, or canning jars that you might have around.

Directions:

Step 1: Combine sugar, kosher salt, and olive oil in a medium-sized bowl. Stir until the oil is evenly distributed throughout the sugar and salt mixture.
Step 2: Using a micro-plane zester, grate the zest of 1 large lemon. Add zest to the bowl and stir to combine. If you would like a stronger scent, add 1/4 tsp lemon extract.
Step 3: Spoon the scrub mixture into a clean jar. Make sure to wipe up any spills on the outside of the jar. Tighten the lid and decorate according to your tastes.

October ATC Lottery

2009-10-24T20:15:00.003-05:00

October's ATC Lottery Theme is "gratitude" and the first thing I thought of is that I am grateful for imagination. What are you grateful for?

Name Banners for Children

2009-10-24T20:06:00.006-05:00

Someone I work with just had a baby and I thought it would be fun to make name banners for his newborn son and existing daughter. I won't overwhelm you with all twelve of the pieces but here is one from the boy's and one from the girl's. This was such a fun project that I might have to make one for myself! :-)

Autumn ATC for Lottery

2009-10-24T20:03:00.002-05:00

Paper Whimsy Forum has started up a new ATC lottery each month and here is my entry for September...it's been a LONG time since I made an ATC and it was fun!

Hilda Conkling Wishes

2009-10-24T19:56:00.002-05:00

Another Hilda Conkling Challenge piece hosted by Gale Blair for Paper Whimsy Forum members only. Come on over and join in the fun! I adore the imagery of Hilda's poetry and look forward each month for the new free collage sheet & poem. Thanks Gale!

Get Inspired by Patterns!

2009-10-24T15:53:00.009-05:00

Last week on My ARTistic Life, Helga challenged her readers to "Get Inspired by Patterns". Since I had a few moments, I decided to play along. It was fun and I started seeing circles and dots in lots of places I might not have noticed before. Here is the finished piece for the challenge.

I enjoyed using different techniques for the dots; scrapbook paper, punched paper, punchinella, paintbrush tip, markers, watercolors, masks and stencils...just to name a few!

I didn't get my photo submitted in time for Helga's drawing but I was busy creating a patterned image that popped into my head during a deep-tissue massage. What do you think of it?

Thanks Helga for the challenge...it was inspiring!

Journey to Imagination

2009-10-13T23:21:00.003-05:00

Gale issued a challenge and I couldn't resist. Hop on over to the Paper Whimsy blog, pick up your free "doors" collage sheet, work your magic and join the fun! I love the gorgeous door in the background and for some reason just needed to have some adorable vintage cats wandering by. Wishing you a wonderful journey to your imagination...who knows you might want to live there. Hugs, Carol

One Good Freebie Deserves Another!

2009-10-10T17:12:00.006-05:00

I started working on a "doors" collage challenge hosted by Gale Blair at Paper Whimsy (challenge and her doors freebie found here). This afternoon, I antiqued an old clock-face to use as the background for my collage and thought some of you might like to use the image in your own art work. Here is a jpg scan of it....click on the image to view it full size. Feel free to use it in your art in any way you like, I freely give it to you. If you would like to share what you created using it, send me a link to your blog post and I would love to post your blog-link here. Have a creative weekend! Hugs, Carol

dia de los Muertos

2009-10-08T22:52:00.008-05:00

Oh My! Where did the summer go...I have been so out of touch online but have had a wonderful time with friends, family and fitness. I will soon be back on track with blogging but wanted to share a collage I created tonight using images from Itkupilli Shop, dedicated to the Mexican holiday, dia de los Muertos. What a wonderful time of year when villagers go to the cemetery to visit their loved ones and invite them home to enjoy a feast of their favorite foods. Family members share humorous stories about their departed and celebrate the lives they had lived....isn't that wonderful?

Crone Speak

2009-05-09T10:40:00.007-05:00

I went to a wedding last night and kept hearing people say "she looks beautiful". They were, of course, referring to the bridal party and they did indeed look beautiful...but I woke this this morning and wondered why they didn't say "she is beautiful" or "they are beautiful". What is it about people that makes us view them from a distance? Were they just commenting on the gowns? No, they were commenting on the overall beauty of each person; the hair, the makeup, the gown, the smile, the eyes and the inner beauty that comes from joy and happiness at being part of such a lovely occasion.

What I mean is this...when we view art, we rarely say it looks beautiful. That would be distant; almost like a teacher grading an assignment. We would more likely say it is beautiful because we let it roll over our souls and enter our spirits and really feel the art and let it become a part of us. It moves us to say "wow, that is beautiful". How do you feel when you see a gorgeous sunset...one filled with 3 shades of lavender, 2 shades of pink and that brilliant blazing orange? Would you say that looks beautiful or it is beautiful? Personally, I would shout "that is so freaking beautiful!" and nature's mother would be pleased. :-)

So take a few extra moments next time you see someone that touches your soul in that way. Instead of saying "gee, you look beautiful" turn it around and say what you really mean; "gee, you ARE beautiful". Imagine the difference one single word would make in their lives. I think they would be pleased. :-)

Namaste, Carol

Mail Art

2009-05-03T21:50:00.004-05:00

I don't always have time to decorate my envelopes but wanted to do something special for Christine .....she's such a sweetie; hope I surprise her! I had fun doing it all in white!

