Pixels & Paste

Perfume Bottle Charms

2012-02-02T10:17:00.001-05:00

My first swap with the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group was a charm swap. I love beads and immediately joined the swap. We were to create 20 charms to resemble perfume bottles. How clever is that! It was fun and I can't wait for my returns because I see a charm braclet in my future!

Thanks for stopping by!

The Saturday Evening Post

2012-01-27T20:30:00.000-05:00

I am hosting a swap with the VPI Group where Norman Rockwell is the theme. There are so many Saturday Evening Post covers that showcase his work. My favorites are the ones with children doing what children do. He had a way of capturing their essence and bringing it to life. This is my first card so far.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Mardi Gras

2012-01-24T20:18:00.000-05:00

I made these cards for a current swap with the VPI Group where the theme is Mardi Gras

Marie Valentine ATC's

2012-01-21T20:14:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to be a new member of the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group and just had to join a current swap where the theme is Marie Valentine ATC's. It's been raining almost all day so I used the time to create my cards.

Look Into My Crystal Ball......

2012-01-20T10:42:00.000-05:00

This is one of six cards I'm making for the "Look Into My Crystal Ball" swap at the VPI Group. There are so many images of gypsies / fortune tellers on the internet, but I just love this one. She has the sweetest face that I just couldn't pass up, so I will be using her image more than once for sure.

Thanks for looking!!

The Steampunk Aviator

2012-01-16T21:49:00.000-05:00

This is an older ATC I made and forgot to post. The image was a gift from a Flickr friend, Lisa Inman. I think he was a banker in real life, but he looked like he needed to be steampunked to me. Something a little different for me but no less a lot of fun to create.

Thanks for stopping by!!

More Vintage Romantic Couples

2012-01-09T20:44:00.000-05:00

Here are the last three cards I made for the Vintage Romantic Couples swap.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Vintage Romantic Couples: Part 1

2012-01-05T20:33:00.002-05:00

These cards were made for a current swap with the VPI Group and theme is Vintage Romantic Couples. I love the way they turned out.

Anchors Aweigh

2011-12-27T19:15:00.000-05:00

Sad to say that the Christmas season is closing and now I am focusing on the new year and new themes. This is a card I made for a current swap for the VPI Yahoo Group with a nautical theme.

One Week Until Christmas Eve!

2011-12-17T16:46:00.003-05:00

I found these today and seems I forgot to post them, so I'll get them uploaded today. These were made for the VPI Yahoo Group where the theme was Vintage Christmas.

Santa Domino Book

2011-12-05T19:51:00.002-05:00

I finally tried Laura Carson's tutorial on making an accordion fold domino book. It was much easier than I had suspected. You can find the complete tutorial on her blog: Artfully Musing

Since this is my first attempt, I kept it simple. Thanks for stopping by!

Joyeux Noël

2011-12-03T20:11:00.002-05:00

This is my contribution to the lottery swap for the Flickr group "Let's Swap ATC's"

Vintage Christmas ATC's

2011-12-01T16:10:00.001-05:00

I signed up for a private swap with the girls from VPI Yahoo Group and it is an open theme of Vintage Christmas. I love looking at old vintage images and extracting what I want in Photoshop and then creating something fresh and new but still has the vintage look. Does that make sense??? Here are some of the cards I created for the swap.

I just love this image of the little girl in her Christmas coat and hat

I used lots of tinsel glitter on this one

Look...I put real tissue paper in his trash can....LOL Santa is raised up on pop dots but doesn't show well in this photo.

A Little Gold and Silver

2011-11-27T16:08:00.001-05:00

I'll take a little gold and silver with my Christmas bells anytime. Being a girl gives me the right to like things that shine and sparkle. This card was made for a current swap on the Creative Souls Group for December.

Busy Day....Lots Accomplished

2011-11-25T18:19:00.001-05:00

Wheww, Thanksgiving is done and it was wonderful! Today was another day off so I made good use of the time. I put up my Christmas tree, candles in the windows, wreaths on the doors and added a few stings of lights on the front porch railing.....and it feels good to be done! Here are two more of my Vintage Santa cards for the VPI Group swap.

Vintage Santas

2011-11-22T09:19:00.001-05:00

I've started working on a few vintage Santa ATC's for a swap with the girls from the VPI Yahoo Group. I came up with lots of ideas on different cards I want to make so I'll be back posting them as I finish them.

Santa driving an old car through town with lots of gifts to deliver. I've used three different images on this card. The car and Santa, the banner and the scene behind the car. Santa is popped up on foam squares for a little added dimension.

I painted glitter on top of the snow and the rooftop of the house. I wish it would have shown up better in the photo. Santa is popped up foam squares to give it a little dimension. The background in the original image was green but I changed it to blue in Photoshop to make it look more like the night sky.

Thanks for stopping by, I truly appreciate your visit!!

Christmas Spirit: Part III

2011-11-17T10:04:00.001-05:00

These are my last two Madonna cards for the VPI Group. Now I'm off to make some vintage Santa cards....

Christmas Spirit: Part II

2011-11-13T12:06:00.001-05:00

I've been able to complete two more of the Mother and Child cards for an upcoming swap. On these, I decided to use the stain glass as the vocal point instead of putting it behind the main image. If you are interested in the stained glass effect, please refer to previous post where you can find a link to Laura Carson's blog and the step by step tutorial.

Getting The Christmas Spirit

2011-11-11T09:47:00.001-05:00

I've started working on a new vintage Madonna and Child swap and have finished two so far. I have four more to make and I have several ideas I want to try. For these two I went with a stained glass effect and if this is something that interests you, please look here HERE for a wonderful tutortial on stained glass. Laura Carson of Artfully Musing has put together a step by step instruction file for you to download and use.

This card is on masonite and was already in the shape of an arch. I embossed it with silver and added some dresden scrap. The background is a stained glass image on top of white cardstock to help show the stained glass pattern. I love this image of Mother and Child and the loving way she is looking at the child. I simply added a poinsettia and some green and silver branches.

This is another stained glass image with an added gold arch border. I have attached the it all to a piece of white glitter illustration board for strength. This is another beautiful image of Mother and Child and I added gold glitter to her head piece, gave her a gold cross to hold and a dresden halo. Thanks for stopping by!

Love Those Pin Up Girls From Yesteryear!

2011-11-07T18:39:00.001-05:00

These are my cards for the VPI Group where the theme is "Pin Up Girls" These were fun to make and I almost hate to send them off....but I will of course!!

Black Widow

If you got it, flaunt it

Good Girls Go to Heaven

The Goddess

Momma's Warning

Marilyn

Snow White

TGIF

Thanks for stopping by!!

