Lambsworld

January Challenge at Green Paper

2012-01-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

Well, it was fun this morning to have a little time to create something again. With all the busy-ness lately my poor craft room has all but been abandoned. But nothing is so soothing to me then cutting and pasting paper so I had a go at Mary Green's January Challenge. Here is the lovely sheet she's shared and the gluebook page I created from it. Be sure to stop by Green Paper and play along!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

May you have a peaceful, healthy and happy New Year!

Mail Art

2011-11-29T11:08:00.000-08:00

I've received some very pretty mail art recently. The first is from Joanna created for the theme "Starts with a K." Isn't it gorgeous? Jo also included a sweet gift for me...a fun Creative Expressions Mask. I know I'm going to enjoy using that in my journal. Thank you Joanna!

Here are the envelopes I sent for the swap. I decided my "starts with a K" envelopes would be all about a kitschy kitchen. I love the women in these old advertisements. On the back I chose a 50s modern kitchen for each of them.

When I got back from Santa Barbara, Sue's Christmas envelope was waiting for me. I love all the different Christmas stamps she used. Inside was lots of vintage Christmas ephemera and some Christmas stamps for my own use...what a treat! Thank you Sue!

Here are the Christmas envelopes I sent out. I can't believe this little group has been sharing mail art for a whole year now. It's always a surprise to find one of these wonderful envelopes in my mailbox. I'm looking forward to doing it all again in the coming year.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

I hope you have a wonderful day full of good food, family and friends. I'm in California spending the holiday away from home for the first time in ages! Thanksgiving in a warm climate is something different for us...palm trees are beautiful but seem out of place somehow. Inside the girls' apartment though everything is as it should be. Lots of cooking, lots of laughter, good smells wafting from the kitchen, a little crafting and lots of gratitude that we're all together. Have a lovely day!

From Me To You

2011-11-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a little of a sweet book I received recently. It's called From Me to You - A Gift of Friendly Thoughts. The cover has such a charming image...I thought you might like to use it to make something. The end pages are just as sweet. I love the flock of bluebirds flying across the pages. I found myself reading the little book straight through. I loved the simple, cheery thoughts and poems. It was a perfect antidote to this cold, rainy day. I hope you enjoy it too.

Vintage GlueBook Page Swap

2011-11-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

I received my pages from Mary Green's Vintage Gluebook Page swap and they're all wonderful! Six big, beautiful pages! Along with the pages, Mary sent a vintage book to enclose them and a package of vintage paper. I love the cover that Mary chose for me...The Bobbsey Twins in the Great West. I used to love to read this series when I was young and here I am now living in the "great west." She couldn't have picked a more perfect cover for me! Thank you Mary for this great swap. And thank you to everyone who played in it. Here are the pages I received:

First off is a page from Linda M. I love how she's layered old text with vintage wallpaper...so pretty!

Next, is a page from Kathy M. This is my one card featuring a male image. I love how the old text and colors she chose complement the image.

This page from Kim S. has such gorgeous color and the image of the young girl is so striking!

This sweet page from Sabrina makes me smile. I love the two different images she's used of a group of children playing and how she added touches of red to the page. You know I love red!

Irene W. used one of my favorite images that Mary's shared with us. I love her wistful expression. She looks so pretty against the background Irene created for her.

Susan's page looks like it came right out of an old book. I love how she tore the focal image and added it to the background then surrounded it with flowers...lovely!

And here's my cover. I haven't put my book together yet. I'm going to add few things to fatten it up.

If you love the idea of making something lovely and vintage using only paper, glue and scissors be sure to check out Mary's new class starting next week. It's called My Christmas Gluebook. I can't wait to get started!

Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of Wired

Follow Your Heart

2011-10-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Steve Jobs

Vintage GlueBook Page Swap

2011-09-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Mary Green announced a Vintage Gluebook Page Swap recently and as soon as I heard about it I knew I wanted to to be a part of it. I loved Mary's Vintage Gluebook Class I took last year and have spent many happy hours adding to my gluebook's pages. I've used a small moleskine journal for my gluebook so I was intrigued when Mary announced this swap would be for pages that are 5" x 7" in size. It was fun working with this bigger size and I can't wait to see my swapped pages in the book cover that Mary will choose for them. If you hurry there's still time to join in the fun...you just have to have your pages to Mary by September 30th. You can read all about the Vintage GlueBook Page Swap on Mary's blog here. Here are my pages.

Girl in the Black Hat

2011-08-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Isn't she lovely? I found this tucked inside an old book I bought recently. It looks like it was part of the cover to a piece of sheet music but it looks like Pearl Marie Baxter decided to only keep this bit of it. What do you suppose Pearl was going to do with it? Maybe she kept a scrapbook. Maybe she loved beautiful paper images just as much as I do!

Happy = Simple

2011-08-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

I saw this posted on Scrapologie and just had to share it...I love it's simplicity. I know most of the time when I'm not happy the "something" I have to change is me...this is a nice reminder.

Thrift Store Finds

2011-08-15T12:28:00.001-07:00

On our recent trip to Cannon Beach I found some wonderful old photos and greeting cards. The back of this first photo is just as lovely as the front! I hope you enjoy using them.

And don't you just love these sweet old get well cards?

Mail Art in and Mail Art out

2011-07-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

I love how Sue staggered the mailing schedule in our mail art group. It ensures that there's something lovely appearing in my mail box on a regular basis! The latest piece to arrive is from Sue herself in Australia. Following the theme for this round, Sue decorated her enveloped with wonderful vintage images, papers and stamps. Inside was a beautiful embroidered hankie wrapped around some vintage treasures...old bus tickets, a vintage greeting card, stamps and cards and some gorgeous lace...what a treat! Thank you Sue.

I follow Sue in our mailing schedule and these are the envelopes that I sent out to the group. I love this Pink Scrap Girl image shared by Karen of The Graphics Fairy. I loved it even more when I saw the beautiful journaling card created by Hope Wallace Karney of Besottment. She made it using several images from The Graphics Fairy and offered it as a free download here on her blog. Both of these sites are wonderful sources for vintage images and inspiration.

Puzzle Piece Mailart

2011-07-24T13:39:00.001-07:00

I simply adore receiving fun stuff in the mail so you can imagine the squeal I let out when I came home to find this! Just look what my blog pal Halle sent me...a big altered puzzle piece. Isn't it wonderful! I wonder what my mail carrier thought about it? I love it! As you can see Halle simply addressed it and mailed it and it came through perfectly. The back side of the puzzle piece has been altered and collaged with old pattern paper and stamping and has a little girl peeking over some polka dotted paper. Too cute! Halle's even included a fortune..."you will make a name for yourself." I don't know about that but I do know I love this! Thank you Halle!

