TMTA - Spring

Well, I wish it felt more spring-like...it's cold and rainy here right now. But at least it's not snowing like it did last week!

Here's a poem for you by Robert Frost:


The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March.

Make a Moo or Two

I know I'm a bit behind...it's been a very busy week...but here's my entry for Make a Moo or Two. The theme this week is Text. I decided to use my new stamps from Inka Stamps. I love this crow trio and the make art stamp reminds me of those ads in the back of magazines trying to get you to sign up for an art course! Here they are:

TMTA - Texture

The challenge this week at TMTA was to use texture. This card was made by adhering a couple of torn text pieces with a bit of torn sheet music to the base. It was given a light coat of gesso then colored with some water soluble oil pastels that I scribbled on then rubbed in. Then I added a sweet little birdie, stamped the word sing and there you have it!

Gothic Arches - Heritage

The theme this week on Gothic Arches is Heritage. I've chosen a picture of my grandparents' wedding...it looks like a moment frozen in time...full of the promise and uncertainties of new beginnings. This is Sarah and Antone. Both of my grandparents had only recently immigrated to the US from the Madeira Islands and settled in a Portuguese neighborhood in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Sarah came with her father and a brother and sister leaving behind her mother and older sisters. My grandmother's brother, standing behind her, served as the best man. My grandfather died before I was born but I grew up with Sarah who lived with our family until she passed away in her 70's. My oldest daughter, Sara, was named for her.

Wednesday Stamper - Initial

The challenge this week on Wednesday stamper is to use the initial of your first name in your entry. I used L is for love because love is the answer...

Gothic Arches - Celtic

In honor of St. Patrick's Day the theme on Gothic Arches this week is Celtic. I've used an image shared in the countdown on the Artist-How-To site...she seemed perfect!

More Inchies

I've made these for the aMUSEme March 6x6 inchie swap. This is the second month of our six month swap. I just love these old school book illustrations...so simple and charming. This group of six...actually there's seven, the last poor child just HAD to go too...is destined for Bridget all the way in Australia. So, I'm off to the post office right now!

Inchie swap

The theme for Joanne Wardle's March inchie swap is Birds. Since I missed the February "Spring" swap I decided I could sort of combine the two by using this stamp. So, here are my birds...Mrs. Crow all dressed up in her spring finery!

TMTA - Fashion

Fashion is the theme this week at TMTA. Do you dream up stories for the images you use? This image from Twisted Papers has inspired a little story. I've imagined these two very fashionable ladies are taking a stroll in a lovely city park. Their equally fashionable husbands are sitting on a bench smoking cigars and talking about their investments. An orchestra is playing in the alcove by the lake...soft strains can be heard in the distance. Suddenly, someone or something has caught Madeline's attention and caused her to start! By the look on her face Therese is concerned and a little shocked by the interruption of their pleasant afternoon. Whatever can it be? You finish their story....

Gothic Arches

This week's theme for the Gothic Arches challenge in Transitions. Spring, the switch to daylight savings time and the return of the birds to my backyard feeders all worked together to provide the inspiration for my arch today. So, I've chosen eggs and birds and the passage of time...each of which makes me think of transitions and renewal. This was a very thought provoking theme this week...

Make a Moo - Children

The theme this week on Make a Moo is children. I love this stamp from The Queen's Dresser Drawers and I've used it several times and always love how it turns out. It must be the sweet look on these two little faces. It's been such a gray day today...I just had to use some blue and green colors to help me think of Spring!

Wednesday Stamper

The theme today on Wednesday Stamper is "glasses." I came across this image awhile ago and immediately fell for her serene expression. I've been saving Alice (as I like to think of her) for just the right piece....and today was the day! This lovely image is courtesy of Gaby-cajubrasil...thank you! The background stamp is from Artistic Outpost. It's part of a great set called Mini-Masterpiece.

Magnifique!

I just love this stamp! It's called Elsie and it's from Impression Obsession. Isn't she magnifique? I've had so much fun this afternoon playing with it. This ATC will be sent to a partner in one of my groups...au revoir Else!

Spring 4x4

I was working on some Spring things this morning and noticed that the theme today on the Arty Girls Challenge Blog is also Spring! Here's my Spring 4 x 4. This will eventually be one of the pages in a Spring chunky book. I had to make 16 of these...they're all finished now and I'm ready to mail them out. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's page!

March Countdown

Lisa Vollrath is having another countdown this month. Starting March 7th through Easter she'll have a new paper crafting surprise each day. Be sure to check out her websites Ten Two Studios and Go Make Something. She has tons of great information, tutorials and images to share. I've bought her how-to CD's and they're just great!

St Patrick's Day Countdown

Continuing with the St. Patrick's Day theme...the Artist-How-To site is having another free image countdown that you'll find here. But while you're there be sure to take a look around the rest of the site. There's some great information there.

TMTA -Triptych

The theme this week at TMTA is Triptych. I was working on some St. Patrick's Day ATC's so I thought I would use three of these for my entry this week.

Sheetload of Cards

I stumbled upon this site recently while reading another blog and noticed today that they're having a month long celebration in March. So take a look at the site here...who knows, you might just win something!