Halloween Open Theme VPI Group

2011-10-27T19:43:00.002-04:00

My swap cards from the VPI Yahoo Group came in the mail today

from left to right: Laura Carson, Gina Peake, Michelle Carrier, Wendy Robinson, Kris Dickinson and Becky. Thank you girls, I love my cards!

Ride 'em Cowgirl!

2011-10-20T10:58:00.001-04:00

These ATC's were made for a swap going on at the VPI Yahoo Group where the theme is Ride 'em Cowgirl. I was a little apprehensive at first because I didn't have a clue how I wanted to go about making cowgirl cards. What I know about cowgirls would not even fill a thimble, but once I printed out the images, it all came together. I am happy with the finished cards and hope you enjoy looking at them too.

Blue Ribbon Winner

Golden Rod

I'm Not Here to Cook

New Girl in Town

Shoot 'em up Annie

Wanted

Dead or Alive

Fabulous Friend Makes Fabulous ATC's

2011-10-16T18:26:00.000-04:00

I have some of the most incredible cards from a friend and I want to share her talent with you too. Her name is Damarys and it is always a pleasure to open my mailbox and find something she has sent me. It's like a birthday present every time. So, please feast your eyes on her beautiful works of art and I'm sure you will agree with me that she has tons of talent!!

Today's Mail

2011-10-14T18:12:00.001-04:00

Today I received my swap partner's cards from AlphaStamps for the Invitation to the Witch's Ball and they are simply awesome! I want to share them with you too.

Lynn Stevens: "Wicked Witch"

Laura Carson: "Owls Welcome"

Sharon Bolmey: "Witching Hour"

Sarah Megee: "You're Invited"

Thank you ladies, these cards have made me happy!

What I've Been Up To

2011-10-12T17:35:00.001-04:00

These ATC's were made for the VPI Yahoo Group swap with the theme of Paris in August

Living the Good Life

I called this one "Paris Kisses" but should have named it "French Kisses" LOL!

This is called "Wish You Were Here"

They are finished and mailed and now I'm off to the next swap theme.....Cowgirls!

Oh My, Witches and More Witches!

2011-10-02T15:33:00.002-04:00

I recently had the privilege to join the Vintage Photo Image Yahoo Group and this is my entry for the Open Theme Vintage Halloween swap. Since I love making Halloween ATC's this was one swap I had to sign up for. I hope the recipients enjoy them as much as I did making them!

Harvest Queen

2011-09-30T13:37:00.002-04:00

This is my entry for the Let's Swap ATC's group on Flickr. The requirements were to use a queen, crown, moon, leaves and glitter

A Little Hocus Pocus

2011-09-13T13:14:00.004-04:00

It's early September and I'm making Halloween ATC's like a crazy woman. I love Halloween with all the ghost and goblins.....nothing too creepy though! This past weekend was a nice treat for me since I was able to work on making cards without interruptions. I was like a robot cranking out cards and my craft room looked like a bomb had exploded. I couldn't find things once I set them down, but it was still such a pleasant two days. Since I just finished "Invitations to The Witch's Ball", I had witches on the brain so I went with that. I created these three cards in Photoshop first then printed each layer separate so I could cut and paste them onto the 2.5 x 3.5 cards. The first card is made using items from Tumble Fish Studios kits with the exception of the background, it was googled. The second is a hodge podge of digital elements from various kits I have purchased. Moon, bats, clouds are from Irene Alexeeva. The bottom card is a mixed media card using three different images blended together and sealed with medium gel and then a coat of crackle paint was applied over top. Love the cracked/aged vintage look on that one. Thanks for stopping by and I would love to hear what is your favorite thing about Halloween!

Invitations to the Witch's Ball

2011-09-01T19:22:00.002-04:00

Over at Alpha Stamps they are hosting a Halloween Swap and I wanted to participate because I just love Halloween! Here are my entries into the swap and I think they turned out pretty good. Of course they didn't turn out as I had pictured them in my head, but I still like them. I'm going to hate to send them off next week but I must. I can't wait to see what my swap partners come up with. I used an image on each card from their awesome collage sheets and each double folded ATC has it's very own black envelope addressed to various other witches around the country. (I should have taken a picture of them too). Inside each ATC is an invitation I made using the first few lines from William Shakespeare's Macbeth when the witch's are standing around the cauldron chanting "Double, double toil and trouble. Fire burn and cauldron bubble"....very appropriate for a witch's invitation don't you think?

A Little Fun With Elvira

2011-08-24T13:47:00.000-04:00

If you are a child of the 70's like me, then you will remember Elvira. She hosted a late night movie that usually came after the Saturday Night Live show. I was dating my now husband and we would watch Elvira together. She always acted a little ditsy but oh my, what a figure. Fast forward to the new millennium and Elvira has become a icon for witches, goblins and anything associated with Halloween. How does all this fit in with my post you ask....well, it's been way too hot this summer and I find myself wishing for cooler weather and then I immediately think of the last three months of the year. Halloween being the first holiday in the last quarter of the year. And....I love Halloween. Always have. I get the biggest thrill out of seeing little children dress up to go trick or treating and how some people go all out to decorate their house in the spirit of Halloween.
I found these images of Elvira via Mr. Goggle and had decided to make ATC's.

All extra images used inside the cards are from Holliewood Studio's Halloween kits.
Thanks for stopping by!!

Ode to Rosie

2011-08-06T15:11:00.002-04:00

I recently finished reading "Water for Elephants" and fell inlove with the Rosie the elephant. If you've read the book you know what I'm talking about. She was such a character and who wouldn't find an elephant that likes to drink vodka entertaining! So, I made up six ATC's with the circus theme but five of them have elephants in honor of Rosie. They are all cut and paste and 3D and look much better in real life than this horrible picture I snapped at about 11:30 the night I finished them. 1, 3 and 5 have been traded but if you are interested in any of the others and want to do a trade just email me! Thanks for stopping by!
Credits:
carousel: Studio Alana @ Scrapbookgraphics
flying trapeze man: Beth Rimmer's l'esprit du cirque kit
all other images were googled

The Three Muses Challenge: ORIENTAL

2011-07-19T18:13:00.000-04:00

This week the theme is the Orient at the The Three Muses Blog. I am cheating a little because I'm submitting something a did a few months ago. It seems I was on a Geisha kick and did several pieces showcasing geisha's in different settings. I can't wait to see what the other players create this week!

Thanks for stopping by and ciao for now!