Judge Magazine

2011-07-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

I found this magazine while thrifting the other day...I thought you might enjoy seeing and using some of the pages. Judge was a satirical magazine published between 1881 and 1947. This issue was published in 1924. It's fascinating to read these old magazines and discover the mindset of the times. There's much of it that I would consider politically incorrect, sexist, racist, biased and just plain wrong but it's interesting to read and realize how much (in most cases) ideas have changed. I've chosen the cover and a few pages to share...I always love the ads in these old magazines...can you imagine sending away for a Nose Shaper??

More Mail Art

2011-07-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Mail art has continued to arrive with this month's theme of birds, bees and butterflies. The latest to arrive are from Lenna and Joanna...aren't they lovely?!

Joanna

Lenna

I totally forgot to take photos of the envelopes that I made for this round of mail art before sending them out. Lenna was sweet and let me borrow her photo of the envelope I sent to to her.

4th of July

2011-07-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

Have a happy and safe 4th!

Mail Art!

2011-06-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

With all the festivities (graduations, birthdays and Father's Day) going on this month I haven't had must time to get in my craft room and share things here. But I had to show you this gorgeous piece of mail art that Laura sent me. She's created her envelope from watercolor paper then painted, stamped and collaged all over it. It's just gorgeous! Inside she enclosed some lovely old seed packets, bird images, butterfly sticks, bee stickers and the prettiest feather! Thank you Laura...I love it!

Turn Around...

2011-06-17T19:41:00.001-07:00

Where are you going, my little one, little one?
Where are you going, my baby, my own?
Turn around and you're two
Turn around and you're four
Turn around and you're a young girl going out of the door.
Turn around, turn around,
Turn around and you're a young girl going out of my door.

Where are you going, my little one, little one,
Little dirndls and petticoats, where have you gone?
Turn around and you're tiny,
Turn around and you're grown,
Turn around and you're a young girl with dreams of your own.
Turn around, turn around,
Turn around and you're a young girl with dreams of your own.

Turn around...

My youngest daughter graduated from college this past weekend. It was a whirlwind of family, food and fun, lots of laughter and a few tears. Katie has put in a lot of hard work in the past four years and in that time we've watched her blossom into a beautiful young woman inside and out. She'll be leaving us in September to start a new chapter in her life - graduate school in California. Wasn't it just yesterday that she was playing in the backyard with her sisters? Practicing ballet? Kicking a soccer ball? Where did that time go? We're so proud of you...and love you so much we could burst!

Farm Chicks

2011-06-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

Grace and I had another great time this year at the Farm Chicks Show in Spokane. It was bigger than ever with an additional room full of wonderful things to look at. Quinn treated us to early bird tickets so we got to look around for a full hour before the crowds came in. Here are just a few photos. If you ever get the chance to go this is one FUN show!

...it is time to move forward

2011-06-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

Soul Restoration 2 starts today!!

Little Book Swap

2011-06-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

For Lenna's latest Creative Swap we've been making little books. What type and how many, blank or filled it was up to us. For my books I used old cabinet cards for the covers and an assortment of vintage and new papers for the pages. I added a small glassine envelope to the back and tucked in some vintage red labels, a stamp and some Dresden foil scrap. I finished each of them with some hand dyed ribbon and a little trinket. I was recently given a Bind-it-all and decided this would be the perfect project to test it out. It was really easy to use and I like how the little books turned out. I had some left over muslin from my fabric paper project so I made each little book a muslin bag and tied them up with ribbon and paper flowers. This was such a fun swap project. You should go take a look at all the beautiful books that Lenna's been receiving. Maybe you'll be inspired to join the next swap!

The Language of Flowers ATC swap

2011-05-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

Be sure to stop by Red Lead, say hello to Chris and Sharon and see all their new stamps and collage sheets, jewelry findings, art supplies and enough inspiration to keep you busy for days! And if you're looking for a fun group to swap with consider the Red Lead Yahoo Group...there's always a great swap going on. It's not too late to make a chotski pin...you know you want to!

My Stuff Your Stuff Swap

2011-05-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Paper Traders group hosted a fun swap recently called My Stuff Your Stuff Swap. The idea was to trade an envelope of "stuff" with your partner then make and return an ATC created with what you received. I loved this idea because it's always so interesting to see what someone else likes to use in their art. I was partnered with Cathy of A Surcee Life who is one of the moderators at Paper Traders and a sweet, talented artist. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello and take a look around. Cathy sent me an envelop brimming with stuff....lovely images and papers, alphabets and flowers...so much fun...just take a look! This is the card I made from just a small portion of what Cathy sent me.

Cathy was so generous and made me TWO cards in return. Aren't they wonderful...I just love them! Thank you Cathy!

Mail Art has arrived!

2011-05-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

While I was away from the computer I received a beautiful mail art envelope from Joanna. Joanna lives in England and her envelope looks like an English garden to me. It's just beautiful! This was the last envelope from our first round of mail art with the "where I live" theme. Joanna filled her envelope with travel brochures, postcards and a note telling us a little more about her. It's been so much fun to learn a little about where each member of the group lives. Today, I received Sue's envelope which is the first one in our second round. The theme for this round is "birds, bees and butterflies" and Sue has covered her envelope with lovely images of each of these. Inside, was a gorgeous gift...a beautiful nature journal filled with more images and all done up in lace and ribbons. Thank you Sue...it's a treasure!

Lifesavers

2011-05-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

No, not the round, hard candies with the hole in the middle. For the past two weeks my life savers have been these dee-lish, pale yellow frozen delights. Banana popsicles! Breakfast lunch and dinner...straight out of the box or blended six at a time into a cold, throat numbing slushy that's better than a dose of Percocet! Not only did they cool my throat but they kept me amused....on each popsicle stick there's printed one of those corny 3rd grade jokes I love. As you can see from the photo I've enjoyed quite a few of them! I'm practically good as new now and having a fine time putting back on the 10 pounds I lost. Thanks to everyone for the get well wishes. I have lots to catch up on and lots to share with you but before I do that...I think there's a couple more popsicles in the freezer...be right back!

One way to get some time off from work!

2011-05-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

Well, they've been pesky for years...the culprits behind numerous sore throats, painful bouts of strept throat and lately a cyst the size of a lima bean. My doctor tells me they really should come out so it looks like Monday morning at 10:30 I'll be saying "good-bye tonsils!" I've had my pre-op instructions (from Nurse Jackie of all people!) and my refrigerator is full of banana popsicles. I think I'm ready...wish me luck!

