June Calendar Finished!

After

(Click on a date to see the details.)

Before

For whatever reason, the month of June seemed to grow wings because it flew by so quickly. Can you believe that we're half-way through 2011!!! Where does the time go? 

Here in the States we're getting ready to celebrate our July 4th Holiday weekend. And a Happy Canada Day to all of my Canadian friends. Wherever you are, and wherever you go, I'm wishing you a very happy and safe weekend.

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My Thanks

Many blessings and a heartfelt, sincere "thanks" to everyone who left a comment or sent an email regarding my being published in the Summer 2011 issue of Somerset's "Art Journaling". I am honored and humbled by your sweet compliments. You've touched my heart with your kind words . . . . Thank You!

May your weekend be filled with many pleasures!
 
Credits: Thanks to Rian @Freubel for the rabbit, to Deborah @Land of Nod Studio-Etsy for the little dog and the boy wearing the party hat, to TumbleFishStudio @DeviantScrap for the rabbit's hat and little heart, to Moonlight Journey for the yellow roses, to The Graphics Fairy for the label and to Dover Publications for the butterflies.

My Secret Is . . . . . .

 

I'm Published

in the

July Issue!

Until I saw my name in print and received my issue, I couldn't quite believe it was true. But, YES! I am definitely 'in' the next issue of Somerset's Art Journaling Magazine!

Table of Contents

I am honored and thrilled to be included with two of my hero's - Roben-Marie Smith and Michelle Ward. AND, the nicest surprise of all is that my friend, Renee Stien is included too! (Click on any name to visit a website!)

Envie Journal Page
(Click here to see the entire set!)

Back in February I was contacted by Amber Demien,the Managing Editor, who expressed an interest in my envie journal. At Amber's request, I submitted a packet of journal pages for review.

I must give a special 'shout out' to my dear friend, Roc Nicholas (the  envelope journal was her idea for our little art group). I truly believe that friends are like angels -- they're in your life for special reasons. Thank you, Roc!

Whew! I'm so happy to finally share my secret with you!

May you your day be bright and beautiful!

 
Credits: Special thanks to Tumble Fish Studio and Hollywood Studios@Deviant Art.

Background "Freebies"

 Hand Painted Backgrounds

Approx. 3"x5"

 All are in JPEG Format

It's been quite a while since I've posted a "freebie". I love surprises and hope that you do too! Posting a "freebie" every now and then is my way of saying "thank you" to everyone who stops by for a visit. I truly appreciate every comment, your generous compliments, and your loyalty.

 #2 Background

Digitally Altered

All of these backgrounds were created on 3"x5" index cards for the ICAD challenge and were scanned at 300 dpi. They were painted with acrylics and watercolors, sprayed with ink and a few were stamped with Stazon ink. Right click on your mouse to save each one, and then print and use them in your personal art. Feel free to add your own special touches either digitally or manually. Enjoy!

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It's not often that I'm so mysterious, and I don't have a reputation as a 'tease', but . . . . . I do have a very big secret that I'd like to share with you on my next post! Hope you'll stop by to share my good news!

May you have a colorful day!

Index-Card-A-Day Challenge

Last month Tammy from Daisy Yellow-Art Journaling  posted an interesting challenge. The premise is to create, draw, doodle, write, collage something on a simple index card. Creativity was encouraged.

The challenge: Do it every day during the months of June, July and August for a total of approximately 90 art cards.

Index cards are small, and - believe it or not - fairly durable. The challenge seemed interesting, so I decided to participate.

Although I haven't been entirely faithful to the "one card a day" commitment, I've been fairly consistent and have skipped only a few days. To be honest, sometimes I'll prepare a few backgrounds ahead of time so that I can create a tiny page when I have just a few "art minutes" to spare.

These are a some of the mini-art journal pages (warts and all) that I've created for Tammy's challenge. They're quick and fun, and I'll be posting more index cards as the summer progresses.