MOJO 200

2011-07-18T21:06:00.001-04:00

Wow, Mojo Monday is celebrating their 200th sketch this week. We have an awesome sketch to use but once again, I ended up turning it upside down to make it work for me. Maybe it has something to do with being left handed? Congratulations Julie and the whole gang for reaching such a wonderful milestone.....and did I mention there are prizes this week. You can check out all the information on the Mojo Monday Blog and try your hand at the sketch too!!
My card is pink again...I can't help it though, I'm really lovin pink these days. Each one of the tiny flowers are glued individually and I was thrilled that it actually looked like the pink hydrangeas growing in my back yard!
Thanks for stopping by!
Credits:
paper: Stampin Up!
border punch: Martha Stewart
ribbon: Michaels
stamp: Hero Arts
sentiment: Just Right

Three Muses Challenge - I've Been Steampunked!

2011-07-12T20:12:00.004-04:00

It feels like forever since I played along with the The Three Muses but today I was lucky! The theme happens to be something I've been working on in my spare time.....Steampunk!! And just look at this gorgeous man, Robert Downy, Jr., dressed as Sherlock Holmes. That movie was certainly created with the steampunk theme in mind. Thanks for another wonderful challenge girls!!

MOJO 199

2011-07-12T20:02:00.001-04:00

I've decided that I really like pink. Pink was not a color in our house with two boys and a male dog. But I really like pink so I have made several cards last week with pink as the main color so I can say I've got my "pink fix" lately. Todays card is made for the Mojo Monday Sketch with Stampin Up pink paper that's been in my stash for a couple of years. The flowers and sentiment are from Just Right Stamps. The sentiment is stamped with Peeled Paint distress ink and the flowers are painted with Spun Sugar and applied with a water brush. Love the look of painting with the water brush and will probably be using it a little more now that I have one. Border is punched an EK Success punch and the ribbon is from Michaels. That's all for today.....and, thanks for stopping by!

Hello Friend

2011-07-09T15:08:00.004-04:00

I recently discovered a new blog called Case Study and each week they host a new Muse. This week the spotlight is on Dawn Woleslagle who has a bright and happy style as you can see from the sample card below. Our challenge this week was to CASE her card and it was by no means an easy task. I find it hard to use a lot of white space in my cards becasue I tend to fill up the card surface with stuff. Then I met another card maker online named Victoria Lavender and her digital skills are amazing! She inspired me to give digital a try when making a card and this is what I came up with. I started out with a card template in Photoshop and then placed the image in the bottom half and printed it out on Neenah Classic White cardstock and cut into the standard 4.25 x 5.5 size. I then colored the poppies with Copic markers, computer generated the sentiment on vellum and adhered to card with glossy accents. The butterfly was punched with Martha Stewart's butterfly punch on white text paper and then colored to match the poppies. So....a great big Thank You to Victoria Lavender for the inspiration to try! I am also entering this card in the Flourishes Technique Tuesday by having the word "friend" in the sentiment. Thanks for looking!!

MOJO198

2011-07-05T18:52:00.001-04:00

I love Mondays when the new Mojo Monday Sketch arrives in my inbox! It's so nice to have the sketch to work with and all I have to do is find the papers and embellishments I want to use. This is my entry for week 198 and as you can see I turned the sketch 90 degrees because it was the only way I could get it to work for me. This was also my first attempt at Shabby Chic and I think I like it. Thanks for looking!!

Chicks Rule!

2011-06-30T21:38:00.001-04:00

I've always known that us girls rule and we can do it with style and grace. While making this card for CASE Study Challenge I couldn't help but smile. This card just makes me happy! :) The flowers were made using a stamp from Stampendous! and colored with Copic markers. The background was distressed with Ranger's Distressed Inks, Faded Jeans and Broken China. I also tried Jill Foster's technique for spritzing water on the cardstock after coloring it. I cut the flowers out and then in half and added little white pearl drops using Ranger's Liquid Pearls. The sentiment is computer generated. Thanks for stopping today!!

It's In The Bag

2011-06-23T18:42:00.012-04:00

Who would have known that a paper bag could be incorporated into a greeting card? That's what the challenge is this week on the blog at Flourishes and at first I was stumped. Then I thought that simple was best....right? I wanted to use this sentiment from Flourishes stamp set called Sunflowers and then I found this yummy blue flower in my stash. All the pieces started coming together quickly after that and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to use a paper bag after all. Well, that's it for today, thank you for stopping by! I so appreciate you. I also used the sketch from Mojo Monday as my starting point.

Princess for a Day

2011-06-11T17:47:00.004-04:00

I made these pink princess slippers using a template from Stacy Cohen. She has some of the most incredible examples on her blog and you can visit her HERE. I promise you will swoon when you see the shoes she made. I entered these shoes into a challenge on the Flourishes Blog for the color challenge "Think Pink" and there were many wonderful entries. So, if you want to make a pair of these pretty little slippers, head over to Stacy's blog and grab the template. You will be surprised at how easy they are to make.
Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
paper: My Mind's Eye (Hazel) and DCWV (Mariposa)
beaded lace: Michaels
flowers: unknown

Just Right Challenge #55

2011-05-23T18:26:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone! I want to share with you my entry for the Just Right Challenge #55 over on the Just Right Blog. We were assigned three colors to use and create a card or project. I love light blue and white together in just about anything so I just had to add the color kraft/tan into the mix. I made six 4x4 note cards and then made a box to match. I love the way the cards turned out and plan on giving them to a special lady that has been my friend since high school. Mawaah Myra...love you girl! And, thanks to all who stop by!!

Supplies Used:
paper: K&Co Juliann and Kelly Panacci
lace: Offray
rhinestones: Me & My Big Idea
pearls: Kaiser Craft
border punch: Martha Stewart
bows: Anna Griffin
dies: Spellbinders; embroidery anglaise circles, fleur de lis and frou frou tags
stamps: Just Right; 2" Sending You Sunshine, 3 1/4" Plant a Little Love and 2" You're So Sweet

Just Right Challenge #054

2011-05-07T17:56:00.004-04:00

I LOVE Just Right Stamps and was thrilled when I found out they held challenges on their blog. I just had to make a card for this weeks sketch and this is what I came up with. That offset rectangle gave me a fit but eventually settled for this layout and am pleased with the end result.

Card Supplies:
paper: K&Co. Serfena
lace: Michaels
flowers: Michaels
large focal stamp and small sentiment stamp: Just Right

Mojo Monday #189

2011-05-03T11:47:00.004-04:00

This is my entry into the Mojo Monday Blog Challenge #189...Yea!! Loved the sketch and how easy it worked up. Again, my biggest problem was finding the right papers and then I remembered a dear friend, who lives in the Dallas area, sent me a stack of beautiful 12x12 papers as a RAK. I felt like a kid in a candy store while going through each one and oooohing and awwwwing over them. Thanks Damarys, you are the best! Now on to the card....I started out with my favorite 4.5 x 5.5 size and added the beautiful flower paper in reds, pinks with a hint of orange tones. Added the complimentary color and used a border punch for the deco fan decoration. I then used two of my Spellbinder dies to cut the circle and the circle scallop. I decided to go with an Iris as the focal point and lucky me....I had three Copic markers that worked perfect and picked up the colors in the background paper as well as the accent piece. I cut the Iris and leaves out and adhered them to the circle and tied a piece of wrinkled ribbon into a bow and added to the stem. I stamped the sentiment phrase and used a Spellbinder label die to cut it out....love the Spellbinder dies!! Well, that's it for today. Thank you for stopping by and may the rest of your week be fabulous!!