Sandy's Easter Tag Swap

2011-04-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

I participated in an Easter tag swap hosted by Sandy of 521 Lake Street. I was partnered with Michele who treated me to a wonderful Easter parcel filled with special treats. Isn't that the cutest cookie cutter...it's in the shape of a watering can! Thank you Michele and thank you Sandy for hosting such a fun swap!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

A sit down sister line-up from 1959. I guess there's always one who crosses the other way...Happy Easter!

Artfest 2011

2011-04-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

It amazes me how fast the 4 days of Artfest fly by. From Wednesday evening when we check in until Sunday when we say goodbye it's just a blur of fun, friends and arty goodness. This year I arrived a couple of hours early and got to spend some time walking on the beach and enjoying the grounds at Fort Worden. This really is a wonderful place. I love the walk along the beach to the lighthouse. I love the rows of officer housing and the big white barracks buildings. There are deer who show up quietly out of nowhere and seem like they belong here more than I do. It's the perfect setting for an art retreat. I had such a good time. I saw old friends, made some new ones, stayed up late, played and watched and listened and learned. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Barracks 203 Room 9

My art nest transformed!

My travel pal

Day 1 - Syd MCcutcheon Welcome to My World

Day 2 - Tory Brokenshire Santibelli

Day 3 - Stephanie Rubiano Pixie Pins

I have lots more photos....shots of the Gallery, Show and Tell Night, The Iron Chef Artist competition...but I think I'll save those for another day. If you get the chance to attend Artfest...take it!

More Mail Art

2011-04-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy that Sue came up with the brilliant idea to stagger the mailing times on our mail art swap. I LOVE having new mail art magically appear when I check the box! The latest parcels are from Laura and Lenna...both east coasters...one from Florida and one from Maryland. I'm so envious right now of all the sand and sun that appears on and in Lenna's wonderful piece. In fact both of these make me a little homesick for the east coast. But that's the fun of this round...sharing a little about where we live. So, if I can't actually be there this is the next best thing! Thank you ladies!

Mail Art!

2011-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Mail art from Yvette arrived while I was at Artfest...isn't it a bright, happy little package?! I almost hated to open it but finally sliced through the bottom to let all the goodies out. For this round we're showing off where we live. Yvette's package came from Maryland. She's included some lovely postcards, a pin and even a recipe for Maryland Crab Cakes...one of my favorites! How I miss those blue crabs! This fun swap is being hosted by Sue in Australia. I "met" Sue while participating in an earlier mail art swap hosted by Lenna of Creative Lenna. Sue decided she wanted to continue swapping and gathered a small group, put together themes and even staggered the mailing dates so we have a steady stream of delicious mail art arriving throughout the year. I love it!

Happy Homemaker Tag - April

2011-04-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am a day late in posting my tag. I have so much to catch up on but for now I'll just leave you with my April tag. Remember what fun it was to wake up on Easter morning and find your Easter basket by your bed brimming with all kinds of chocolate treats? I remember! My mom is visiting me and I've been busy gathering some special things to put in an Easter basket just for her. I hope Spring has found you...it's been a beautiful day here. Hop on over to the Happy Homemaker blog to see the rest of this month's tags.

April Fool's!

2011-04-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

Red Lead Welcome to My Cottage Swap

2011-03-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Vintage Note Card Swap

2011-03-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Beautiful mail came today! My exchange cards from Lenna's Vintage Note Card Swap arrived today and they're SO pretty. I'm going to have to keep these around to admire for quite awhile before I'll be able to bear to part with them! Just look how lovely they are!

The first card on the left is from Sarah. Her card is made of fabric and trims, buttons and a crocheted pansy...so pretty! JoAnn's card in the center is a collage of paper and ribbon in the softest colors and accented with the sweetest stitching...I wish my machine did that! The card on the right was made by Laura and it's so bright and happy...it makes me smile every time I look at it! Laura's used a beautiful napkin as the base and added gorgeous papers, an adorable vintage image of three girls, a transparency, old buttons and a silk bow. I love it! Thank you ladies and thank you Lenna for another wonderful swap! Lenna will be hosting another swap soon. If you think you might like to join in check back at Lenna's Creative Swaps site to see what she has in store for us next!

Happy Homemaker March Tag

2011-03-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are again and this time a little closer to Spring. But as I look out my window on a rainy, cold and blustery day I know winter still has a bit of a hold on us. My tag this month depicts another small moment in a child's life. It's a Saturday in early March. Young Alice wishes she could go out and play but it's raining and cold and Mother suggests they work on their sewing together. Snug and warm by the fireplace, Mother in her big comfy chair and Alice on her favorite red stool, they spend a few contented hours stitching and chatting. I actually know this very feeling of contentment. I'm very fortunate to have my mom (85 years old and still a pistol!) visiting with me for a few months and we've been able to spend several hours in quiet contentment just being together. It doesn't get any better than that! I didn't use any new techniques in creating this tag...just cutting and pasting, rick rack and ribbon. But one thing I did use that you might not have thought about using yourself is the little flower in Alice's hair. It's actually a fingernail decal. Fingernail decals come in all sorts of designs and are very inexpensive. Take a look here to see a few. So, that's my tip for this month. I hope you're seeing signs of Spring where you are. Be sure to stop by the Happy Homemaker blog to say hello to Elizabeth and see all the other March tags. See you next month!

Sometimes You Just Have to Buy Yourself a Present!

2011-03-01T10:11:00.001-08:00

I know I don't need it. I'm not sure where I'll put it. It's kinda heavy and the color doesn't match anything I already have. BUT. I love it, I've wanted one just like it for ages, I saw it and I bought it! Plus...it was a steal!!

PS...actually my sweet Quinn who I had DRAGGED to a rummage sale at 7am right before he had to get on an airplane and fly to Taiwan bought it for me. Thank you baby!

Mini Fabric Collage from Liz

2011-03-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you the sweet fabric collage that my swap partner Liz made for me. I love this little collage...I've always had a soft spot for vintage school images. And I love how she's used a piece of mica on the collage...such a neat touch! Liz even created a wonderful school themed box to hold the collage and included some old photos and a Florida alligator . Thank you Liz...this is such a special gift! Linda's planning to announce the next swap at A Swap for All Seasons on March 20...why don't you take a look and join us?

Journey ATC

2011-02-27T21:42:00.001-08:00

One World One Heart 2011 Update

2011-02-17T23:29:00.000-08:00

Well, today's the day....the winner of my One World One Heart giveaway is....Vicki from 2 Bags Full. Congratulations Vicki! I'll be be sending an email to you soon to get your address. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and left comments...it was so much fun to hear from all of you. Once again I had a great time visiting your blogs, dropping in on old friends and "meeting" new ones. This is such a wonderful blog party! A big thanks to Lisa for organizing this event again and for having something just as fun up her sleeve for next year! See you then!