Somewhere I read about a technique that I wanted to try...I rubber stamped this image with embossing ink and white opaque embossing powder. Then, using gel pens, I colored in the butterflies. After that was dry, I applied a layer of Diamond Glaze. It was supposed to look like enamel but I think the bubble-type envelope wasn't crisp enough to look that way. However, it was still kind of cool and I am pleased with the result. Have a great week friends! hugs, Carol

Rolodex Card Swap

2009-05-03T21:32:00.006-05:00

My friend Christine Shebroe is hosting a Rolodex Card Swap and here are a few that I made to trade with the other artists in the group.

...and here are the backs of them; just need to fill out the personal info and out in the mail they go!

Hilda Conkling Butterfly in the Wind

2009-05-03T21:24:00.005-05:00

This weeks Quote Challenge on the Paper Whimsy forum is "Butterfly in the Wind" by Hilda Conkling...I absolutely fell in love with the words and couldn't wait to create my collage. I have chosen to create all of my quote pieces in an altered book I have and started with tissue paper background, some cheesecloth and off I went! LoL

Read these words by Hilda Conkling and be inspired to create your own art.

Butterfly in the Wind

All of a sudden

Blown to my hand

Wings of dewy color,

Silvery flaky dust along my finger...

I wondered where he had come?

I asked him where he was going?

Butterfly words are faint

But I heard his answer...

I never know!
I am a wanderer in the wind.

Tissue Paper Background Tutorial

2009-05-02T21:15:00.029-05:00

We were talking about background textures on the Paper Whimsy forum and I thought it would be fun to do a basic tutorial on one of my favorites; tissue paper background! Easy peasy, anyone can do it and you probably have all the supplies on hand. Have fun!

I own all the text and images in this tutorial – feel free to use them for whatever you want. Commercial, not commercial, credit me or don’t credit me it’s all good with me. Hugs, Carol

Step ONE: Gather all your supplies. You will need:

Substrate - things like cardboard, heavy watercolor paper and cardstock work best for this technique.
Tissue Paper – any color, design or style. If you don’t like the color or design you can paint over it, right?
Adhesive – I use gel medium but you can use any wet adhesive like Elmer’s glue or ModPodge.
Paint Brush – any size or style but I would recommend 1”-3” in width depending on the size of the substrate. You want to be able to apply the adhesive quickly.
Assorted Inks - sprays, paint, alcohol inks, stamp pads to name a few.

Step TWO: Crumple the tissue paper. I usually crumple the tissue pretty tight (left of photo); then loosely open it as shown to the right of the photo. Of course it depends on the end result you want for your background. The more you open up the tissue, the less texture you will get.

Step THREE: Using the paint brush, apply the adhesive somewhat generously to the substrate. Use enough adhesive so that it remains wet until you can place the crumpled tissue on it. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the placement of the tissue. I just plop it on there and press it down using my hands.

If I want a more flat texture, I use a brayer or the adhesive jar/bottle to press it down a bit more.

Step FOUR: While the tissue is still wet, tear off the extra tissue around the edges. You can trim the edges with a scissor if you want but I like the randomness of the torn edges.

At this point, I usually put a light layer of the adhesive over the top and let it dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Once the tissue is dry…create to your heart’s desire. Rub ink pads over the raised area to highlight them or use acrylic paints and dry-brush them on. Just go crazy and have fun!
*****************************************************************************
Here’s a piece I quickly did to show you a collage piece from start to finish. I started with some old tissue that came in a gift package, crumpled it up, unfolded it a bit, and glued it to the cardboard substrate. Notice that this tissue paper didn’t leave large wrinkles like the pink one did. It was a bit lighter weight and didn’t crumple as much. Interesting, huh? Who knew? LoL

Next I tore along the edges of the substrate to remove the extra tissue and applied a light coating of gel medium over the top. Notice that this time around, I applied the gel after tearing…see you can mix it up! I hate repetition and rarely do things exactly the same way twice.

After the tissue was dry, I took my “Old Paper” Distress Ink stamp pad and rubbed it over the raised areas. I was surprised how many highlights actually came out…it didn’t look like there were that many; did it?

After the ink was dry, I laid a stencil on it and sprayed over the top with “Orange Juice” Memories Mist. I LOVE orange!

After that was dry I took a favorite rubber stamp, inked it up with black ink from a stamp pad and made a row of paisley designs across a portion of the background.

After that was dry I used my favorite fluid chalk pads and rubbed around the edges in hot pink and orange, which you can see in the next photo. For me, this is what makes art interesting…lots of layers on the background…and this is before you even start putting your images and embellishments on.

Notice that I always let each layer dry before adding a different color element. Otherwise, things can get muddied up a bit and unless that is what you are going for, it will be disappointing to do all this work and have to gesso over it only to begin again. Wah! However, I always have my heat gun handy to help the drying process along; just don’t get it so close that the adhesive bubbles up or the tissue catches on fire! LoL

Reminder - when using a heat tool always keep your eyes on what you are doing. From beginning to end, this background only took about ten minutes.

