TMTA - Diptych

This week's theme on TMTA was "Diptych." The challenge was to make two ATC's with at least one image connecting the two. Plus, the two cards should also be able to stand alone. Here's mine. These stamps are all by A Stamp in the Hand.

aMUSEme

Over at my aMUSEme group it was time for another round of of the 6 x 6 Inchie Swap. I used a charming inchie collage sheet from Inka Stamps. Be sure to check out her site...she has wonderful stamps and collage sheets and a weekly giveaway! These little inchies flew over to Jami this month and I received the most adorable set from Vicki Chow. I'm not posting those though because we're keeping them under wraps until the 6 months are over. Two more to go!

Now, I also finished up my 4 Card Stud ATC's. The theme this month was "sew-n-sew" and I had alot of fun making this one. I used a photo of an actual old pattern...I love the illustrations on the old patterns...and a bit of the lace that I found recently at a local thrift shop.

Red Lead Pink Swap

Here's the ATC I made for the monthly swap at Red Lead Paperworks. This is another great group of swappers and one of my FAVORITE sites for rubber stamps, charms, buttons, collage sheets and inspiration. The theme this month was pink. It's really amazing how many shades of pink there are...I just got my cards back the other day and I'm still looking them over! Aren't they wonderful?

Stampin D' Amour Swap

I've been so busy this past week that I've hardly had a chance to post. So, I'm going to play a little catch up and add some of the things I've been working on. Here's the card I made for the May swap on Stampin D' Amour. Last month was my first swap with this group and every card I received was just wonderful. There are several different themes each month to choose from so it's easy to feel inspired. This month I chose "circus" as my theme. I had so much fun adding some glitter to my circus girl's dress and shoes...it doesn't show up well in the scan but in person I think it adds the perfect touch! I can't wait to see what will come back to me this month.

Red Lead Charm Swap 2

Well, I finally got my charms all ready to mail in for the second Red Lead charms swap. This is a great little swap...only three charms (one extra for the hostess) and it's so much fun. I used old Scrabble tiles and added a little collage and covered it with Diamond Glaze. There was an article on these in a recent Somerset Studios Magazine. I can't wait to see which ones are coming my way!

TMTA - Women in Art

One of my favorite women in art is Beatrix Potter. I've always loved her illustrations of the wonderful characters in the Peter Rabbit series...Hunka Munka, Jemima Puddle Duck, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and many others. I know I've spent hours reading these stories and admiring her illustrations with my three daughters and I still pull her books off the shelf now and then just to enjoy that gentle world again myself!

Wednesday Stamper - Art it up!

The challenge this week on Wednesday Stamper is to "ART it up" and use the word art somewhere in the piece. Here's what I came up with....

Saturday Workout - Linen

I know it's Tuesday and this is a Saturday Challenge but I was looking at a friend's entry and became intrigued with the challenge...using the faux linen technique. I've never tried this so I thought I'd have a go. It's really easy...sand glossy card stock first one way then another then add ink and take it from there. My scanner doesn't pick up the grain really well but in person there's a lovely linen effect. I love learning a new technique!

TMTA - Heroes

The theme this week on TMTA is Heroes. I have several personal heroes but today I wanted to honor a woman who was still so young (only 16) when her heroic moment presented itself. I've always admired Elizabeth Eckford...she was one of the Little Rock Nine...high school students who were among the first African Americans to attend previously segregated schools in Arkansas. I've always been fascinated by this photo...such grace in the presence of hatred. While this photo was taken in Arkansas the map I've used highlights three cities in Alabama...where I grew up.

Bonjour

Today has been a lovely day! It actually turned warmer...low 60's...and was sunny and bright for much of the day. I'm off as usual on Monday so I got to run around getting errands done and enjoying the sun. This afternoon I put together two book shelves Quinn picked up for me from Ikea. They're now in my craft room and I've started filling them up! Woohoo...storage space! While I was sorting through things to put away I saw this picture I had printed the other day and suddenly I was making an ATC for my one for one trade with Val. Does that happen to you? I was going along so well, sorting, cleaning, throwing away when suddenly I find myself cutting, gluing, looking for the French word stamps...ah well! Here it is Val....

Mother's Day Challenge

The weekly challenge on Stampin D'Amour was to make a Mother's Day themed piece and include letters or words. Here's my entry. This is my favorite photo of my mom so I've used it once again...this time in an ATC. Two of my mom's favorite things are flowers and the color purple so I've used them both here. I love you Mumma!

TMTA - Black and White

The theme this week on TMTA is black and White. I used this lovely stamp from Stamper's Anonymous.

4 x 4 Friday - Vintage Bride

I love vintage wedding photos...the gowns and lace not to mention the brides and grooms are so gorgeous. For the Vintage Bride theme on 4 x 4 Friday I've framed one of these lovely old photos and layered it with a little lace onto a photo of an old Marriage frame page generously shared by the Graphics Fairy here.

Make a Moo or Two

The challenge this week on Make a Moo or Two is to use gold somewhere on your moo. Here I've used stream, butterscotch and wild plum alcohol inks along with the gold additive for the background then edged it with gold embossing powder. The stamp is from Crafty Individuals.