A Swap for All Seasons Mini Fabric Collage

2011-02-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

Linda dreamed up another swell swap for us this winter at A Swap for All Seasons...mini fabric collages. I've seen loads of these in all sorts of styles all over the internet and on some of my favorite blogs but I'd never tried one myself. My sewing skills have always been a little lacking but thankfully weren't taxed too much here. I've called this little piece Jolly Girl. I downloaded this photo ages ago and love the little smile on her face. When we exchanged emails my swap partner Liz told me that the colors yellow and orange always bring a smile to her face. So, I gathered some fabrics with those colors, added some canvas, some vintage dotted swiss (is that still made anymore?) some old buttons, orange pom pom trim and a little wire hanger and there she is....the Jolly Girl. I checked with Liz to see if she preferred being surprised or seeing photos of the collage ahead of time and she said it was okay to post photos. I hope she likes it! I had so much fun making this I think I may just have to make another! Thanks Linda for always dreaming up these great swaps for us. Be sure to stop by A Swap for All Seasons to see more of the mini fabric collages.

Happy Valentine's day!

2011-02-14T06:04:00.001-08:00

Making Valentines

2011-02-13T21:49:00.000-08:00

I loved making Valentines as a child and I still love it today. I didn't swap as many Valentines as usual this year...my own little art group hasn't been very active lately...but I joined in trading with Nancy of My Crafty Little Page and Sandy of 521 Lake Street who were part of the Dolly Dingle Valentine Exchange hosted by sweet Elizabeth of Bluebird Papercrafts. Be sure to drop by to see all of the beautiful valentines everyone made...Elizabeth will have links to all the participants.

This one is from Nancy. She used a vintage Bingo card as a base and add layers of images and trims and foil and flowers...I love it! Thank you Nancy for trading Valentines with me.

And just look what Sandy sent me...she recreated a vintage lollipop valentine...isn't that cute?! And she also made a Valentine tag and included a bag of Sweethearts. I almost hate to admit it but I've always loved these! Here's the other side of Sandy's tag...isn't that Scottie cutout adorable? Thanks so much Sandy!

And here are the valentines I made...for Nancy

And for Sandy

Happy Homemaker February Tag

2011-02-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Didn't that month go by quickly? I'm looking forward to seeing all the February Happy Homemaker tags. For my tag this month I've used images from a Child Life magazine cover and some more of that wonderful Modern Homemaker paper from October Afternoon. I love this paper...every sheet makes me smile! Here you see my starched soldier bringing a little flower and a card to his Valentine. I've also scanned in a two page Valentine spread from the magazine for you to enjoy. Be sure to stop by the new Happy Homemaker Tagalong blog to say hello to Elizabeth and see the rest of the February tags. I hope everyone has a sweet Valentine's Day. See you next month!

One World One Heart 2011

2011-01-30T23:53:00.000-08:00

Once again it's that time of year when bloggers all over the world come together to visit and share and get to know one another. This event is hosted by Lisa of A Whimsical Bohemian and as this is its final year you won't want to miss it! Last year was my first year participating and I had so much fun and was so inspired by the many blogs I visited. For those who don't know me, my name is Linda and I live in a small town in Washington. I love all kinds of paper crafts especially ATCs, collage and mailart. So, welcome...spend some time looking around and then be sure to check out One World One Heart to find the list with all the participating blogs!

Now, as a thank-you for stopping by I'm giving away a set of Cavallini rubber stamps...Birds and Nests. These stamps are just gorgeous and I find myself returning to use them time and time again. I know you'll love using them. To enter just leave me a comment on this post. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you should you win. At the end of the event (February 17th) I'll post the winner on my blog. Have fun!

Vintage Notecard Swap

2011-01-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

Lenna's latest creative swap is all about vintage note cards. This is my second swap with this wonderfully creative group and I've had so much fun watching the cards arrive on Lenna's blog. Even though we're all working with the same theme everyone's take on "vintage" is different. I really enjoy seeing the different styles used by each artist...I get so inspired! Be sure to stop by the Creative Swaps blog, say hello to Lenna and have a look at some of the beautiful cards that have come in. Here are the cards I created. The swap was for three cards with envelopes but I chose to make an extra one for Lenna as a small thank you for hosting the swap. A year or so ago I took a workshop offered by Mary of Green Paper called Artist Class. The images I've chosen for my cards were used in one of the Artist class projects. I thought these four women would be perfect as a set of vintage note cards so I decided to use them again here. I've layered the images on some vintage book text and a piece of old flocked wallpaper, added a little vintage lace and a heart charm and there you have it...a set of vintage note cards!

Playing in my Gluebook

2011-01-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning off my desk today and happened upon (you know how that is) some papers I had made a few weeks ago. I was inspired by a tip Mary had shared in Your Vintage Gluebook about layering images. I took a botanical print and layered it onto a page out of an old dictionary. I had made these two pages to frame as a gift for my sister's birthday (she liked them!) and made a few extras to play with. So, today instead of putting them away I pulled out my gluebook. This is what I really love about my gluebook...whenever I'm inspired (especially when I should be cleaning my craft room) I can create a little piece of art that makes me happy. Here are copies of the papers I made...feel free to use them. The flower images are courtesy of Carolyn at Antique Images. Go play now!

Happy Homemaker Tagalong

2011-01-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth of Bluebird Papercrafts is hosting a year long tagalong and she was gracious enough to let me play along! She is a talented artist and infuses everything she creates with warmth and whimsy. For this swap we'll create two tags each month...one for a partner and one to keep. We are each to choose a theme in keeping with the Happy Homemaker idea and continue that theme throughout the year. One challenge Elizabeth has set for us is that we can only use one paper pack or 10 large sheets to last the entire year. This is what will make it really interesting.... we'll have to get very creative in our piecing of things as the year progresses. Every month on the 10th we'll reveal our tags on the Bluebird Papercrafts blog. Elizabeth also asked us to share a little about the choices we made...theme, paper etc. and our process. Here are a few photos of what I've chosen. I chose the Happy Homemaker paper pad from October Afternoon mainly because I had just purchased it and I love the nostalgic patterns and colors. I had some old red file folders that are the perfect weight for the base of my tags. The rest of the supplies are things I have on hand...rick rack and lace trim, buttons and bingo markers, paper doilies and old labels. We'll see what ends up on the tags!

Thank goodness I had some helpers to keep me company!