Now you are ready to add your collage bits! Can’t wait to see what you create next! Hugs, Carol

I am where I intended to be...

2009-03-29T16:50:00.003-05:00

Isn't that a powerful statement? I was working on this collage and ran across the text on Painters Keys; a wonderful site to use when you are looking for inspiration. This piece was a bit different than the first three beeswax collages I did. I veered away from the instructions and tried some things that were in my head...some worked and some didn't but I learned a lot and had fun! For me, there is so much symbolism in this collage; travel, journey, flight, hard work, and even a bit of aging. The end result is this "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be." ~D. Adams

I hope you are heading in your intended direction...even though you may not know it. I certainly didn't! Namaste, Carol

Encaustic Wax

2009-03-15T23:01:00.015-05:00

I recently joined an online group featuring current trends in Mixed Media Arts and this week I learned about using beeswax on collage. There were several steps & layers involved but I didn't start out with any particular concept. The wax process is totally addictive; here are the three canvas boards I created.

And here there are all in a row as one long collage...

What Tarot Card Are You?

2009-03-15T17:51:00.004-05:00

Since I just celebrated my birthday and feel all these changes occurring, I thought it might be wise to check and see if my Tarot Card in the sidebar had changed...and it has! For the last year I was "The High Priestess". Traits associated with that were...

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.
The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

...and that described me to a tee! After taking the test again, my card has changed and while I am all the things listed above I am now also...

The Star
Hope, expectation, Bright promises.
The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised
The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future.

...how interesting, huh? I have spent the last several years looking back, being introspective and healing and now I am still healing but I feel a sense of hope that I haven't had for a very long time. I don't expect any major changes in my life this year...just refreshment! Enjoyment! Hope!Wee-eee! Have a great day dear friends...Namaste, Carol

Today is my Birthday...

2009-03-09T11:10:00.008-05:00

...and I am so excited about the changes taking place in me...I am happy! It seems like a silly statement to make doesn't it? I mean after all, aren't most people happy? Don't most people have moments of happiness in their life? Don't they feel happy?

This is different...it's inside...down deep...in that special quiet place of my spirit that I don't share with anyone...a place that's just for me and a bright light is shining there and I...AM...HAPPY! Eight little letters that add up to so much. I want to shout them out to the universe. You can't break me! You can't defeat me! You can't soil me! You can't push me down or aside or over! You can't!!!

I win! So there!

Oh no! Have I jinxed myself with those proclamations? I don't know the answer to that but I do know this...I can survive anything. I am strong! I am smart! I am beautiful!

So happy birthday to me...I have lived my life and only I truly know what I have been through. I am happy...will you be happy too? I hope so, it's wonderful!

for a long time it seemed to me that
life was about to begin - real life.
but there was always some obstacle
in the way, something to be gotten
through first, some unfinished
business, time still to be served,
a debt to be paid. at last it dawned
on me that these obstacles were my
life. this perspective has helped me
to see there is no way to happiness.
happiness is the way. so treasure
every moment you have and
remember that time waits for no one.

~souza

Vintage People With Wings

2009-03-06T20:27:00.014-06:00

Oh dear...I have a confession to make. Currently I'm working on the next AB in the ICE RR entitled "Vintage People With Wings". The owner of the book said "do what you want...just have fun". Did she really know who she was writing to when she wrote those words inside the cover? So far all the vintage people have lovely butterfly wings...soft, feathery, satiny, romantic fluttery butterfly wings and what did my muse create? hmmm.....

Well yes, they are vintage people with wings BUT.......well see for yourself. Did I follow her instructions? But of course! Mary, I hope this tickles your fancy; it's just a tease of what's to follow! ~Hugs, Carol

How The West Was Fun

2009-03-02T22:19:00.003-06:00

As part of the International Collaberative Experiment (ICE) round robin, I have been working in Kathy Park's altered book "How The West Was Fun". I finished it tonight and here it is! I love this wicked girl and the wild boys....I have a feeling they would all have fun together in the west. Hope Kathy likes the collage...her book is FAT and gorgeous!

Hilda Conkling Moss

2009-03-02T00:46:00.013-06:00

Gale Blair at Paper Whimsy is hosting a year-long art challenge and is generously providing participants with gorgeous collage sheets and Hilda Conkling quotes to challenge us twice a month. In order to participate you must be a member of the PW forum...come on over and join us! The current theme is green, and OH what a green it is! Scrumptiously delicious and the poem is delightful. "I too have felt that softness" six words from the poem that just make me shiver. I am humbled to share my "Moss" collage with you. Enjoy! Hugs, Carol

I've been TAGGED!

2009-03-01T19:29:00.008-06:00

I was tagged by the mischievous Christine to play this fun little game --

Go to your computer photo album.
Go to the seventh folder.
Go to the seventh image.
Upload to your blog and tell what it is.

So here is the photo..... it's my sister, Diane & I on our vacation last week! We stayed at the French Quarter Resort at Disney World and an adorable lady named Ethel asked if she could take our photo standing in front of the Sassagoula sign at the cafeteria. Of course we said "YES!" and here it is! We had such an amazing vacation; laughing, singing and dancing our way across Florida...an absolute blast and tons of inspiration for future art projects. Love ya Diane!