If you'd like to participate, or if you'd like to see some of Tammy's "Index Card A Day" prompts, click here to visit her blog, Daisy Yellow.

May you enjoy an art-full day!

 
Credits: Some images from Tumble Fish Studio@Deviant Art and Land of Nod Studio-Etsy.

Gift Card Envelopes - Part 2

 Gift Card Holders

(Click on any picture to see the details!)

In one of my earlier posts, I showed you a few gift card envelopes that I created by using recycled cardboard sleeves. Since I depleted my coffee sleeve inventory and needed a few more of these handy envies for June gifts, I looked around my little studio to find a suitable substitute.

When I  found a stash of empty toilet paper rolls, the proverbial 'light bulb' clicked into the 'on' position. I measured them to see if my gift cards would fit, and . . . . voila . . . .they were perfect!

Instead of gessoing and painting the cardboard tubes, I used matte medium for glue and covered them with copies of some of my art journal background pages. I sewed three edges with metallic copper thread, added fibers, a few pretty paper beads that I received in a recent swap, and a Shrinky Dink charm made from my artwork.

Once again, I was pleased with the results and the price was more than perfect!

Wishing you a day filled with creative solutions!

Video - A Background Technique

White Glue Resist

Whenever Roc and I get together for one of our play dates, we always try to shoot a few videos that showcase interesting journaling techniques.

When Roc showed me this creative technique, I couldn't wait to roll my "Flip" camera! Who knew that you can use simple, white school glue as a resist to add a ton of interest and texture to your pages!

May your day be filled with creative freedom!

Super Powers

Journal Page

(Click to see the details!)

Initially, I had great difficulty creating a concept for my art group's June journal prompt of "If you could have a super power, what would it be?" What a v-e-r-y interesting prompt! 

To be honest, I've never really given much thought about possessing a super power. But the more time I spent pondering the huge 'menu' of various choices, the more I realized that I couldn't choose just one! There you have it - I suppose that I'm a bit greedy when it comes to super powers - maybe that's why I have none!!!

May your day be filled with wonderful choices!

Credits: Thanks to Julia - Ceremony Etsy for the beautiful face and petal collar, to Land of Nod Etsy for the cropped eyes, to Tumble Fish Studio @ Deviant Scrap for the heart and star, to Moonlight Journey for the yellow rose, to Dover Publications for the butterflies and to Shabby Blogs for the 'menu'. Roses are from the public domain.

June Calendar

June Calendar Journal

(Click on any pic to see the details.)

As I worked on my June spread, I realized that we're half-way through 2011. Time seems to have grown wings this year!

Because my family celebrates quite a few birthdays and anniversaries in June, party hats are featured prominently, and my color choices seem to add to the celebratory feel of the month ahead.

This spread began with gessoed pages; and after allowing the background to dry completely, I added Inktense Watercolor Pencils and splattered some white fluid acrylic paint. The border was stamped with red Distress Ink swirls, and I used a cap from a bottle as a stamp to create the green circles. (It's a great way to recycle!)

May your month be bright and beautiful!

Credits: Thanks to Rian @Freubel for the rabbit, to Deborah @Land of Nod Studio-Etsy for the little dog and the boy wearing the party hat, to TumbleFishStudio @DeviantScrap for the rabbit's hat and little heart, to Moonlight Journey for the yellow roses, to The Graphics Fairy for the label and to Dover Publications for the butterflies.

May Calendar - Finished!

 May Completed

and . . .

Before

(Click on each pic to see the details!)

It's difficult to believe that today is June 2nd. That means that those of us who are participating in Kate's calendar project are half-way through journaling our 2011 calendars. Personally, May was a crazy month that was filled with twists and surprises. Frankly, I'm happy to have turned the page to June!

If you'd like to see more calendar pages, click here, and you'll be transported to Kate's blog, The Kathryn Wheel, where you'll find a list of participants and links to their calendar pages.

May your day be filled with love,