Back from Vacation!

Freeport Harbor, Maine

Vacation may have ended yesterday afternoon when we pulled into our drive, but the happiness and memories in my heart will last forever. We had an awesome time chock full of love, hugs  and lots of laughs. Ohhh . . . and Birthday cake too!!! **Sigh!** Now it's back to reality and a room full of laundry!!! LOL!!!

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Your "Freebie"

 A PNG File

and . . .

Your JPEG too!

And "just because". . . . 

Here's an extra PNG file for your

artful pleasure!

May you your day be filled with happiness!

Credit: Special thanks to Jamie at Arteology for the original photo of this beautiful girl.

A Gigantic Birthday Surprise!

THANK YOU!!!
You are amazing friends!!!

Last week I received a birthday package from my Dear Friend, Lynn at Her Creative Spirit, with instructions that I was not to open it until she gave me the official word. On Thursday, September 23rd, I'll be celebrating a very special birthday. I'm one of the original "Baby Boomers", and will turn the BIG 60.

 

My First B'day!

With Lynn's permission, last night after having dinner with my guys, I opened the package. Need I say more!?!? OMG! I was totally blown away by what was inside - 60 atc's, one from each of my friends, all beautifully presented in a handmade box from Lynn, and one of her beautiful pressed flower bookmarks too.

A Few of the Goodies
(Click on the picture to see an awesome slide show!)

As I examined each card, I laughed and cried and was reduced to a blubbering, slithering idiot for the remainder of the evening. I'd no idea of this wonderful "surprise party in a box". No one breathed a word! Who knew in addition to Lynn being such a good friend, that she's an awesome 'stalker' too!

Thank you, Dear Lynn, for organizing this priceless gift. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who sent a Birthday wish. Each ATC is AWESOME and will be dearly treasured. I am surrounded by joy and love and art. I am humbled and grateful for your kindness. You have made this the BEST Birthday gift ever!

We're leaving for Maine first thing tomorrow, and I didn't have time to take pictures of my awesome gift. However, leave it to Lynn! She thought of everything (clever girl!) and photographed and scanned all of the ATC's as well as her gorgeous box. You can click here to see a super fantastic slide show at Photobucket. 

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A Blogging Vacation! 

One of my Birthday gifts is a trip to Maine to see our daughter and her lovely family. I'll also get to celebrate my Birthday with my oldest grandson who shares my Birthday date. As mentioned earlier, we're leaving tomorrow and won't be home for a week or so. I won't be blogging while I'm away, but I will be checking in from time to time.

Again, my heartfelt thanks for your kindness and love. May you find many reasons to celebrate life!

A New Video!

Gessoed Crayon Backgrounds

My dear friend, Roc, and I spent a day together last week and made another video using our new name, "Blue Finger Productions". We really enjoy making these tutorials, and spend a lot of our time giggling like two schoolgirls while we gather supplies, check camera angles and try the techniques.

Since many of you have asked for more videos, I'd love to hear your opinions. What types of videos would you be interested in seeing? What techniques or materials would you like to see us demonstrate? Your comments and suggestions are always greatly appreciated!

May your day be joyful!

Friday "Freebie"

A PNG File

And . . .

 

A JPEG

I rarely create Asian-inspired art, yet I found myself drawn to it this past week while working on a journal project for a swap. Since I needed a Geisha, I combed the halls of the Library of Congress, as well as a few other sources, and found this exotic creature. Originally she was black and white, but I hand colored her for my artful purposes, and thought I'd share her with you. The entire time I worked on her outfit all I could think about was one of my favorite books, "Memoirs of a Geisha". Something tells me that you'll find wonderful stories for her!

May you have an inspired day!

"Blue Moon"

"Blue Moon"

Postcard

One of my art group's swaps this month was to create a postcard with a moon - any type of moon. I just couldn't resist using a 'blue moon' and adding it to a Halloween theme. This does seem to be the month for Halloween inspired art fun.