Hilda Conkling Quotes Challenge 02.14.09

2009-02-22T21:23:00.009-06:00

Gale Blair at Paper Whimsy is hosting a year-long art challenge and is generously providing participants with gorgeous collage sheets and Hilda Conkling quotes to challenge us twice a month. In order to participate you must be a member of the PW forum...come on over and join us!

This month's color theme is blue and I used the provided fish, flower, door and text. I began with a PW image, colored & painted it, then further altered it to create the vision I wanted to use to tell the story of the the text. Here is my strange, pure, happy two-page spread. Enjoy "The Key To My Mind"! Namaste, Carol

...and the prizes go to.....

2009-02-12T21:00:00.012-06:00

Sweet Gingersnap just drew the names for the two prizes on my blog...I had so much fun visiting blogs the last few weeks that I didn't get much new art done! My mixed media collage goes to the amazingly talented Julie Mitchell at "When the Spirit Moves Me"...she makes the most beautiful Spirit Figures/Art Dolls and has a new blog that can be found here. Congratulations Julie, I will be sending you an email shortly.

The Tim Holtz Distressables book goes to Alena over at the Funky Fairy Shoppe. I haven't smelled any of her herbal items (yet) but they look and sound delicious. If you get a moment, go and check her out here. Congratulations Alena, I will be emailing you shortly.

I'm headed out of town for a few days but will email you both tonight. As soon as I return home, I will mail out your goodies! Hugs and best wishes to you both. ~Carol

Birthday Tag for a Friend

2009-02-08T21:56:00.002-06:00

I haven't made a tag in a LONG time and it was really fun! Small space but lots of layers. I don't know if you can see it in the photo but the background is 3-d....my favorite technique! I just might have to make some more of these!

Happy Birthday friend!

Gothic Arch for Jawhodee

2009-02-07T21:59:00.004-06:00

Judy really threw me for a loop this time with an "open theme". I kind of freaked out, got stymied and my muse left me to figure it out for myself. I decided that today was THE day and pulled out everything I had that was aqua and/or brown...her favorite colors. Here is what I ended up with (muse looking over the shoulder) and I will be mailing it off Monday. Thanks, Judy, for being patient. Hugs, Carol

Red & Black Haiku

2009-02-07T08:57:00.004-06:00

My friend is having a birthday soon and I was given the following theme to create a birthday 4x4 for her; black & white white a touch of color, throw in a bit of zetti and birthday wishes. I don't think I follow directions very well cuz I think the red is more than "a touch" and it's not quite zetti...more like zetti-goth but I think she will love it anyway! I know I do and it was so much fun to create...I need to do more Haiku, it's totally fun! Happy Birthday dear one!

One World-One Heart 2009 Participant (Giveaway)

2009-01-19T00:01:00.010-06:00

I'm so excited to be participating in One World-One Heart this year. I love the idea of making friends from all around the world and sharing our love of art. Last year I met so many really cool people and won 7 prizes! I was very blessed by the experience and made the decision right then and there that I would be a participant in 2009! Since this is my 100th Blog Post, I'm going to celebrate by giving away two prizes instead of one! Please read all the details and then just sign up once for a chance to win one of the two gifts I'm sharing this year. TWO GIFTS! TWO WINNERS!

Winner #1 will receive the mixed media collage shown here...it measures approximately 7.5" x 9.5" (not including hanger) and consists of hand-dyed/printed fabric, nubby yarns, fibers & ribbons, fabric/paper/velvet flowers & leaves and last but not least...copper, lots of copper!

Winner #2 will receive Tim Holtz "Distressables 2" which has 50 pages of tips, techniques and projects. It's a great little book packed full of inspiration!

In order for you to sign up for a chance to win the mixed media collage OR book, please leave a comment on THIS post. I would love it if you took a moment and looked around and left comments on other posts but understand if you don't have time now...please stop by again!

Sign-ups are open to everyone however I must have a way to contact you if you are the winner (i.e. an email or mailing address). Please note that any messages with advertisements/solicitations listed in them will be deleted and not entered in the drawing. Sign-ups will close at 10 pm CST on 02/11/09 with the winners being announced on 02/12/09. Both winners will be notified by email and asked for a mailing address.

If you want to know more about the One World-One Heart event, click on the OWOH logo. I look forward to getting to know you (and your art) through your blogs. After all, we do share one world-one heART! Wishing you an art-filled 2009! Namaste~Carol

Baby Antoinettes - Free Download

2009-01-18T13:58:00.003-06:00

Here's a lovely little image to get you in the spirit of Marie Antoinette and and what's yet to come...Mardi Gras! Feel free to use it in your personal art but please don't copy it for use in collections or downloads you will sell. Have a fabulous art-filled 2009!

Paper Whimsy Valentine Swap

2009-01-18T13:21:00.004-06:00

Sweet Theresa is hosting a textile Valentine Card swap at Paper Whimsy this month and I am so excited to do it! What fun to mix fabric, paper, fibers and embellishments and then mail it off to a PW friend...couldn't be better!