Wednesday Stamper

The theme this week on the Wednesday Stamper challenge is stripes. I love this double sided paper from Cosmo Cricket and it just seemed to suit these cowgirls.

Stampin D' Amour Swap

Well, I've had a lovely mail day today...I received the ATC's from my first swap with the group from Stampin D' Amour and they're all wonderful! The themes were gardens/mothers/travel/children and games and there were cards representing each one. Thank you to Kris for hosting and to everyone who swapped...bravo!



Row one: Kris, Pam, Kathleen
Row two: mine, Louise, Lyneen
Row three: Julia, Alice, Sarah

TMTA - Walpurgisnacht

Today's theme on TMTA is Walpurgisnacht. This is "the night of the witches" in Germanic tradition and falls on the evening of April 30th. Here'a my witch...

Gothic Arches

The theme this week on the Gothic Arches site is Garden Fairies. It was perfect to work on this today since its so cold and rainy outside...I could at least imagine being in a lovely garden, smelling the grass, hearing the bees buzzing. I know spring will come soon!

Make a Moo or Two

The theme this week on Make a Moo or Two is "girls". I have three girls of my own so this is a subject near to my heart. We often chatted about what they wanted to do when they grew up. It was always something different each time we talked except my youngest daughter Katie who always used to say she wanted to be a blueberry pie maker...she knew that was her Dad's favorite pie! So...here's my moo asking the question "what will the girl become?"

aMUSEme 4 Card Stud Swap

Here's my card for the April swap...the theme is shoes. I know we all adore that special pair of shoes don't we? Sorry for the blurry scan...it always does that with a dimensional embellishment!

TMTA - Mermaids

The theme this week on TMTA is Mermaids or Water Sprites. This category is another one which I have very few stamps...I have a fish or two, some shells, but no mermaids. I did have this lovely image of a mermaid...I can't decide if she's perplexed as to what the shoe actually is or longing to have feet to slip inside that delicate small shoe. What do you think? The background was made with Ranger Distress Inks in Faded Jeans and Worn Lipstick. The coral stamp is by Cavallini.

Saturday's Workout

I've just discovered this new challenge site called Saturday's Workout. The challenge is presented as new technique each Saturday. The first challenge is called "It's all Distressed..." and we're asked to present a "distressed creation." I've made a distressed tag using Ranger Shabby Shutters, Faded Jean and Tea Dye distress inks. Take a look at all the entries here.

Make a Moo or Two

The theme this week for the Make a Moo or Two challenge is vintage which is always fun. I love these old sailor dresses and big hats.

TMTA - Zentangle

Well, I looked at the theme at TMTA this morning and saw that it was Zentangles. I've seen these and I'm always intrigued by them but I hadn't tried one myself. I had to take the ferry into Seattle today so I thought the 30 minute ride would be the perfect time to give it a try. I have to admit it took both the ride over AND the ride back to finish it but it was a lot of fun!

Awards and Anniversaries

I was recently given this award by Louise. I'm truly honored and the fact that it comes from someone whose work I admire and am inspired by constantly makes me feel doubly honored. Thank you Louise.

There are 5 rules attached to this award:
1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog (arteypico.blogspot.com), so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5) To show these rules.

There are several blogs I try to look at regularly because I enjoy and am inspired by them. Here are the five I've chosen for this award...take a look and be inspired yourself:

Beth, Lisa and Amy at the Salvage Studio

Lisa

Gayle

Linda S.

Hermine


And as if an award isn't enough...it was pointed out to me (by Louise...thank you!) that today is my one year blogging anniversary! I almost missed it. It's been amazing "meeting" so many wonderful people through a shared love of making art. I consider myself still very much a beginner after this first year of creating and blogging but I've come to love experiencing the generosity and encouragement of such a talented community. To be even a small part of such a community makes me happy every day!

April Inchies

Here are my inchies for the April swap at Joanne's site. The theme this month is children. If you like inchies be sure to take a look here.

Gothic Arches - Paris

I've been so busy the past few weeks I haven't had as much time as usual to participate in many of the weekly challenges that are so much fun. After putting Katie on the ferry to head back to school today I came home and decided to take a peek at the Gothic Arches sight. Here's my entry...now I'm going to go take a look at everyone else's!

March Inchies - Birds

I came home from work to find these inchies from the March swap on Joanne's sight had flown in...I just love them! She always sends them back presented in such a pretty way. I love birds and these little birdies are just wonderful!

aMUSEme Inchies - April

Well, here's my third installment for the aMUSEme 6x6 Inchie Swap. These will go to Dariel in Minnesota. I found this fun retro Barbie paper not too long ago and knew I'd do something with it. When I was thinking about the inchies for this month's swap I found it again and decided it would just be perfect. I made Dariel an ATC with the leftovers. hope she like them!

Back from San Diego

Well, we're back from San Diego. It was so much fun visiting with Megan, seeing where she lives and works and getting to see the sights around town. It's such a wonderful feeling to know your child is happy, independent and creating a life for herself. I love you Meg!

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!