Christmas Blessings!

My Christmas Wish

This morning I noticed that only a few items are remaining on the bottom of our Advent Calendar. The days are getting more hectic as Christmas draws nearer, and a New Year is looming on the horizon. Many of you followed my personal journey this year and graciously offered your love and support. I am grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love, caring and generosity of spirit.

My Christmas postcard this year expresses one of my dearest wishes:  I wish you the joy of peace, along with the intangible gifts of hope and faith. 

I'm taking a bit of a blogging break until after the Holidays. It's time to celebrate with family and dear friends to make happy, new memories. That being said, I'm looking forward to fresh starts and new beginnings - both personally and professionally - in the coming year.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful Holiday Season and a very Happy and Healthy 2013!

Many blessings both great and small . . . . . .

♥
Credits:  Thank you to Moonlight Studios for the image of the Queen, to Tumble Fish Studio @ Deviant Art for her crown and the stars and to Dover Publications for the butterflies.

Charming Gifts!

 "Here Kitty, Kitty!"
Side #1 

Several months ago I found a few locket frames during a shopping trip for art supplies in a local craft store. Intrigued by the creative possibilities and prospects these tiny frames offered, My Muse swirled with delight in the jewelry aisle and begged me to make a quick purchase. I came home, promptly popped them into a drawer . . . and, quite honestly, forgot about them.

Since I truly believe that handmade gifts are "gifts of the heart", I wanted to create something special as a Christmas present for a very dear friend, who is a professional dog groomer and a loving "cat mommy" too. Enter My Muse, who reminded me about those little lockets.

"Puppy Love"
Side #2

"Miss Kitty" happens to be one of my favorite images. In the interest of "fairness", I had to use one of my "Pups in Cups" too. LOL! After sizing the chosen images digitally, I printed them out and affixed them to their respective backgrounds. At that point the creative fun began in earnest.

Prismacolor pencils, watercolors, Copic markers, Sharpies and oil pastels were added to enhance color. Tiny 'stickers' (fingernail decals - believe it or not!) and glitter added personality and character; and a tiny, silver dragonfly and vintage pearl with crystal charm added femininity. A pretty pink organza ribbon and waxed-cord necklace was the perfect finishing touch.

My little charm is waiting to be wrapped and gifted; I hope my friend will be pleased. I've learned a few creative lessons: Working small can be challenging and rewarding; and, listen to your Muse! She's never "wrong"!

May your Muse dance with creativity and pleasure!

♥

Awesome News - I'm Teaching!!!

"Cookie"

Today I'm dancing as though no one is watching, and my heart is singing too. For the past few weeks I've been bursting at the seams because I've been waiting to to share some very exciting news; however, I was sworn to secrecy. Yes . . . . the news is THAT GOOD! Along with 20 other wonderfully creative and talented women, I can finally share my good news about something truly fabulous that will happen in 2013.

Pop the "virtual cork" from the bottle of champagne and throw some glittered confetti! Can you tell that I'm excited?!?!  I've accepted Connie Hozvicka's invitation to be one of her teachers in 2013's "21 Secrets" Art Journaling Workshop!!!! Whoo-Hoo!!! (My Inner Art Goddess is wearing a tiara, throwing more confetti and grinning from ear to ear!)

When I received Connie's invitation to participate, I was totally surprised and beyond thrilled! What an honor!!! I'm grateful to Connie for presenting me with this tremendous opportunity to share my work and my journaling techniques in this prestigious workshop!

 2013 Art Journaling Workshop

To find out what's happening, click on the "21 Secrets" button (above) to meet all of the teachers or click the button on my sidebar. More news and information about the workshop will become available soon, and I can't wait to share all of the magic with you! I've got a feeling that 2013 is going to be an awesome year!

May your day sparkle and shine!

♥