Cemetery Angels 8x8 for Tanya

2009-01-18T13:01:00.005-06:00

At Altered Art Swaps this month, I was to create an 8x8 tip-in spread for Tanya whose theme is "Cemetery Angels"; nothing morbid or sad...it was to be uplifting and spiritual. I hope I accomplished this for her. I love this photo of the "black angel" that I took in a cemetery in Council Bluffs, IA and had fun dititally altering her. She looks so comforting to me. The collages are 100% paper but I stitched them all together and added some dimensional elements.

Stylized Portraits with Karyn Gartel

2009-01-18T12:21:00.006-06:00

I wanted to take some online classes with Altered Diva Karyn Gartel and she made an offer that I couldn't refuse right before Christmas....so here is the first of the classes I am taking with her; Stylized Portraits. The painting aspect of the canvas is completed but I need to add some embellishments and details to make it "my own". Any suggestions for final embellishments would be much appreciate...I need to complete this! Hugs, Carol

Altered Book "Birdland" for Chris

2009-01-10T13:16:00.000-06:00

I recently created this spread for Chris in my I.C.E Altered Book group...her theme is "Birdland". I just love this quote and used it for inspiration. Hope she likes it!

Christmas Art Exchange!

2009-01-04T12:47:00.000-06:00

Now that Christmas is over, I can finally post the 12x12 canvas I created for my friend Nancy. We decided that we would exchange art for gifts this year and I'm so glad we did! Here is what I created for her:

...and here is what she painted for me! I love it!

Christmas Crafternoon

2008-12-29T12:57:00.000-06:00

I used to always take craft projects for the kids but it seems that as the niece/nephews get older, it has become more of a ladies "Crafternoon". After everyone has stuffed themselves and the table is cleared, Diane & I get out our craft project and the ladies seem to wander their way over. This year we made paper mache ornaments and used gift wrap from the morning's gifts to decorate them...Aren't they beautiful and I SO love the time together sitting around creating and talking...it's priceles!

My dear little Gingersnap!

2008-12-25T12:40:00.000-06:00

I just couldn't resist...here is precious Gingersnap all dressed up for Christmas in her reindeer cap! Isn't she a hoot?

Whimsy On! Whimsy Squares!

2008-11-23T15:03:00.002-06:00

I'm hosting a swap at Paper Whimsy where we are all making 1.5" x 1.5" Whimsy Squares to trade with each other. I just love this size and think I will be making lots more. They are great as their own piece of art, but even better when used as an embellishment on someting else. How cool is that? Here are my 9 for the swap. Enjoy

Walk on the Wild Side...for Peggy

2008-11-16T08:53:00.004-06:00

Peggy's gothic arch theme is "Walk on the Wild Side", isn't that wonderful? I printed out copies of some of the paper dolls I have created and used them in this collage. It's another one of those pieces that started out as one thing and ended up creating itself. I hope you like it!

Solvitur Ambulando means "Walking Solves All Things"...a good reminder, don't you think?

Cheech & Chong for Peggy

2008-11-02T22:09:00.012-06:00

Peggy's theme this month for our 8x8 tip-in swap is Famous Movie Couples. I originally was going to do Lucy & Desi but someone did that already sooooo.....I chose Cheech Marin & Tommy Chong! I just love these two guys and their movies and comedy crack me up. I did a little different background technique...tissue paper, soft-gloss gel medium, pearl-ex powders, stickles and rubber stamped images. Really soft hand and beautiful in person. Hope Peggy likes them!

My "sort of" 8x8's for Gina

2008-11-01T17:18:00.010-05:00

As many of you know, each month a group of us swap gothic arches and 8x8's for a year-long tip-in project. This month I was to create an 8x8 page spread for my friend Gina using her theme of Bible stories.

In the meantime, I had started a paper mache house at our Etsy Craft Night meeting and wanted to get it finished up before the next meeting for "show &tell". I also had Gina's images set out ready to work on her 8x8 "Bible Story" spread for October. As I worked on the house, my muse kind of took over and next thing I knew it was 5:30 in the morning and I had created this shrine based on the Bible Story I had chosen for Gina...which is 1 Kings 3:16-28.

I emailed Gina and asked if she would like the shrine instead of the8x8's and she agreed! Yeah!!! I made a little book illustrating the bible story and placed it inside the shrine. I don't know if you can tell from the photos but I cut a niche in one side and used microbeads to frame it. Lots of distressed embossing powder, radio transisters, and golden embossing powder was used along with alcohol inks, paper and the wonderful Mother & Child images from B-Muse.

I hope Gina likes it...I'm having a hard time letting it go but she is my friend and I am happy to gift it to her...after all, it was her theme that inspired it! Hugs coming your way Gina!

Paper Whimsy Holiday Banner Ornaments

2008-11-01T17:01:00.009-05:00

At Paper Whimsy we are creating Vintage Ornaments for the holidays. We signed up in groups of 7 and will mail out one ornament to each of the other 6 participants in the group. My group's colors are pink & gold and these are the ornaments I made using my chosen template. Each person will be using a different template so that in the end, we will have a wonderful assortment of pink & gold ornaments to hang together in a beautiful holiday banner! Paper Whimsy has absolutely wonderful images, talented artists and super-duper swaps. Hugs to my Whimsy Friends!

