Little girls

More is better

While browsing in my new Paper Crafts magazine yesterday, I found a card layout that I liked, so I created one similar to it. It looks pretty good, don't you think?

..but then...

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Then I did a lot of blog-hopping today, riding the One World-One Heart Gypsy Caravan (I'm #566 out of 660...so far....)and saw so much beautiful art work. This evening when I revisited this card, it seemed rather blah, in an unfinished sort of way. so I took it back to the table for some alterations. Now what do you think about it:

As Emeril would say, I 'kicked it up a notch!' "BAM!"

One World-One Heart

True Random Number Generator

Min:1 Max: 157 Result: 7

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The 7th blogger to comment and the winner of the prize is:

Mary Isabella and Kiley, too!

Thanks to all of you who visited my blog during this event. I hope you will come back often. As for me, I have 'met' some wonderfully creative bloggers that I will visit again and again!

Thanks to Lisa Swifka for hosting this amazing event!

**I will close comments on Wednesday, Feb 11, at 10:00 p.m. CST.**

**Winner will be announced at the post on Thursday, Feb 12, no later than 10:00 am.**

This is my first time to participate in the One World-One Heart Giveaway event. I have enjoyed meeting people and making friends in the blog world and this seemed like a perfect way to meet even more! If you came by my blog because of this event, I hope you will look around while you are here--maybe we can get acquainted. If you are a regular visitor--welcome back! I'm always happy when you stop by.


I enjoy paper art, especially altered books and collage. Lately I've been dabbling with ATCs and cards.

I am giving away this little card, handmade by me. It is 5"x5" and blank inside so that you can use it for any occassion you wish. Also in the giveaway are two original ATCs and a bit of blog candy--a package of 34 epoxy stickers in black and white.


The giveaway is open to all active bloggers and is open until Midnight (CST) February 11th. The winner will be chosen and announced on February 12th.

Please leave a comment on this post for a chance to win! I will contact the winner via a comment on your blog. It's as easy at that!


Click on the logo at the top of this post to get to the event blog to see all the other participants. Be prepared--there are many!!

Abstract thinking

Having a little fun this morning with paper and glue and pictures I liked.

It qualifies for bright

No chalks, no stamps (at least not the rubber kind), no torn anything,

no vintage anything, no dictionary bits, no music.

So what's left, you ask?

Lots of crisp, bright color! Yum!

Unlocking doors

Background prepared with gesso, chalks, bits of a dictionary page, stamps and hairspray to set the chalk:



Some elements that will go on the page:

The finished product:

My Muse

I've been up, down, tryin' to get the feelin' again

All around, tryin' to get the feelin' again

And I've looked high and low

And everywhere I possibly can

But there's no tryin' to get the feelin' again

It seemed to disappear as fast as it came

~Barry Manilow

Here is what happened. Step by step. Almost.

I put away everything I have been using for the last ump-teen projects.

Found some Chopin on YouTube. Now I'm feelin' it!

Opened a fresh new (0ld) book. Chopin had me wanting to flow with a paintbrush. I just painted with the music, free happy strokes in shades of lime green and peach. Next came a few rubberstamps and stenciling. I found some delicious teal tissue paper and covered the entire layout, then added white tissue and gesso. Wow! That was fun!

This whole exercise was a search for my muse, so I decided to dedicate this page to her. This lovely black and white image spoke to me. The letters are cut out of antiqued music. Before glueing anything down, I added another layer of stamping, this time in white. Can you see the writing and the Greek columns?

Then came the embellishing. Jewels, beads, cord, puzzle pieces........more stamping.....

.......a tag, a key......

......and a little glamour for the lovely goddess......


Voila!

"I would like to thank the Academy...."

I am honored to be the recipient of two (2?)(2!) wonderful awards.

I must admit I have been remiss in posting the first one, as I received it while my poor little laptop was convalescing, but that in no way reflects on how pleased I was to receive it! Elizabeth over at The Last Door...Down the Hall graciously awarded me this one:

This award states:

"This blog invests and believes the proximity - nearness in space, time, and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of the prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers, who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award."

I like what this award stands for. I'm honored that Elizabeth felt I met this criteria. If you visit Elizabeth, you will see that she exemplifies this. Her blog is delightful.

In the spirit of the award, I pass it on to:

Ann Kroeker. Ann writes a genuine and intelligent blog from a Christian perspective, with varied and useful topics.

Cindy aka Nigel's Mom. Cindy and her cats will make you smile.

Linda at Linda's Stuff. I don't remember how Linda and I got together, but I have truly enjoyed getting acquainted with her. I enjoy her art journals.

Sam at Family Blog with a Difference. Liver disease brought Sam and I together. Although we are separated by an ocean, I count her as a dear friend.

Tammy from Tammy's Studio. Tammy introduced herself to me via my blog about a year ago. I am so glad she did. She has truly followed through on her desire to form an online friendship.

The second award I received was from Amy. Thanks, Amy for considering my blog lovely!

I believe the beautiful badge speaks for itself.

Here are the rules:

Link to the person who gave you the award.

Pass it on to deserving recipients of your own.

I offer this award to these lovely blogs and the ladies who create them:

Barbara at Artiphy the Heart. Barbara's art blog is truly good for the heart.

Lisa at Studio Rose. I always enjoy visiting Lisa's place. And it's not just because of this.

Tammy at Tammy's Studio. Tammy is always whipping out something cute and whimsical.

Kathy of Vintage Snaps & Scraps. Kathy always has lovely things to see.

Nancy of My Collage Art. I first discovered Nancy through the Mind Wide Open Challenge and have been a fan ever since.

Kelly at Collagevisions. Kelly creates my favorite kind of collages.

Lynn from Her Creative Spirit. This is a fairly recent find for me, but I bookmarked it right away, as I expect Lynn's site to become a favorite.

Thank you Elizabeth and Amy for showering me with these blog awards. It makes me feel special. I hope each person I have passed them on to feels the same way!

Simply Timeless

The result of sitting at the art table this morning, a couple of 4x4's:

New ephemera is inspiring. Thanks, Danielle!