I knew I wanted to do something vintage that included children but I had a little trouble narrowing down my theme. I dearly love vintage childhood illustration and have several precious old magazines from the 30s, 40s and 50s. So, I decided my theme would be "As Seen in the Magazines."

For my first tag I've chosen a funny illustration of a young girl learning to knit. My take on this illustration is that it's January, she received her own set of knitting needles for Christmas and she's determined to teach herself to knit. Can't you see that determination in her face?

I love old sewing notions so I couldn't resist adding an old button, some rickrack and a few black snaps. I may add some glitter here and there yet but for now I haven't...we'll see! So, here's my tag for January.
Be sure to stop by Bluebird Papercrafts to say hello to Elizabeth and see the rest of January tags. See you in February!

Red Lead A Stitch in Time Tag swap

2011-01-04T08:05:00.001-08:00

The latest swap at Red Lead is called A Stitch in Time and we're swapping large tags. The base of the tags are made with these wonderful Alteration Tags...you can get them as a set online at the Red Lead site. They're fun to work with and I can already dream up so many things to do with them! I colored my tags with distress ink then stamped a Red Lead Polka Dot stamp at the top. Then I covered the entire tag with old dress pattern paper, resized and collaged some old patterns I had, stamped the Dressmaking Trimmings stamp and raised her up on foam tape, added some lace and rick rack, an old button and a safety pin trimmed ribbon and voila...there it is!.. There's still time to join the swap...just check out the Red Lead group and play along!

Alteration Tags

Green Paper January Collage Challenge

2011-01-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the first of the month and Mary at Green Paper has a new challenge posted. She's given us a beautiful collage sheet to work with again this month. Her challenge is to use at least a piece of each image in the collage sheet to create a new piece. I've used the sheet in my vintage Gluebook. My Gluebook is getting so fat it won't lay right on my scanner any longer so I have to take photos of it on my desk. I made a two page spread with the images Mary gave us and some other paper bits. The piece at the bottom that looks like a gate is actually cut from some Christmas wrapping paper from one of my presents. I thought it was so pretty and saved it hoping to use it in something and here it is! If you'd like to see the collage sheet Mary is offering and play along be sure to visit Green Paper to take a look!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T08:08:00.001-08:00

Peace, health and happiness to all of you in the New Year!

Alpha Stamps Giveaway

2010-12-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

I love all the stamps, collage sheets and mixed media supplies offered by Alpha Stamps. They have such beautiful things! Now until January 2nd they're having a daily giveaway...so head on over and have a look around. All it takes to enter is a comment on their blog...good luck!

Vintage Gluebook - Christmas

2010-12-27T08:52:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted any of my Vintage Gluebook pages recently. This is one of my favorite go-to projects when I just want to have a little quiet fun for myself. Here are my Christmas pages I made while everyone was resting after our big Christmas dinner. What have you been working on this week?

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

Lights please...."And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'"

"......That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Today's beautiful beyond belief matchbox was made by Linda our gracious swap hostess. It has a gorgeous Nativity scene on the cover trimmed in gold foil. Inside, lying in the hay, snug under a small blanket adorned with the tiniest gold cross is Baby Jesus peacefully sleeping. I couldn't have hoped for a lovelier end to this wonderful month long joy fest! Thank you dear friend. I hope you know how much pleasure you've brought to all of us. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

Oh my...how did it get here so fast? Well, there are only two remaining matchboxes...this swap has been such fun. I've enjoyed visiting everyone's blogs, peeking inside your homes, listening to your stories and sharing the joys of the season. Thanks again go to sweet Linda for dreaming this up and making it possible for all of us to share this happy time. Today's matchbox is a sweet gem from Michelle of Wood and Fabric. She has transformed a matchbox into a small book with a vintage image and silver snowflake on the cover...so charming! Inside she's tucked a beautiful pair of pearl earrings. I love the vintage look of them. Thank you Michelle...this is such a special box!

Countdown to Christmas Day 23

2010-12-23T17:02:00.000-08:00

Today's match box comes from Erica of Zunky Chic and it's just the cutest thing! There's a red polka dot background and the sweetest image of an angel with her arms around a dear little sheep! How did she know I'm a lambie lover? Isn't it fun to think that however random the process you still may receive the one thing that's perfect for you? From the polka dots to the little sheep...this box was made for me! Thank you Erica...I love it! Oops...I almost forgot to mention the wonderful little JOY ornament tucked inside...it's very cute and perfect for my tree. Just two more days...can you believe it!?

Countdown to Christmas Day 22

2010-12-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

We have blue skies today in the Pacific Northwest. The weather changes quickly here so I don't know how long this will last but it's always a pleasant surprise this time of year. I hope you're enjoying blue skies today too. My matchbox today is from Michele of Something Special and it's truly something special! Outside there's a vintage Santa trimmed in gold with a small white rose. And inside is the sweetest little scene with a small fawn walking on a cloud and looking up at a bright red star...it's magical! Thank you Michele for making me something special! Only a few more days to go...be sure to stop by A Swap for All Seasons to see the rest of today's matchboxes.

Countdown to Christmas Day 21

2010-12-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Today's lovely matchbox traveled all the way from England. Jan has dressed it up with patterned paper, a Christmas dove, some sweet yarn trim and a little red button. Inside is the prettiest pair of angel earrings. Thank you Jan...I love it! Be sure to visit Jan's blog and see all the snow she's having and stop by A Swap for All Seasons to see the rest of today's matchboxes. Linda's already sending out teasers for the next swap...sign-ups start in January...you won't want to miss it!

Countdown to Christmas Day 20

2010-12-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

Today's matchbox was made by Peace of The Art of Peace and it's just beautiful! It's covered with gold holly paper and has a lovely Madonna and Child image on the front. Inside is a button dangle...I love it! The sentiment on the matchbox is "blessings" and what a perfect reminder for me to think of all the blessings that have come my way this year...my family, my good health, a steady job and all of you, my wonderful art friends! I am truly blessed...I don't stop to realize and be thankful for that often enough. Thank you Peace for the gorgeous matchbox today. Have a wonderful day today!

Countdown to Christmas Day 19

2010-12-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

Today's gorgeous matchbox is from Valarie of Glittery Daze and Nights. I love the old sheet music, vintage Santa and tiny ivy vine she used around the bottom...so pretty. Tucked inside is another Santa...this time a shiny little ornament for my tree. Thank you Valarie...I love it! I hope you're enjoying this final Sunday before Christmas. We're heading to Tacoma today to see the Christmas Revels. This has been a tradition in our family for years dating back to when we used to live on the east coast and would go up to New York City to see it. The Christmas Revels is performed in many cities across the country each year and every year there's a different theme and location. This year it's a 19th century English celebration. The Revels celebrate the Christmas season in song, stories and dancing. It's a wonderful time...if you get the chance you should go experience it yourself! Whatever you're doing today...enjoy yourself!