Ingredients:

paper: unknown

punch: Martha Stewart Deco Fan

stamp: Heartfelt Creations

dies: Spellbinders

sentiment stamp: Hero Arts

Viva la Verve! May Sketch Challange Week 1

2011-05-01T18:04:00.008-04:00

Here's my entry for Week 1 over at Viva la Verve! sketch challenge. You can find all the infor over at Splitcoast Stampers if you are interested in giving it a try. My card is an almost exact copy of the card Andrea Ewen created for the sketch. She has a short video from Becca Feeken that shows how to make a pleated background to enhance any card. I liked the look of the pleats behind the cutout shape, I made a second card. This one is much smaller and worked up fairly quickly. I just love the way the pleats look behind the large center cut out and thanks to Becca for creating the video instructions.

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #115

2011-04-27T09:31:00.002-04:00

This is my first time creating a card for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Blog Challenge and I just love this sketch. It's so versital, you can create and regular A2 card and use the circle on top or you can do as I did and create a round card. This was the first round card I've made and it was a bit of a challenge indeed. I'm a big fan of Flourishes stamps and purchased the Sunflower and Seeds of Friendship sets and have probably used them five times since they arrived in the mail! So you'll be seeing more sunflowers from me for sure. Thanks for stopping by and all comments are greatly appreciated!!

Card Supplies:

paper: Stella & Rose Mabel, 7 Gypsies and Bazzill black

sunflower stamp: Flourishes

ribbon: Michaels

sentiment stamp: Just Right

Mojo Monday #188

2011-04-26T18:16:00.003-04:00

Here's my entry for the Mojo Monday Blog Sketch. I wanted to do the round card but had way too many difficulties so I went for the square instead. I love these new papers from My Minds Eye called Stella & Rose Mabel. They are perfect for spring with the fresh colors of greens and oranges. Thanks for stopping by, your visits are always welcomed.

Card Supplies:
papers: Stella & Rose Mabel
pearl swirls: Recollections
sunflower stamp: Flourishes
ribbon: Papertray Ink
butterflies: Martha Stewart punch
border: Martha Stewart punch
birthday wishes stamp: Hero Arts

Pinwheels Make Me Happy!

2011-04-23T14:43:00.008-04:00

Today I want to share with you a card I made using the new die from Lil' Inker Designs. While I was blog hopping last week I saw alot of cards made with these darling little pinwheels and followed the link to Lil' Inker where Laura Pryor has made a die and accompanying sentiment stamps for purchase. Well, naturally I had to order a set for myself and the package came in the mail yesterday. Yea!! So today I've been playing with various color combinations for my pinwheels and I just love the way they look when I used double sided papers. If you are interested in finding out more about these adorable little pinwheels, go check out Laura's blog where she has several samples. Warning: they are addictive!!

Card Supplies:
paper: K & Company Ancestry
lace: Offray
deco fan punch border: Martha Stewart
pearl brad: KaiserCraft

Mojo Monday #187

2011-04-19T20:26:00.004-04:00

This is my card made with this weeks sketch from Mojo Monday Blog. It was also my first time making one of the folded fan flowers and I have to admit that I'm hooked. I watched a video on YouTube and was surprised at how easy they are to make. The hardest part of making cards (for me) is picking the papers. I put way too much thought into it and decided to stick with designer pads which are already matched perfectly. Thanks for stopping by and your comments are greatly appreciated!!

The enablers list:
papers: Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante
border: Martha Stewart border punch
stamp: Hero Arts
ribbon: American Crafts
flower: Prima

Cards!

2011-04-01T18:43:00.001-04:00

A few years ago I made cards and then I stopped when I became interested in ATC's. This is my first card since my long hiatus and it felt so good to get one done after such a long time. I think I will give this one to my mother since she loves sunflowers.
There are so many talented card makers in blogland and I could spend an entire day reading their blogs and looking at all that eye candy. There's just not enough time in the day to do all the things I want to try....sigh
Thanks for stopping by!
******************
paper: K&Company Julianne
ribbon: Michaels
seed pack: K&Company
border: Martha Stewart punch
flower: unknown

Vintage Ad's

2011-02-21T13:56:00.003-05:00

While surfing the internet over the weekend, I came across a wonderful site called The Graphics Fairy and there is a plethora of images that she so kindly shares. I chose this little darling because 1-she was adorable and 2-I use to quilt. Some days I want to sit down a sew but then remember how long it use to take me to make a king-size quilt for our bed. We're talking months and months...... and months!
I became attached to this little ATC for some reason so I will probably hold on to it for a while. I have become curious about old vintage ads. I love the graphics, color and even the humor the artist put into the selling of a product. That was back in the day where everything was done by a pencil and paintbrush. Not the modern computer programs we have now. Oh, I'm not knocking computer digital graphics, I seriously have an attachment to Photoshop Elements, I'm just saying that they didn't have the advantage we do in the 21st century. With that being said, one has to admire their ability to create beautiful pieces of advertising art. I've found some that I would love to frame and hang on my living room walls but there is absolutely no space left. Sigh...
Thanks for stopping by and if you need a little inspiration, check out The Graphics Fairy. I'm sure she will have something to help the creative mojo get moving.

Stained Glass From A Transparency

2011-02-10T11:14:00.005-05:00

Laura Carson of Artfully Musing is a multi-talented artist who was so kind to share this tutorial with the ATC Group on Flickr. You must visit her blog and check out her many gorgeous pieces but I must warn you....it's pure eye candy! You will drool over all her beautiful cards, so grab something to drink because you may be there for a while.
She posted the tutorial on Friday and as soon as I got home from work I went straight to work trying to replicate stained glass and became instantly hooked. The secret ingredient you ask......embossing powder! I'm not kidding when I say that the embossed transparency looks exactly like a stained glass window!! This picture really doesn't do the background piece justice because I'm not a very good photographer when it's after 11pm and I should be sleeping!
Thanks for stopping by and if you get a chance, check out Laura's blog, you won't be disappointed.