A Halloween Tag...

2008-09-28T12:20:00.002-05:00

...for a friend.

ATC's for Paper Whimsy PJammer Retreat

2008-09-23T14:45:00.006-05:00

I haven't created ATC's for several months so it was fun to do them again! I came home with a lovely assortment of ATC's from the other ladies at the retreat too! Woo-hoo!

Halloween Gothic Arches for Paper Whimsy Swap

2008-09-23T14:37:00.006-05:00

I had so much fun with these Halloween gothic arches. I tried so hard not to use witch hats on any of them but my little guy just demanded one of them. I found a wonderful old book when I was in Noblesville, IN and am having a blast finding fabulous words to use in my art. These arches are for a 3:3 swap at Paper Whimsy hosted by Lynn Fox.

Sharing....

2008-09-06T14:44:00.015-05:00

An Award gived to me by the talented Sarah Drayton at Whimsy Dreams Studio. Thank you Sarah! I will share this award with some amazing ladies whose blogs have inspired me along the way, I LOVE these blogs!

...but first the rules.........

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog
2. Link the person you received your award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you nominated.

Dawn Gold
Peggy Gatto

Jan Thomason

Tamara Comerford
Barbara Burkard
Robin Olson Mayberry

Helga Strauss

Some Family Reunion Fun

2008-09-02T19:24:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Bibbidi Bobbidi Ball at Paper Whimsy

2008-08-11T19:23:00.013-05:00

I don't know why I ever start out with an "idea" in my head for a project cuz my muse just takes over and does it her way! SHE didn't want to create what I had envisioned so I went along with her...I never argue with my muse. :o)

However after we finished her gown, I asked permission to make mine and she contentedly agreed. I have posted both of the finished gowns below and am going to let you decide which one I should "wear" to the ball. My muse and I have agreed that your vote will make the decision and we are NOT telling you which creation belongs to who. We also know that one gown looks more "ball-like" but we would like you to vote for the gown that you like the best! If you would like to leave me a comment telling me why you chose the one you did, I would be thrilled!

If you'd like to, please tell your friends...I would like a good mix of people voting. Thanks...I will let you know on August 25th which gown won.

The poll is POSTED TO THE RIGHT of this blog post and I think the choices are are self-explanatory....Asian-Inspired Gown & Flower-Power Gown shown below left to right. :o)

Bitty Row Houses - Playful Nudes

2008-08-09T08:17:00.011-05:00

I bought this gorgeous "Playful Nudes" collage sheet transparency from ARTchix Studio right before the yahoo group switched to a no-nudes posting policy. Unfortunately, as an "adult" group, we were getting too many ads from yahoo listing links to pornographic sites. What a bummer huh? Really, there was not other choice but it was a big bummer to have this gorgeous group of ladies and not be able to create with them...at least not yet. :)

If you are under 18 or if nudes offend you, please look the other way but I do hope you will enjoy the copper row houses I made for Lenna Andrews' current swap. I LOVED working with the copper! I used copper mesh, copper sheets and copper tape. I embossed, distressed, painted and texturized it....and next time, I am going to try heating it! After I had the houses cut out, I used the new DigiSheets from Paper Whimsy for the backgrounds. Then I began auditioning images and the Playful Nudes transparencies just seemed "right". I love how they look over the swirling fruity backgrounds and in hind-sight...it creates a bit of voyeuristic art....which I love! Hope you do too. Namaste, Carol

Wylde Women Award - WOW!

2008-07-27T21:34:00.010-05:00

Theresa Martin recently nominated me with this award and I am truly honored. If I could, I would give it back to her because SHE is a Wylde Woman who encourages me and teaches me new things with joy and generosity! Thank you so much Theresa!

Here are the rules of this award:

1. You can give it to one or one hundred or any number in between - it's up to you. Make sure you link to their site in your post.

2. Link back to this blogsite (http://http://www.tammyvitale.com//) so Tammy can go visit all these wonderful women and remember the Purpose of the Award: To send love and acknowledgment to women who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.

These women continually bring joy to my life through their encouragement, humour, inspiration and talent. It is with great pleasure that I award the "Wylde Women Award" to:

Patricia Schweitzer...a Cool Crone!

Barbara Burkard...who lives at a wonderful place named 123 Lavender Lollipop Lane!

Annette Emms...who inspires me with her intimate style of writing, her photographs and her magical Fairy Slippers!

Christmas Memory for Gina

2008-07-23T22:50:00.006-05:00

...and believe me it was difficult to choose just one! I have so many....Baked Eggs, Home-made Rolls, Ham Balls, Stockings on the fireplace...but I guess those are really favorite traditions. Here is the arch I made for Gina...you know "To: Gina" "From: Carol" :))

The first photo is the front...I made a little gown and coordinating robe out of paper and then made little wire hangers to hang them up.