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A Digital ATC

(All images from Tumble Fish Studio) 

Size sure makes a difference when you're having a party. And speaking of fun, my dear friend Marsha (of Tumble Fish Studio fame) is celebrating her 2nd Blogaversary all this week with a huge celebration. There are surprises galore!!! AND, for those of you who love her images, she's released a few new digital Etsy goodies too. (Click here to go to there!) Stop by to wish Marsha well and possibly win a fabulous prize.

May you have a little fun today!

Credits for Postcard:  Special thanks to Tumble Fish Studio-Etsy for the blue moon, to Itkupilli for the lady and number on her hat, to Lisa's Altered Art for the pumpkins and colorful hat, and to our beloved Suzee Que-Flickr for the fabulous sign. Handpainted background by Pringle Hill Studio.

Background "Freebie"

A Painted Background

For your artful pleasure!

Although I have a few art projects for challenges in the works, this past week I've been painting background after background. I find it extremely relaxing and fun to take a blank sheet of deli paper or watercolor paper and just "have at it" with acrylic paints, inks, water soluble crayons, stamps and whatever else seems to be at hand. The results always surprise me.

So here's a little something to keep your Monday from being too "blue"! Please feel free to use my deli paper background as your own. Use it all or crop a piece of it. Print it out and add more paint. Listen to your Muse and have some artful fun.

May you have a very colorful day!

Halloween "Freebie"

Your PNG File

and . . .

A Jpeg Too!

When I created this little kitty, it gave me enormous pleasure. I've used him in a few Halloween challenges this season, and thought you might enjoy using him in your artwork and projects too.

May your day be filled with many "pleasures"!

Halloween Mail Art

Halloween Envie - Front

(Click on a pumpkin to see the details!)

And . . .

 Envie - Back

School buses were heard going up and down my street this morning, and last night it was cool enough to quickly grab a sweater on my way out. Fall, although not quite officially here, is definitely in the air. And that means Halloween challenges have begun in earnest.

My altered envelope (created for a private swap) began with a manila envelope template that I covered in Golden's black gesso. Using black gesso is effective when you want to create a dramatic background with little effort. I particularly like the way it makes the colors "pop". Something just a little different for a nice change of pace!

May you try something different today!

Credits:  Front - Thanks to Itkupilli for the little witch, to Moonlight Journey for the jack-o-lantern and the words, "Boo" & "Beware". Thanks also to Dover Publications for the blue butterflies and the image of the moon, and to our Beloved SuzeeQue (Flickr) for the Haunted House sign. Roses from Pringle Hill Studio. Back - Thanks once again to Moonlight Journey for the words and the raven, to Lisa's Altered Art for the hat on the cat, and to the Public Domain for the pumpkin. Thanks also to Tumble Fish Studio for the black & white checkered borders. Bewitched cat, Mr. Moon and roses are from Pringle Hill Studio. Blue butterflies from Dover Publications.

More Videos!

Roc and I had so much fun making our first video on backgrounds, we decided to make another about transfers. Because it was a bit too long to upload to You Tube in its entirety, it had to be edited into two parts. Once again, Roc did the tutorial while I worked the camera. By the way, if you click on the picture of my altered envelope (click here to go there), you'll see that I've used a bit of my tape transfers for trim at the top and bottom of the piece.

May your day be filled with fun!

Happy Friday!

"Titania"

A Digital Creation
(Click on her crown to see the details!)

YOUR FREEBIE!

A PNG File

And . . .

A Jpeg File Too!

When I saw this gorgeous woman, my first thought was that she needed a pair of wings. One thing led to another, and before you know it , I'd created my version of  the Fairy Queen, "Titania". I hope you'll find a creative use for this extraction. The original painting by Winterhalter was titled, "Madame Barbede Rimsky Korsakov".

 The Original

This weekend we'll be celebrating the last unofficial summer weekend with our Labor Day Holiday. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, I wish you a wonderful, safe weekend!

Hope you have a beautiful weekend full of family, friends and fun!