Countdown to Christmas Day 18

2010-12-18T07:43:00.001-08:00

December 18th...one week until Christmas! I'm sure there will be lots of people out shopping today...me, I'm on my way to work! I work at our local blood center....if you have a few minutes this Christmas season and you're able, think about donating blood. Our blood supply is very short right now and it's a relatively simple way to give a life-saving gift! Today's matchbox comes from Christine of A Work in Progress and it's so cute! On the cover is a vintage spun cotton snowman wearing a jaunty top hat, a big red bow tie and carrying a chenille candy cane. Inside is another snowman...this time in the form of a sweet resin pendant necklace. I think I'll just wear this to work today...it will keep me smiling for sure! Thank you Christine...I love it! Be sure to stop in at A Swap for All Seasons to see all the rest of today's matchboxes. Have fun today!

Countdown to Christmas Day 17

2010-12-17T22:22:00.000-08:00

Today's matchbox comes from Freda in Chicago. That's just one of the things I love about this swap...these little match boxes have come from places near and far. I've had one come from my own state and another come from as far away as the UK. Isn't it an amazing thing how the internet and our shared love for creating these little treasures has brought all of us together? I've really enjoyed visiting everyone's blogs and reading your stories, sharing in your holiday preparations and learning a little about you. Thank you Linda for bringing all this about for us...it's more of a gift then you might know! Now, Freda's made such a pretty matchbox...it's covered in music paper with a Christmas greeting written on it. It's trimmed in sparkly silver tinsel and decorated with a silver star and ornament...so pretty! Inside is the sweetest shiny snowman ornament...perfect for my little tree. Thank you Freda...I love it! Be sure to check out the rest of the matchboxes at A Swap for All Seasons.

Countdown to Christmas Day 16

2010-12-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

Today's matchbox is a delightful creation by Wendy of Bliss Angels and it is truly one blissful little matchbox! The cover is decorated with the sweetest Christmas tree fairy all decked out in green wings and star on her hat! It's just the most precious thing! And it get's even better...tucked inside is a little bird's nest charm. I love this little box...thank you Wendy! Only nine days left to this wonderful countdown to Christmas...be sure to stop in at A Swap for All Seasons to say hello to Linda and see the rest of the matchboxes!

Countdown to Christmas Day 15

2010-12-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

December 15th...how did that happen? Busy days for busy elves! But, let's stop and enjoy today's matchbox. This one is from Lizzi of Buttercrem n Roses. When you have time stop and spend a few minutes looking around Lizzi's blog...it's full of lovely things Lizzi's created. Her matchbox is a sweet one with a cute postage stamp inchie on the cover and an old milk bottle cap inside. I love it...thank you Lizzi! Be sure to stop by A Swap for All Seasons to see the other matchboxes.

Countdown to Christmas Day 14

2010-12-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...today started out with pouring rain but it looks like the sun has finally come out for awhile. This is the last day of my 5 day mini vacation and it's so good to see the sun even temporarily! What's your weather doing? Today's matchbox is from Pam of Treasures-n-Textures and it's so sweet. The matchbox is covered in old sheet music, accented in red, trimmed in gold braid and sprinkled with sheer glitter. It's so sparkly. Inside there are three tiny candy canes (somehow only two made it into the photo) that will be perfect for my little tree. Thank you Pam...I love it! don't forget to take a look at all the rest of today's matchboxes...the links are at A Swap for All Seasons.

Countdown to Christmas Day 13

2010-12-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

Day thirteen......can you believe there are only 12 more days until Christmas? Me neither! Q has been out of the country for the last week and arrived home this weekend. Luckily I had a few days off so the girls came home for the weekend, we went and picked out a tree, Katie made homemade eggnog and Christmas tree cakes and we had a wonderful time trimming the tree and spending time together. That's what it's all about isn't it? I simply love times like that! Today's matchbox comes from Sandi of Musings of Samiam. I love the pretty ribbon Sandi used to trim this box...it's full of presents. Tucked inside is a pair of Christmas tree earrings in the softest shade of green. I love these Sandi...thanks so much! If you'd like to see more of our little matchbox swap just head over to visit Linda at A Swap for All Seasons. See you tomorrow!

Mail Art has Arrived!

2010-12-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

I received a package from Lenna of Creative Swaps full of delightful, colorful, arty mail! What fun this package was to open...as beautiful on the outside as the inside! In addition to the envelope Lenna created to return the swaps, I received envelopes from Sharon, Jo and Laura. Each one of these are just gorgeous...so unique and wonderful! Thank you ladies for sharing some of your art with me. And a big thank you to Lenna for hosting such a creative and fun swap! If you'd like to see more of the mail art envelpes you can visit the Creative Swaps blog and take a look!
Here is Laura's envelope:

And Jo's:

And here is Sharon's:

Aren't these fun? Now...go jazz up your mail!

Countdown to Christmas Days 10, 11 and 12

2010-12-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like my busy schedule got the best of me these last few days...all the elf work has put me behind with posting. So, today I have a trio of lovely matchboxes to share with you. Day 10 is from Marie of Spun by Me. This box is so cheerful with its green checked paper and "cheer" tag. Tucked inside is a beautiful bottlecap charm with a Christmas bird surrounded by glitter...so pretty... I love it Marie! Day 11 was created by my dear friend Grace. This is a gorgeous matchbox and if I didn't know better I'd think Grace made this one just for me...it's red and the image on the front is a little girl holding a doll...Grace knows I have a soft spot of old dolls! Inside is a stone pendant and one of Grace's beautiful inchies. Thank you Grace...I'll give you a hug in person on Monday! Day 12 was created by Nicole of Gibbys Girl. Her matchbox is accented with stars, snowflakes and pearls and inside is the sweetest little angel. I can't get over all the clever and creative treasures everyone is making to put in these matchboxes...it's been so much fun opening them each day! Be sure to check in with Linda at A Swap for all Seasons to see all the other matchboxes!

Day 9 on the Countdown to Christmas!

2010-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

Today's matchbox was created by Becky. I've been lucky enough to be in several swaps with Becky through the Red Lead Group and I love what she creates...there's always something wry and whimsical about her art. Take a look at the sweet face on this matchbox and that darling little mitten...have you ever seen anything so charming. Being a knitter myself, I know what it takes to knit something this tiny! Thank you Becky...I adore it! Be sure to stop in and visit Linda at A Swap for All Seasons to take a look at the rest of the matchboxes.