The second photo is the back which has a pictur eof my mom in a Santa cap surrounded by Christmas trees, ornaments and a hang-tag that says "Do Not Open Until December 25th".

And finally, the third photo is of the back with the "tag" in the open position...it is a personal note to Gina telling her about my favorite Christmas Memory. Would you like to know what it says? I'll be happy to tell you...but not until December 25th. LOL

Faerie Cupcake Pincushion

2008-07-20T19:28:00.007-05:00

This month, my Etsy Street Team is designing and creating pincushions. I will be in SAN ANTONIO (yippee!) that night so I made mine ahead and posted it to the group.

My inspiration came from Gale Blair who recently returned from England. We were talking about cupcakes, scones and cream teas...which turned to faeries and whimsies and next thing you knew, I was making a Faerie Cupcake pincushion featuring a whimsy from the fabulous PaperWhimsy shoppe.

After I snapped the photo of the pincushion, I started playing around with it digitally. I'm not very experienced in that department but it was fun. I actually made it "transparent" (don't ask how, I could never repeat the process! LOL) and put a layer underneath it that is a vintage wallpaper which is where the scrolls came from. I have plans for this image...more details to follow. Such fun!

8x8 tip-in pages for Jawhodee

2008-07-20T16:43:00.005-05:00

Ooo la la! Judy's theme was Jefferson Starship "White Rabbit" and it was SO MUCH FUN! The whole time I worked on it, I just kept laughing and giggling at my own silliness which made for a fun and enjoyable weekend of art. Here are the lyrics to the song, can you find the symbolism in my art?

One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all
Go ask Alice
When she's ten feet tall

And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you're going to fall
Tell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillar
Has given you the call
Recall Alice
When she was just small

When men on the chessboard
Get up and tell you where to go
And you've just had some kind of mushroom
And your mind is moving slow
Go ask Alice
I think she'll know

When logic and proportion
Have fallen sloppy dead
And the White Knight is talking backwards
And the Red Queen's "off with her head!"
Remember what the dormouse said;
"FEED YOUR HEAD
FEED your head"

Altered Book Pages for LInda: Where the Green Fern Grows

2008-07-20T16:33:00.005-05:00

...which means anything to do with nature. Linda's book is a delight to behold...bold colors, huge spreads and lots of fat, chunky embellishments! Considering my love of mermaids, it's no wonder that I decided to do a "sea" theme. The text reads "In Mermaid Scrabble, the Z is only worth 4 points and there are no vowels.". Isn't that a hoot! I hope Lnda likes the spread...it's full of color (teal, purple, aqua) and texture (over-painted sand, embossing powder, stencil paste, flowers, and bubble dots).

4x4 Black & White for Chunky Book

2008-07-20T16:27:00.003-05:00

...theme was to use newspaper in the background and Zetti design...I'm not sure how well I achieved the goal but it was really fun...here are my two entries. The first one is labeled "Fashion Week in Paris"...I think it's pretty self-explanatory!
The second one is named "Albia News" and I just love the two "ladies" talking about life as they come home from the market! LOL...Of course the pig doesn't know that he's been invited for Sunday dinner but he seems entertained with their conversation. Silly, but fun right?

8x8 tip-in Pages for Sandee

2008-07-20T16:19:00.004-05:00

Here are the 8x8 tip-in pages I made for my friend Sandee...Her theme was "your favorite poem" which really stumped me because I have a difficult time choosing my FAVORITE of anything. LOL All I knew was that I wanted to do something with faeries so I started creating art and found the poem afterwards. I got to try out some stitches on my new sewing machine and it was fun to stitch/embroidery on paper. The right-hand page consists of 3 layers of transparencies over French text...how fun! Hope you like it!

My friend Patti's Art Giveaway!

2008-07-09T20:47:00.003-05:00

My friend Patti is giving away a gorgeous piece of art this month on her blog 7 Rose Petal Path...head on over, check it out, sign up for the drawing and then spend a few minutes enjoying her wonderful, whimsical, glittery art! She's a real peach and her art is great! Hugs, Carol

I'm hosting a Gothic Arch Swap

2008-06-29T13:35:00.008-05:00

...and here are the one's I made for it. For the swap we could make 3:3, 6:6 or 9:9...of course, I'm greedy and want 9 so I had the pleasure of making 9 to swap with others. There are 19 participants in the swap and I am soooo excited to see first-hand what these wonderful artists create. Here are my nine...LOL Do you like them?

Altered Book Pages for Patricia:Theme is 70's Music

2008-06-15T20:48:00.007-05:00

Poor Patricia...I am flaunting her body all over her altered book pages. LOL Originally I had planned to do an Elton John song for Patricia but when I saw the photo of her in the red-stripe pj's on the bed...I just knew I had to do Hotel California by the Eagles...1976. I hope she likes it and also hope that my images/interpretation don't offend the other ladies working in the book. Sex, drugs & rock n'roll! Peace out! ~Carol

Brothers Grimm Swap

2008-06-15T20:32:00.006-05:00

I am participating in Lenna Andrews Grimm Fairy Tale Collage Swap. 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. It is a 4:4 swap with one extra as a gift for the hostess. :)

I started out with 5"x5" collage board and adhered the castle transfers I made earlier in the week. Then I cut out the Cinderella images I wanted to use and other embellishments. For the golden edges, I melted clear UTEE and added some Antique Gold Pearl-X, then applied it using a floppy watercolor brush. I'm a bit disappointed with these...overall, they look fine but I spent weeks on these from start to finish and they don't look it. OH well, such is life! :))

September 8x10 collage for Paper Whimsy Calendar 2009

2008-06-10T18:34:00.006-05:00

Hello friends...here is my September collage for the calendar project. I was kind of stressed about this piece because it is going to be printed in our PW Calendar for the year and I didn't want to disappoint anyone. I have been thinking about it and working on it for several weeks and am finally pleased with the results. Hope you like it too.