More ATC's

2011-02-02T12:59:00.003-05:00

I've been missing in action for so long but it wasn't because I didn't want to post! I got a new computer and for some reason Blogger and the new computer was having a feud. Blogger would not accept anything I tried to post but my hubby finally had time to check into it and it seems that some setting in my new computer was turned off. Yay, so now I'm back in blogland. I've been busy feeding my new art passion...ATC's. I just love making these tiny little cards and have even ventured into "cut and paste", which scared me to death. I've been digital for so long that it was like trying to learn to ride a bike for the second time. There was a little learning curve and I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable with each one I make. Trading them with other artist all over the world is truly amazing. I've received cards from farway as Thailand, Holland and England. Ok, I won't go on and on but just wanted everybody to know that I'm back and hopefully will start posting on a more regular basis. Thanks for stopping by!!

Geishas Everywhere!

2010-11-29T13:36:00.007-05:00

Since sleep eluded me last week, I made Geisha layouts! There has been a lot of Geisha images floating around the Internet lately and they intrigue me from the way they decorate their hair to the art of applying their makeup.

Hopefully sleep will be my friend this week but if not, I will plan on visiting ancient Egypt to see what kind of layouts I can come up with.

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Credits:

The Geisha images are ones that I've collected over the years.

Golden leaf metal frame fromZtampf's kit titled "Evening Falls"

All other elements from Joelle's kit titled "Panda Dream"

Thanks for looking!

The Three Muses Challenge - Automobiles

2010-11-16T18:34:00.006-05:00

This week the Three Muses challenged us to use "automobiles" in our entries. Since I was running short on time, I'm entering a piece I did a while back. I love this old car because my grandparents owned one very similar to it back in the day.
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Credits:
Everything from Clementine's kit called "Tommy Boy"

Three Muses Challenge - Blackbirds

2010-11-09T20:16:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you but I always hear the blackbirds before I see them. They are always squawking about something and sometimes it can be rather nerve racking. Especially early on Sunday morning when I'm trying to sleep in!
This is my entry into the challenge at the Three Muses

The Three Muses Challenge - Hats

2010-10-26T17:50:00.003-04:00

This is my entry into the The Three Muses challenge this week. She's one sassy lady sheriff who runs a tight town in Ole El Paso and her hat gives her the confidence she needs to rustle up some law breakers when needed. However, no one ever takes her seriously. Could it be the pink hair or her pet zebra that follows her around while she's working?

Three Muses Challenge - Things With Wings

2010-10-19T18:39:00.002-04:00

This week the theme at the Three Muses is "Things With Wings". I made this ATC for the challenge plus I'm hosting a raffle over on the Flickr group called ATC Raffle Cards. It's a fun group and if you are interested go over and check them out. The rules are simple, if you win a raffle you have to host a raffle. Simple right? It's fun receiving mail and seeing where it came from.
The older I get the more this little tidbit of wisdom rings true. I've seen things (as many of you have too) that I never would have believed possible 20 years ago. I'm talking about clothes, politics and even cars. It's the kinda stuff that makes you sit back and say, "huh?"
Thank you ladies AGAIN for a wonderful challenge, you ladies always rock!!

Theme Thursday - Pink

2010-10-13T18:55:00.001-04:00

The theme this week at Theme Thursday is Pink for Breast Cancer awarness month. Who better to model breast health than Marilyn Monroe! So ladies...don't forget to protect the ta ta's and get a mammogram and remember to do your monthly exams cause we all want to keep and protect our ta ta's!!!!
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credits:
Birgit Kerr: Crumpled Paper Borders
Studio Ruby: Alter Native for the background paper
Sande Krieger: French Laundry Overlay

Just For Fun

2010-10-13T10:51:00.006-04:00

I am smitten with ATC's lately. I find they are fast to make and fun to trade with other artist. The smaller size fits perfectly into the small time slot I have for creating art these days. If you are interested in seeing more wonderful mini masterpieces, check out Flickr, you could spend hours just browsing through the galleries.

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Credits

Water Street

Tumble Fish Studio: image of little boy is from "Just Stuff" collage sheet and the red/gold border is from "Pieces"

Jofia Devoe: background paper

Lily: water street sign

Irene Aleexva: maple leaf

FineCrafted Designs: frame from "Good For What Ails You" kit

Creations by Rachel: boat and string of fish

Fair Maiden
Sherrie JD: image of maiden

FineCrafted Designs: frame and flowers

Lorie Davidson: bug used as her ear ring

Holliewood Studios: circles used in background (recolored)

Tracy Ann: flower spray used in background

Weeds & Wildflowers: b&w inner border

Gothic Beauty

2010-10-03T15:21:00.020-04:00

These two ATC's were made for a swap at Swap-Bot called "Gothic Beauty". I had no idea that ATC's could be so much fun, especially trading them to people from around the world. I created these in Photoshop and then printed each layer separate and then cut and pasted them onto the ATC card. Tiny work but fun!

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Credits:

Itkupilli and Keeper of the nest - gothic collage sheets

Tumble Fish Studio - Miscellany collage sheet

Holliewood Studio - danger and private property signs

Theme Thursday - Dark and/or Gothic

2010-09-29T19:50:00.004-04:00

This is my entry for the challenge at Theme Thursday. It was inspired by my friend Marsha of Tumble Fish Studio. Thanks for looking!
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Credits:

BG paper: freebie from irargerich @ flickr
City Scene and asphalt road: Holliewood's On the Road Kit
Wings: Art Dollies Kit
Grass: Spring Faeries
Highwires: Clementine's Tommy's Town
Lightning: Obsidian Dawn free brushes

Three Muses Challenge #70 - Victorian

2010-09-28T18:51:00.015-04:00

Finally....I'm back! It's been so long since I've been able to play and this challenge was a great way to get the ole creative flow going again! Not only are the challenges fun, they also make a person think and I always learn something new. For instance, Queen Victoria held the throne longer than any other given the fact she was crowned at age 18. She is also contributed with the "Victorian Era" from the style of clothes to household furnishings. She also had some great quotes, things that my own grandmother would say. Anyway, I think she was rather....ummmm....handsome!
Thanks to the Three Muses for another GREAT challenge!!
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credits:
Holliewood Studio:
Art Dollies - background paper
Void - birds, lights
ATC #4 - gate, pedestal, candle
Cemerony:
Row houses (recolored) are from Sheet 179 on Etsy

Wild Thing....I Think I Love You

2010-06-27T20:45:00.005-04:00

Nancy Baumiller of Crowabout StudioB has two new kits available at Deviant Scrap. Here are two samples I made using funky creatures from the Wild Things and Paper kit. I added hair by using Anna Aspnes Hipster Plumes 16 and the black and white border is from Tumble Fish Studio's new kit Big Whimsy

It's Good to be Loved!

2010-06-16T14:40:00.001-04:00

Just a little something I made this week while thinking about this hot weather and wishing I was at the beach.