Ornament Swap

2010-12-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

The Altered Dominoes and Game Pieces Group on Flickr is a great place to play if you like to craft with vintage game pieces. Cindy, from Cindy is Crafty held a Christmas ornament swap this year. The only requirement was to use a game piece in your creation. I love to use old clay poker chips to make altered pendants so I decided to use some of them to create my ornament. So, here I've used an old poker chip, adorable Red Lead vintage Christmas images, some vintage wrapping paper for the rosettes and I attached it all to a glittery snowflake because you just have to have some glitter at Christmas! And of course, I couldn't resist a little Christmas cheer on the envelopes.

Day 8 - Countdown to Christmas

2010-12-08T10:03:00.001-08:00

Today's matchbox comes from Hope in the UK. I love the green checked background and the glittery reindeer and Christmas tree...so sparkly and pretty! Inside is a sweet little snowman and snowflake charm...perfect to add to my Christmas charm bracelet. Thank you Hope...I love it! Be sure to stop by A Swap for All Seasons to see the rest of today's matchboxes!

Day 7 - Countdown to Christmas

2010-12-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

I dearly love waking up to a new little matchbox to open each morning but I think it's making December FLY by! Do you have all your decorating done? What about your Christmas shopping? Me neither! Ah well, all in good time. Today we have a delightful matchbox created by Jenny of The Red Bulletin Board. I love the larger size of her matchbox and it's decorated with the prettiest paper...it has a real retro feel. Tucked inside is a small glittery star...so pretty! Thank you Jenny...I love it!

Christmas Postcards

2010-12-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

I found these recently during a thrift store outing. I love these old Christmas postcards. Be sure to read the one from Edward to Frances...he tells her he hasn't had time to write a letter...he's been "as busy as an old hen with one chick." too funny...I guess even in 1924 the holidays were a busy time for everyone.

Countdown to Christmas Day 6

2010-12-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Can it really be Day 6 already? December is flying by isn't it? Today's matchbox was created by Shawnee. She's made an elegant little tuxedo box and included a sweet little crystal dangle inside. It's so pretty...thank you Shawnee! Be sure to stop by A Swap for All Seasons to see all the other matchboxes!

Countdown to Christmas Day 5

2010-12-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

For day #5 of the Countdown to Christmas Elena created this sweet little matchbox. On the cover is a silver Christmas tree topped off with a jeweled charm. Inside is a pretty wing charm and a message of hope. So pretty...thank you Elena! Be sure to stop by A Swap for All Seasons to visit all the other countdown bloggers.

Countdown to Christmas Day 4

2010-12-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

Day four in the Countdown to Christmas Swap brings us this beautiful matchbox created by Kathy from Tennessee. The photo just doesn't do it justice...it's wrapped in old seam binding and shimmery fibers that the camera doesn't pick up. Inside is a beautiful Madonna and Child bottle cap magnet along with a hanging fabric ornament created from a vintage Christmas postage stamp and a tiny silver bauble. Every piece exquisite! Thank you Kathy! Be sure to stop by A Swap for All Seasons to check out all the other matchboxes!

Countdown to Christmas Day 3

2010-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here's my Day 3 matchbox created by Sherry Edwards of Sherry's Simple blog It came all the way from England! This is such a pretty one...decorated with a tiny mitten and a beautiful postage stamp with a "Peace on Earth" cancellation. Inside is a gorgeous altered domino. Thank you Sherry...I love it! Be sure to visit A Swap for All Seasons to follow the links to all the all matchbox swappers. See you tomorrow!

Green Paper's December Challenge

2010-12-02T22:29:00.000-08:00

For her last collage challenge of the year Mary has given us some images that all of us who've been taking her classes know and love. The challenge is to use at least a piece of each of the images in any creation we like. Not having a lot of time today I decided to try a digital ATC using these images and bits of other papers Mary has given us in the past. Here's my atc and a look at the collage challenge images. If you'd like to download the full-size sheet and play along just visit Mary at her blog Green Paper.

Countdown to Christmas Day 2

2010-12-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

Day 2 in A Swap for All Seasons' Countdown to Christmas Swap brings this wonderful matchbox created by Nancy of My Crafty Little Page. It's so pretty with all it's vintage Christmasy goodness! And I you know how I love old bingo numbers...not only is the cover decorated with one but Nancy made a beautiful bingo charm to enclose inside! I love it Nancy...thank you! Be sure to take a look at the A Swap for All Seasons blog to find links to all the other matchboxes!

Countdown to Christmas Day 1

2010-12-01T07:20:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's December already? I know I can't...this year has just flown by! Today is Day 1 in the Countdown to Christmas Matchbox Swap Blog-along. My first matchbox was made by Michele Gibson and it's so sweet! Inside is the prettiest vintage button ring...I love it! thank you Michele! If you'd like to take a look at all the other Day 1 matchboxes head on over to A Swap for All Seasons. See you tomorrow!

Countdown to Christmas Blog Along

2010-11-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well, December first is almost here! Tomorrow everyone who participated in A Swap for All Seasons Christmas Matchbox Swap will begin opening all those little boxes. My matchboxes arrived about a week ago...I can't wait for the fun to begin! Be sure to come back tomorrow to see the first box and stop in at A Swap for All Seasons to find links to everyone in the blog-along.

Beauty Reborn

2010-11-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

Lat year I decorated some empty tin cans, filled them with stones and a large paper white bulb and gave them to friends at Christmas. This one was leftover so I kept this one for myself. After it bloomed I kept it on the kitchen counter behind the sink with some potted plants. Basically, I ignored the little spent bulb all year content to enjoy looking at the pretty bird now and then. Last week when I was giving the kitchen counters a pre-Thanksgiving wipe down I was going to throw out the old bulb and plant a new one when lo and behold I noticed a tiny bright green shoot peeking out from the old brown stem. My little bulb was coming back! I couldn't believe it...I hadn't added water to it in a year and here it was struggling to grow! I added some water to the bottom of the can and just look at it...it shot up this much in less than a week!

