As I was driving to Grace's house the other day I saw tons of these odd looking plants growing in a field by a golf course. I was so intrigued by them I had to stop and take some pictures. I have no idea what they are but I plan to go back and look at them again in another week or so. Are they flowers? Weeds? Will they be blooming by next time? Do you know what they are??

Artfest 2012

Well, I've finally had some time to take a look at my photos and muse on my fourth and last Artfest. I had a wonderful time! I think I actually enjoyed this one most of all. I loved my classes and the artists who taught them. I love the setting...there's just something magical about Fort Worden. My pals Barb and Nancy were back once again in Dorm 203. We met at my first Artfest and have slept next door to each other each year. Sharing the experience with the two of them is a big part of what has made Artfest such a treat. I don't think it's quite sunk in yet that there won't be an Artfest next year...it still seems so fresh and real to me right now. But, I'm sure it will. I'm so thankful to have been able to attend for the past four years, thankful for Teesha dreaming up this amazing retreat and thankful for all the talented, generous, creative people I've gotten to share these times with. Here's a look....

My first class was with Michelle Allen and was called Dolls and Dudes. Michelle has a real sparkle to her. This class was so much fun. Everyone made such imaginative dolls. My table mates were so talented and really encouraged me at one point when I totally disliked my doll.








Friday's class was Open Up with Misty Mawn. I had always wanted to take one of her classes. I love her style and wanted to be able to watch her work. She has the face of an angel and a gentle, patient teaching style.

This was the paper protecting my table...I loved the way it looked when I was finished painting my pages!

Roxanne Padgett's journal class Collection or Obsession? was my third class and I think my favorite. Roxanne was everything I could want in a teacher...she was friendly and real and very approachable, she was generous with her knowledge and all of her supplies and she kept us on task in a good way. I love what I learned in her class...from her as an artist and a person. I was so engrossed in all we were doing in the class I forgot to take any photos! But here's the journal I made. It's still a work in progress but I love it!









Artfest is so much more than the classes you take...it's the people you meet, the laughing and sharing, the late night talking and the bonds you form with this big group of people who gets you. I can't wait to see what Teesha is dreaming up for this group next!

Nancy

Barb

Gloria

Deborah

Ren and Margot...sorry for the fuzzy photo!

Heather and Susan

Off to ArtFest!!

Time for Art

RedLead collage bits and rubber stamps

Thrift Store Photos to Share

Such lovely faces...I hope you can use them in your art!

January Challenge at Green Paper

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!

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

Mail Art

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

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!