Credits:

Holliewood Studios: Love & War Kit-frame

Topiary Kit-frog

Art Dollies-Fish

Spring Faeries-wings and crown

Tumble Fish Studio: Angels Kit-fish

MK Designs: bg paper, tree, sandhill, water

Head: freebie from Picasso's Woman

Body: Caby Cajubrasil Collage Sheet

~Inchies~

2010-06-14T13:13:00.004-04:00

Hollie of Holliewood Studios at Deviant Scrap posted a challenge for us today using a premade template of inchies. I thought that it would be an easy challenge but it wasn't! I tried several times to come up with something and ended up using the "delete" button several times also. It's name is correct....it's definitely a challenge but a fun one. I went with something a little more safe, I used my old scrapbook pages because they were already in a square format but please check out the other samples because they are truly wonderful. Here's a link if you may be interested in trying your hand at creating these little masterpieces Inchie Challenge

1962

2010-06-10T15:00:00.004-04:00

yep, that's me...the little pudgy girl with her daddy. Of course I don't remember the day but my mom said we were on the Maryland coast swimming and picnicing and just having fun. I made this in the regular 12x12 format so that I can put it with my other scrapbook pages.

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Credits:
Used the following kits from Tumble Fish Studio:
City Limits, Funky Scraps, Crazy Crowns, Just for Fun, Snappy Dresser and Fish Babes
Also used:
Clementine's tree from Tommy's Town and
Lily's background paper, knot and net from Autumn by the Bay.

The Three Muses Challenge 50: LEGS

2010-05-11T19:08:00.001-04:00

The challenge this week at The Three Muses is LEGS and boy did this lady have a set! What I like about Marilyn was that she had a normal body....not too skinny and not to large...just normal. I was not blessed with a knock out set of legs much to my dismay.
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credits:
Holliewood Studios: background papers, wings and crown
Nancy Baumiller: borders
Marilyn Monroe: freebie from Suzee Que
Truck: my own stock

Fashion Accessories

2010-05-10T12:52:00.005-04:00

I made this over the weekend while playing with Photoshop as part of a Mother's Day gift. No housework, no food preparation, just a couple of days playing on the computer. It was great and oh, how I wish I could do it EVERY weekend but alas, my family members would become too skinny and they would be seen in public wearing dirty clothes! So back to reality for me....bummer

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Credits:
Nancy Baumiller (my mentor): all borders
Tumble Fish Studio: juicy plaid
Lorie Davison: top hat
Studio Flergs: background paper

The Three Muses Challenge 49: STARS

2010-05-04T21:21:00.002-04:00

This is Mollie and she has always been a free spirit. She is easily bored in the evenings and decided tonight that she wanted to fly amoung the stars. She found an old lantern to take along in case it got too late and she needed to find her way back home. She brushed the dust off her wings and decided to give it a try. Mollie stood on top of the old barn out back and wished upon the brightest star in the sky to grant her this one wish. With a big gulp of the night air and a giant push upward....... and whoooosh, she was off. It's still early and she's not back yet so we left the porch light on for her.
Visit The Three Muses to see more fabulous entries to this week's challenge!

Theme Thursday: Black and White

2010-04-28T22:33:00.002-04:00

This is a super easy layout I did a while back but it fits the challenge this week over at Theme Thursday. Thanks for stopping by!

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Credits:

Sue Cummings: Photographs Overlay

The Three Muses: Music - Music - Music

2010-04-27T19:48:00.013-04:00

This is my entry to the The Three Muses challenge this week. The theme is MUSIC.

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Credits:

background: ruby blossom from flickr

row houses: beth rimmer's kit "man around the house"

string musicians behind window: flickr group's tribute to suzee que

window: irene alexeeva

flooring: superior graphics

wings: tracey monette

scallop border (recolored): sandie kreiger

conductor suit and woman's head: my own personal stock

quote: ronald reagan

The Three Muses Challenge: Hats, Crowns, Wings and Things

2010-04-20T19:17:00.010-04:00

This week we were challenged to make a piece of art with the theme of Hats and Crowns, Wings and Things. These three ladies love to give us fun and mind stimulating challenges each week. You can check them out at The Three Muses. This piece is larger than I normally do but no less the fun. I think I may have spent way too much time on it but I find digital art a way of relaxing and that's a GOOD thing!
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Credits:
Holliewood Studio: trunk from On The Road kit
jack in the box from Thing Finder kit
Sandie Krieger: bottom scallop border
Itkipilli: wings
Anna Aspnes: old film frame overlay
Nancy Baumiller: word strips and the red/white border
Irene Alexeeva: red curtain from Her Lullaby kit
Junebuggs: Main photo of man - freebie from her flickr page

The Three Muses: Maps

2010-04-14T14:20:00.000-04:00

If you knew me, you'd know this is a joke. I can't read a map, don't want to read a map, could care less about a map, etc. Why, you ask? Because I am a "by landmarks" type of driver. If there is some distinct landmark nearby...I can find my way. My sister is the map reader however. Our inside joke is that I'm the pilot and she's the navigator. Thanks to the ladies at The Three Muses for this fun challenge.
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Credits:
Jeep: a picture of my son's actual jeep
Girls: googled
Dog & Luggage: freebies from Efie's Blog

Sunday Postcard Art: April in Paris

2010-04-10T21:59:00.000-04:00

I made this postcard for Sunday Postcard Art from a photo of mine that was taken in 1996 when my baby sister and I went to Europe. We had the best time while there. There are two things that stand out the most in my mind about this trip: We had gone to the Eiffel Tower late and wanted to go all the way to the top (which took a little while....so many people had the same idea.) It was certainly worth it though because the scene from the top was breathtaking! Paris at night made it easy to see how the city is engineered, like cogs in a wheel. But.....we forgot about the Metro shutting down at midnight and ended up running through the streets of Paris like Olympic sprinters. 500 meter runners had nothing on us that night! Lucky for us we made it! The second memory is seeing the Mona Lisa and how small the painting is in real life. I've posted about this earlier in another challenge. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to go and I treasure the pictures I took while there.
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Credits:
The table and chairs, flowers, crates, wine glasses are freebies all from Efie's Blog. The overlay is from Sandie Krieger.

Three Muses Challenge: Blackbird Inchies

2010-04-06T20:22:00.002-04:00

I was trying my hand at "inches" this week for the challenge over at Three Muses Challenge because I think they are interesting and I wanted to challenge myself with the smaller size. (enlarged here for easier viewing) Well....I am here to tell you that these little gems are addicting! I couldn't stop at just one....so I made a grouping. Is more than one bird considered a gaggle or is that only reserved for geese?

Theme Thursday: Favorite Alphabet Letter

2010-03-31T21:53:00.003-04:00

This week I decided to make a tag which is a little different for me but just as much fun! My tag is depicting my most favorite letter in the alphabet....the letter "a". My boys names are Adam and Andrew and if I had had that little girl, well she would have been Alexandra. This picture is from a while back but it makes me smile still to this day. Gosh, I love these guys! Thanks to the ladies over at Theme Thursday for yet another great challenge.