"It is not more surprising to be born once twice than once; everything in nature is resurrection." Voltaire

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

Lenna's Creative Swaps

2010-11-15T00:07:00.000-08:00

Lenna Andrews is a wonderfully creative mixed media artist who I've had to pleasure to "meet" in Mary Green's online classes. The other day I visited her blog to see some for the work she's been doing for Mary latest class Collage Basics with Vintage Paper. While I was there I was intrigued to see that Lenna hosts a creative swaps blog and that the latest swap was mail art! I love arting up my mail so I just had to join in. We were to create and send 3 artful envelopes to Lenna and we'll receive 3 in return...actually 4 since Lenna will package the 3 envelopes in one she creates herself. As they arrive Lenna's been posting the envelopes on the swap blog. Be sure to take a look at the beautiful mail art that's been coming in at the Creative Swaps Blog. Here are the 4 envelopes I made for the swap. I Created the envelopes from pages of an old ledger I bought recently at a garage sale. And, I'm sure you'll recognize some of Mary's lovely French Dictionary pages in the background. The adorable children were all courtesy of Lisa's Altered Art.

six

2010-11-08T01:06:00.001-08:00

Rosanna and the Elephants

2010-11-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Mary's having another monthly challenge on her Green Paper blog. This month she's given us another lovely sheet of images to use to create whatever we like. The challenge is to use at least part of each of the three images. I've created a small collage on the cover of an old book. Mary's starting a new e-course this week called Collage Basics with Vintage Paper and if it's anything like her previous classes you won't want to miss it!

Journalfest

2010-11-01T13:35:00.001-07:00

Journalfest is like Artfest but the focus is on journaling...making journals, sharing journals or just finding out what journaling is all about. It's put on by Teesha Moore and held at Fort Worden near Port Townsend. A few weeks ago I realized I was going to have a day off during Journalfest so I wrote Teesha and asked her if I could come for just the day. She graciously said yes! I chose a class by Katherine England who turned out to be a delightful teacher. The class was called Oz in a Box. I think that's one of the reasons I chose the class...I love the old Oz books. The other was that I would get to actually make my own journal and learn Coptic binding...something I've been wanting to try for awhile now. The class was wonderful...Katherine was a warm and generous teacher and I'm just thrilled with how my journal turned out. Because the journals are expected to get a lot of use (note to self...use your journal!) the spine is bound with leather...so you can't SEE the Coptic binding. But, it's under there...and I hope to make another journal soon and leave the binding uncovered. Katherine gave us each a cigar box to house our journals and I can happily report it's been out of the box several times already. I find that I really like the size...it's small...about 5" x 7"... but substantial.

Art Smile

2010-11-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!

2010-10-31T12:16:00.001-07:00

Image courtesy of Jack and Cat Curio

The Friendly Visitor

2010-10-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

You know how I love shopping in thrift stores....one of my recent finds was this old book. It's an 1885 bound volume of a monthly religious magazine. It was absolutely falling apart but I loved the cover and the pages and illustrations are wonderful. I plan to make a journal out of the cover and I know the pages will find their way into a collage one day. Here are a few pages from the book...feel free to use them too. What treasures have you found lately?

So Charming!

2010-10-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love charms...I love to make them and I love to trade them! I joined a charm swap with some of the members of the Altered Dominos & Other Altered Game Pieces Flickr Group recently and the charms have been flying in! Here's the charm I made...it's an old wooden Monopoly house with a lucite bead (thank you Beth!) and a little mica home charm.

And here are the lovely charms I've received. Everyone was so imaginative. Mary Ann made her own tiny clay cupcake. Jan colored a Monopoly shoe and added beautiful lavender beads and trinkets. joAnne made two charms! I love the little metal man. Cindy made the sweetest mini domino bird charm. Heather took a die and added a collaged wooden roof...too cute! Nina made a little beaded person out of an old checker and Eda made a lovely fleur de lis scrabble charm. Every one is so special!

A Little Halloween Decorating

2010-10-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

As much as I love Halloween I don't have a lot of Halloween doo-dads that I put up each year. I think I was feeling a little down in the dumps today because Quinn is gone on a business trip for THREE WHOLE WEEKS (!) and the house was so quiet...so I decided to cheer myself up with a little Halloween decorating. I took one of my favorite doll heads and sat him in my tin of fall potpourri. I tossed a few of those little pumpkin shaped pods in there for some color, gave him a party hat and a little pint sized friend with a "Happy" sign. Then I remembered I had this pumpkin trick-or-treater stashed away from a few years back and an extra Halloween banner...I put everything on the table in the entryway under my Farmer's Market Girl. I think they all look very happy together!

Life's Better When...

2010-10-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the circle journal page I completed for Nellie's journal. Her theme is "Life is better when..." so since we all became such fast friends at Artfest I just had to finish the sentence with "you have friends." I've loved working in a new journal each month...this is the 5th one! The background here was inspired by techniques in Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts. And the Paper dolls are a free template from Somerset Studios.

Dorothy Tag Book Swap

2010-10-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Karla of Karla's Cottage hosted a Dorothy Tag Book Swap recently. She has a great post here on the whole process of receiving and sorting and packaging and mailing swaps...you have to go look! You'll be amazed to see all that goes into hosting a huge swap like this. My hat's off to her! Plus, you'll get to see many of the gorgeous tags she's received. I'm looking forward to seeing my book when it arrives. Here are my tags...I love this image from the original The Wizard of Oz. I used another image from the same book to make a shrink plastic charm to go along with my tag.

Blog-Along with Santa Claus and a Giveaway

2010-10-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Linda is hosting a Santa Blog-Along at A Swap For All Seasons and you're invited! Everyone who's participating in the current swap will be posting pictures of Santa on our blogs so we can all blog along and visit. There will even be another fabulous giveaway for those participating in the swap. But you don't have to be participating in the swap to enjoy all the fun with Santa...so post a picture if you like, stop by A Swap for All Seasons to let us know Santa has visited your blog and then grab a cup of cocoa and blog along with all of us! HOHOHO

Red Lead Halloween Postcard Tag Swap

2010-09-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Halloween Skinny

2010-09-14T15:46:00.001-07:00

I can't believe the summer's gone and here I am working on Halloween things. How time flies!

Red Lead Swap Blog

2010-09-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Chris and Sharon at Red Lead have started a new blog just for Red Lead Art Swaps. If you've participated in Red Lead Swaps in the past or want to see what kind of fun swaps they're cooking up next take a look here. See you there swap sister!

Charm Swap

2010-09-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday a group of friends got together to visit and trade charms. This group (with a few additions and a few losses here and there) has been swapping charms twice a year for the past three years or so. Hosted by Beth and Lisa, formerly of The Salvage Studio, and held in Beth's lovely home, these charm swaps are such a great time. There was a little shopping beforehand in Beth's garage, coffee and sweet treats, wonderful charms and even door prizes for each of us! Here's a sampling of some of the charms we swapped. I have to admit once the swapping got started I forgot to take any more photos but if you'd like to see more just take a look at Beth's blog. Thanks everyone for the gorgeous charms and a fun time and thank you Beth for opening your home to us once again...can't wait for next time!

Beth and Debra

Door Prize Table

waiting for the fun to begin