I knew from the start that I wanted to use a school theme for September. I know most kids now start back to school in August but in "my day" we always started after Labor Day weekend. Mom took us shopping for that new first-day-of-school outfit...got a new book bag and new shoes...just like this precious Whimsy in the photo.

The schoolhouse is a gel transfer created from a photo I took of the one-room schoolhouse in my home town. The schoolhouse has special meaning to me...several years ago my dad and some of his old school buddies got out the photos they had of their country school and had an architect draft blueprints to build an exact replica at the museum. To the best of their ability and memory, this is it and I love it! It's filled with old books from the 1930's along with school desks and original slate chalkboards and a school bell (found at another old school that was on someone's farm in Monroe County).

My great-grandfather helped build the first school in the 1930's and my dad helped build the replica in the 1990's. I am so proud of both of them and all they have done to promote education in my home town. Throughout the year, school kids from all around Iowa take a tour of the school, ring the bell and sit at the desks while the "teacher" (docent) tells them all about school back in the day. They bring their sack lunch and get to write on the chalkboard...it's definitely hands-on and they love it!

Here is my rendition of what the school would look like in the land of Whimsy... you can create your own story of what she will find inside. Will you enter? Thanks for allowing me to share the story...

Barb's eBay Auctions

2008-06-05T20:05:00.005-05:00

Check out my friend Barb Burkard's eBay Auctions this week. She is selling items that would be perfect for altered art; TONS OF JUNQUE JEWELRY (in all colors), VINTAGE DOLLS, ART DOLL QUARTERLY'S, MY TRUE COLORS, POCKET WATCHES, VINTAGE GOODIES and etc. This is an opportunity you don't want to miss! She has tons of great stuff at great prices! Her blog is here her eBay shop is here. Sending hugs her way, Carol xoxo

Gel Medium Fabric Transfer...OH FLIP!

2008-06-03T22:02:00.009-05:00

Picture this...I'm sitting here alone tonight with my Cinderella collage images in one hand and my castle images in the other...yes I'm participating in Lenna Andrews' Brothers Grim Collage Swap sponsored by the generous Leslie Elledge at Alpha Stamps.

Okay...so I'm sitting here with my castle images and some plain fabric thinking now how am I going to incorporate these two and before I knew it I slathered some gel medium on the printed image, slapped the piece of fabric on it and brayered it together. After about a minute, I pulled the paper off and there was this freakin' cool transfer. I shouted "Oh Flip!" and Ginger looked at me like "what now you dork?"

This transfer is so simple, I can't believe that I haven't done it before. Now I am so excited to work on the next phase tomorrow night which will include the Cinderella collage sheet images I chose from AlphaStamps and who knows what will ensue from there. Can you figure out which AS images are going with these backgrounds? If you haven't tried this technique before...get going sister! You won't regret it! Not to brag, but aren't they stunning? :)) Good ole' beginners luck...gotta love it! Hugs, Carol

Row Houses for Paper Whimsy Swap

2008-06-03T21:54:00.006-05:00

I told you a few posts ago that I absolutely had a blast creating homes for my little Whimsy friends. The talented Kathy Wasilewski is hosting this swap and it is 7:7. I have a couple of personal 1:1 swaps pre-arranged so here are the uber-cool houses I made. I have seen many of the other houses created and they are all top-notch! Whooppee! Do you like them?

Sweet Home Blogger Award

2008-05-22T12:14:00.005-05:00

The talented and adorable Sandee at Sandee's Sanity presented me with the "Sweet Home Blogger Award" for sharing, beauty, love and joy...

I am to pass it on to 5 people that have inspired me with their blogs so here are the five out many that I cherish. You really must check out their blogs...each of these ladies share beauty love and joy so I feel they are deserving of this award. Smooch!

Rella Gauthier

Lenna Andrews

Kelly Snelling

Kathy Wasilewski

Mija Marie

Theresa Martin's Gallery Show in Maryland

2008-05-18T18:02:00.006-05:00

My friend, Theresa Martin is getting ready for a month-long gallery showing in Rockville, MD. It is at a beautiful setting, Glenview Mansion and I wish her such good luck! Check out the mansion HERE...isn't it exciting! Can you tell I'm so proud of her!

She's a peach and her art pieces are absolutely stunning...if you want to have a preview, here is a LINK to her art blog and if you can't make it to Maryland, you can purchase one of Theresa's collage art pieces from her Etsy store HERE Enjoy!