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Credits:

I used the kit from Studio Flergs called Estranged

and the tag is from Katie Pertiet's mask kit called Tag Masks Brushes and Stamps #1

The Three Muses: You Are What You Eat

2010-03-30T21:10:00.000-04:00

This week the ladies at The Three Muses challenged us to create a piece of art to the theme of "You Are What You Eat". My mind went back to college days and the name Giuseppe Arcimboldo came rushing forward. The paintings that he created are still amazing to look upon. This particular painting is titled "Summer" and was created in 1573. Thank you ladies, this was fun!

Theme Thursday: 2 x 4

2010-03-24T20:23:00.000-04:00

The theme at Theme Thursday this week is 2x4 and it's left up to our interpretation. I didn't realize how small a 2x4 area was until I started trying to fit things into the small space. This is one of my secret desires: to have long, skinny, shapely, tanned legs. This is physically impossible since I have a 5'6" body and short legs but a girl can dream right?

Three Muses Challenge: Nature

2010-02-16T21:11:00.000-05:00

Here in the states, we have been under a seige of cold temperatures, chilly wind, snow and more snow. Some states are worse than others but here in Virginia we have certainly seen our fair share of snow. Lately I've been thinking a lot about Spring and being able to see the beautiful flowers and trees that bloom in my yard. It's always an excellent time to take photos of nature and last spring, I caught this bumble bee gathering pollen in our crab apple tree. He was so busy that he didn't notice me, so I got several good shots of him before he flew off. The crab apple blooms were gorgeous but made it hard to see the bumble bee so I turned them to black and white. Not the prettiest of pictures, but it's a good reminder to us that warmer weather is just around the corner. This is my entry into The Three Muses challenge for this week. Love you ladies!!

Week 4 - Play

2010-02-04T10:56:00.005-05:00

Here's my Week 4 entry for Art Journal Caravan over at Scrapbookgraphics. Our itinerary was to explore color and our word was "play". This is what I came up with when I combined the two. I love the way this turned out and I've decided that I love LOTS of color!
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credits:
christine honsinger - banner beauties
miss vivi - the essential splatter
nancy baumiller - collage pieces
joanne brisebois - wings
collage anonymous - odd bods
anna aspnes - old film frame
kate teague - hallow'd out alpha

Week 1: Believe

2010-01-24T17:32:00.002-05:00

I was behind with my journal pages over at the Art Journal Caravan so my blog entries are out of order. BUT...I'm so happy it worked out this way because this has to be my all time favorite creation to date. My husband and I went to New Orleans as part of our 30th anniversary trip and this jester's mask was perfect for me to use some of my own personal photos of the trip. The mask is part of a kit by Ruby Rynne called Native Too. The background picture is actually taken on Bourbon Street and the sign is also mine. The body of the jester is from a challenge I participated in where Charlie Chaplin was the subject. I used his body and attached the jester on top. I then used a lot of different photoshop brushes to pull it all together. Did I say how much I love this page?!

Week 2: Accept

2010-01-17T15:16:00.006-05:00

This is my Week 2 entry for the Art Journal Caravan over at Scrapbookgraphics. I'm a week behind any hopefully I will get caught up this week. The word we were to use was "accept" and I figured that if Johnny could dress up like this, (of course he gets paid big money for doing this) I could be comfortable with who I am. And I am. I just wanted to get it down on paper. I printed this journal page out so I can put it in my AJC journal and it really looks magnificent in real life. Thanks for stopping by!!

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Credits:

Tangie Baxter: Steamer Trunk-starburst
Nancy Baumiller: collage sheet pieces

Sandie Krieger: French Laundry Overlay

Christine Honsinger: Banner Beauties

Font: Specil K

Art Journal Caravan is Underway!

2010-01-14T20:35:00.001-05:00

The Art Journal Caravan has started its one year journey into the world of art journaling. If you've ever wanted to art journal but didn't know where to start or how to get started, then this journey is for you. Every week Tangie Baxter gives us caravaners (is that a word?) several prompts and we pick the one that speaks to us the most. She also highlights one artist's blog for us to explore and absorb as much inspiration as we can. This weeks itinerary was the journal calendar. With that being said, this is my first entry, it's 100% digital and I love the way it turned out. I moved at turtle speed putting this together because its new territory for me. My inspiration came from this week's blogger, Geninne. What talent this lady has! So, if you are interested, check out Tangie's new expedition over at Scrapbook Graphics and join us in the 52 week journey.

New Family Member

2009-12-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family, CJ. He's 3 1/2 months old and full of spunk and on occasion, himself! I forgot how much work these little guys can be, and everyday is something new. No time to create anything these days but once we all get accustomed to each other, I'll be back!!!

Three Muses Challenge #28: Bottles & Jars

2009-12-08T20:16:00.000-05:00

The ladies at The Three Muses challenged us to use bottles and jars in our entry this week. Well, let me tell you, I got carried away! Once I started adding bottles to my window ledge I couldn't stop!! This was so much fun....thank you ladies for this challenge.
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Lorie Davison: Before the First Snow Kit

Three Muses Challenge: Fun & Games

2009-12-01T21:08:00.004-05:00

The challenge this week at The Three Muses was "Fun and Games" and I had way too much fun putting this together tonight. My son has a poster of an original oil painting by C. M. Coolidge, commissioned in 1903 by Brown & Bigelow to advertise cigars.This particular painting is titled "A Bold Bluff". In 2005, the painting was auctioned off for almost $590,000.00. Whoa! I almost started to feel bad by altering the photo by adding party hats, cats and a dart board but it was so much fun that I got over it! I added two admirers and tried to give it a surreal look by adding the playing cards on the floor as if the fell out of the painting.
Thanks again for the challenge. These challenges have got me to produce more art in the last three months than the past two years!!
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Credits:
Holliewood Studios: Old School and On the Road

Sunday PostCard Art: Let it Snow

2009-11-28T18:00:00.005-05:00

I absolutely love this photo, it reminds me of an old Russian Santa. It's been in my stash for a long time and the challenge this week at Sunday Postcard Art was a good excuse to bring him out. The theme this week is "Let it Snow". Thanks for looking!

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Credits:

e-lena designs: First Snow Kit (background and tree)

Mystique: Big Movie Kit (bricks)

Sande Krieger: French Laundry Photo Edges

Image: origin unknown

Birds: from my own photos

Script Brushes: unknown

Sunday Postcard Art: Music

2009-11-14T21:03:00.002-05:00

The challenge this week at Sunday Postcard Art is music. I love music, all kinds of music and I'm sad to say that I can't carry a tune in a bucket or play one single musical instrument! My guys bought me an iPod last year for Christmas and I love to listen while I'm creating. I hope this piece depicts what I take this quote by Hans Christian Anderson to mean. Thanks ladies for letting me play this week. I've been so consumed by Nancy Baumiller's Collage Class and playing with paper and glue that I've neglected by computer. LOL!

Art Creations Friday: #48

2009-11-06T17:04:00.000-05:00

Art Creations Friday gave us this little sailor boy image to create with today. It is about 53 degrees Fahrenheit here today so it was nice to dream about being at the warm beach playing in the sand.
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Credits:
Autumn by the Bay: Lily @ After 5 Designs
Word Art: Ali Edwards
Image: Art Creations Friday Freebie

Sunday Postcard Art: Edgar Allan Poe

2009-10-31T21:36:00.006-04:00

It is written that Edgar Allan Poe considered himself a Virginian. I am also a Virginian, so I felt I had to give him my best effort. He was born in Boston in 1809 and after his parents died, a wealthy Richmond merchant (Mr. John Allan) took him in. He sent Poe to the University of Virginia to be educated where he studied languages but Poe managed to accumalte a gambling debt that Mr. Allan refused to pay. Edgar goes to Boston and joins the Army. Later, he marries his 13 year old counsin, Virginia Clemm. She dies 10 years later, childless. He travels to New York but decides to stop in Baltimore where he was found delirious wandering in the streets. He dies four days later. His death is still a mystery but his short stories and poems live on forever.
Thanks to the ladies at Sunday Postcard Art for this challenge that taught me something about a fellow who lived very close to my home almost 200 years ago.
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This piece was inspired by a flyer I received back in Dec. 2008 to honor Edgar Allan Poe's 200th birthday.

Art Creations Friday #47

2009-10-30T09:24:00.000-04:00

Today's challenge at Art Creations Friday was to make a piece of art using this image of the pretty lady, which is posted on their blog. Since tomorrow is Halloween, I decided to do a Halloween piece, which will be my last Halloween piece until next year...maybe. Thanks for stopping by. I love company!!

Theme Thursday: Favorite Colors

2009-10-28T20:16:00.002-04:00

The theme this week at Theme Thursday is about our favorite color. Mine is any shade of blue! According to Color Wheel Pro, blue has the following meaning:
Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.

Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. In heraldry, blue is used to symbolize piety and sincerity.
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Credits:
Laurie Ann of HGD: Stamp Belle Jardiniere
Anna Aspnes: Sparkles
Sande Krieger: French Laundry Borders
Butterfly: googled
Angel: public domain

Three Muses Challenge #22: Fowl Play

2009-10-27T20:09:00.003-04:00

What is it about men and directions?! They would rather die than ask someone how to get somewhere. Looks like that bizarre behavior is present in roosters too!

Harold was determined he could find the hotel on his own. Lucy was extremely annoyed with Harold because it was late, they were cold and it was way past the kids bedtime. Hope someone passes by soon...for the kids sake!
Thanks to the ladies at The Three Muses for the fun challenge this week!
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Credits:
Take Me to The Old World Kit by Lily @ After 5 Designs
Winds of Change Kit by Natasha NaSt. Designs @ Shabby Pickle
The Bright Night Kit by Jofia Devoe @ After 5 Designs

Theme Thursday: Faces

2009-10-21T22:35:00.002-04:00

My entry to Theme Thursday challenge. I decided upon this image because it shows the two faces we all have; happy and sad. Her happy face truly depicts happiness and serenity, the sad face shows anguish and hurt.
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Credits:
Image: Freebie from Suzee Que on Flickr
Thanks Suzee Que!
Script: My own personal brush
Overlay: unknown (hue was adjusted to white)

Three Muses Challenge: Long Ago, Far Away

2009-10-20T21:40:00.005-04:00

When I think of long ago and far away, I immediately think of Egypt. I've always had a fascination with Egypt, Cleopatra and Marc Anthony so this was a good reason to create something along those lines. Once again I used stock image from deviantArt. Thank you ladies at The Three Muses, this was fun!
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Credits:
Background: texelgirl-stock
Egyptian Props: shd-stock
Aloe Plants: Christina Renee
Fire: my own stock
Nuthatch: freebie from Two Dresses Studio
Thanks Trudi!!

Sunday PostCard Art: Gothic Grunge

2009-10-18T00:57:00.001-04:00

This is an older layout that I re-vamped for this challenge over at Sunday PostCard Art BUT I forgot it was supposed to by 4x6!!! I'm going to place my entry in anyway because this layout is funny and we can all use a little funny in our lives these days! This is my youngest when he was two years old and let me tell you...this boy was a handful. The caption captures him perfectly!

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Credits:
Joe Designs: brick road, old truck
Anna Aspnes: overlay (re-colored)
Obsidian Dawn: cityscape, telephone poles, barb wire (all are photoshop brushes)

Art Creations Friday: 45th Challenge

2009-10-15T20:01:00.002-04:00

The quote says, "To find the beautiful is to have it within us." I thought it was appropriate for this sweet little girl's picture since she's absolutely beautiful.
This is my first entry for Art Creations Friday. Thanks for letting me play!

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Credits:
Anna Aspnes: PhotoBlendz Clipping Mask
Sande Kreiger: French Laundry Photo Frame

I've Been Tagged

2009-10-15T15:47:00.001-04:00

My blog friend, Peggy Gatto, tagged me with this lovely award, and now it's my turn to list 7 things about myself that you probably don't know. Here it goes:

1-I have blue eyes, brown hair and really deep dimples.
2-My roots are from Ireland and I so want to visit there before I die.
3-I have two sons who can do anything and do it well. (what can I say, I'm their mom)
4-I use my left hand to write but everything else is with my right hand.
5-I will be married 30 years on Oct. 20 to my high school sweetheart.
6-I love to laugh with friends, go out to dinner and act silly with my sisters.
7-I love to travel and can't wait until I retire so I can go, go, go!

Three Muses Challenge: Hair

2009-10-13T21:05:00.000-04:00

Come on, admit it, you've had days like this when nothing was working right, especially your hair! I know I have on more than one occasion!! You feel like a fire breathing dragon and you will cut your husbands tie to pieces if he looks at you like that one more time!......My remedy was to cut it short and be done with it.
This was fun, thanks to the ladies at The Three Muses for another thought provoking challenge.

Sunday PostCard Art: BlackBirds

2009-10-10T21:11:00.001-04:00

Momma Bird just wanted to go next door and visit with Betty for a few minutes but Baby Bird wasn't too keen on being left alone in the nest. He went to the top of the tree and starting yelling for his mom to come home. Poor Momma Bird....always being pulled in so many directions.

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