My Secret Journey Vessels Deco pages

I used a variety of items to add a title, " I "cherish" collections from the journey." A 2" vellum envelope to hold some 2" squares that are embellished with images and text to list some of my favorite things while others are simply listed; kind of scattered about the pages in one way or another. It was hard listing all of them on these 4"x6" pages, but I managed to include quite a lot. Here's my list: tiny trinkets and treasures; learning and self-discovery; vintage papers and photographs; spending time in nature; pretty little things; swaps with friends; letters from loved ones & friends; hidden treasures. The right hand page is also an eclectic mix: collecting skeleton keys; traveling and road trips; embroidery, sewing, and quilting; old buttons and lace, being a mother and a grandmother. The calendar represents seasons of my life, while the number "3" is one of my favorite numbers.

In the back section, on one of the accordion folded pages, I wrote: Ladies, My collage pages represent a small portion of the things I treasure and cherish. I tried to list material possessions and some of my favorite things --- but my life would not e complete without my love and faith in God; my soon-to-be husband, Don; and our close family and friends. Of which, the members of this group have became such a special part of my life. For that, and our swaps, kindness and sharing, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Cathy <3

Just to keep me using my paper arts supplies...

This is the front cover of a Deco that I've been slowly working on for a Deco RR in one of my favorite paper arts groups. There is an accordion style book that is adhered to the last page; it came that way when I purchased it. I added the front section of signature pages for my intro and for establishing my theme with texts, photos, and embellishments. I have some things that I am desiring to finish up working on before I ship it off prior to the mailing date. Notes and ideas are jotted on a sheet of paper for when the time comes to me to focus on it a bit more or when the urge to do so strikes me. I promise to share more of it, as I continue working on it, and as it begins to circulate. I chose the theme, "Sacred Journey Vessels" which I'll explain more of when the time comes. Heck,I may have even hinted about it previously, my mind's a bit gone, LOL!

It gets a little crazy sometimes juggling so many interests, hobbies, and crafts and I often think I've dove off the deep end on too many times! However, I love the variety...in fact, it is the variety that often inspires me! I'll see something somewhere and think wouldn't that be neat to do with whatever technique or whatever medium that has came to mind. I've often wondered if maybe I should narrow my scope of focus just a bit, but quickly came to realize that somehow that just wouldn't be staying true to me! If you didn't already know, I'm an Aquarius with a ruling planet in Saturn and Uranus --- the planet controlling change! I think that truly sums it up! At least I can't say, "I'm bored!" as there's always something that I can be inspired by and working to create. That's the thing... I "NEED" to create... I feel as if my soul is shrivelling up and dying if I'm not working on something or have a project going.

I once thought that maybe I should back off on swaps and sending RAK's {Random Acts of Kindness} just so I could focus on creating and exploring my own style. What I learned is, or maybe that should be - what I fear is, that somehow all I've learned and accomplished will fall by the wayside and I won't get started on it ever again. I've too much time and money invested to stop now, LOL!

More photos....

This is a close up shot of the outside and inside of the cards and the box that I created. The box is created from cardstock using an adapted version of a slider box template. I create mine bigger than the template dimensions using the same principles the template provides. The card and the paper gracing the slider box are stamped using an Anna Griffith Hydrangea stamp and embossed using Ranger's Black Detailed embossing powder. After embossing, I colored the images using Lumiere's in a soft pink with gold and a pesto colored green for the leaves. It is truly difficult to capture the shimmer and shine that these possess. On top of the slider box adorned by a paper medallion with a layer of a paper streamer. I'm am often asked what I use to adhere these with and must confess that I learned from trial and error. Originally, I tried photo stickers, then using glue dots. Now, I find it easier to simply heat up my glue gun and add just a dab, adhering and holding the medallions while the glue dries. I use th same technique to adhere them to the slider box.

Testing...

I decided to check out my new camera today. This new Photosmart M425 has a heck of lot more features than my previous E317 so pardon me while I am learning about all the bells and whistles this thing is capable of. I've found the best way to learn anything is through trial and error so a lot of the pictures you'll see here will be a reflection of that --- although I will attempt to make them interesting. This photograph is the two cards, tags, and slider box that I recently created along with the surprises that will be going inside. I'm certain I could have captured a better image had I had a bit of experience using this camera... until then please bear with me. I will try to add some more as I learn.

*****************************Edited to add ********************
Since I took this photograph inside my home in front of the window, the cards cast a shadow on the box that I created. I'll capture another view of it for you later. The round metal tag on the left of the photo is stamped with a $1 stamp that I couldn't resist picking up at Michael's; it says "a little something" in a circle format. Inside I signed and dated my creations. The small tags were cut using my pinking rotary cutting blade --- I am so loving that thing! The sentiment is "Love and Devotion" created in a Gothic style font. A silk flower attached with a smaller floral brad holds on a piece of vintage printed ribbon that was strung through two printed paper heart punchies and tied for additional texture. I will explain more about the other artwork that is pictured here as I capture some additional images. Until then.... ta...ta...

My first artwork since the remodel began....

When I first saw a link to this Gothic style arch, I instantly knew that I wanted in this swap! Although at first, I was a little intimidated by its shape, I quickly put that notion in the back of my mind. A friend of mine shared her rendition using Michelle Ward's line of Green Pepper Press images, I was truly inspired. Not owning any of Michelle's images although I have coveted them for some time, I decided to visit her Green Pepper Press website. I was once again inspired, especially by one of her images, "Blackbird singing in the dead of the night" which reminded me of yet another song... Simon and Garfunkle's Sound of Silence. So, I got into Microsoft Word, googled the lyrics, and pasted them in, played with text until I got it how I wanted it and finagled it around from there to fit the arch.

Next, I was stumped for images. I could go through my own stash but before I head to the studio, I decided to do another internet search for Gothic style artwork. It was then that I spotted the Madonna and Child images and instantly knew that was what I desired to use! Another google search led me to this one and although on a porcelain box it worked since I only needed it to be 2D! After chosing the image, I remembered that I had a rubber stamp that has the hands of creation in it and I though it would be cool stamped on a transparency and used within the piece along with some gold heat embossed swirls.

Once the idea was there, the rest, as they say was history. I couldn't work fast enough to get this assembled and I love the results. The gold tinsel was the perfect touch, agree?

 

I created this in response to an ATC challenge in a Yahoo Group. The challenge is to create ATC's in the form of an art journal. I choose the word "Balance" for my art journal today as I am finding that there really is a very fine line between all aspects of my physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental capabilities, especially as I struggle to create and organize my studio. I have worked on an off in an art journal over the course of several years, so I took a twist with this challenge and created it with what supplies I had available to me. I think I'll use this in a page within my art journal and create a matching ATC later when I have the supplies available to me.

Lace ATC Swap...

I captured a photograph of my recent Lace ATC's for a swap. I considered uploading them, however I don't want to ruin the element of surprise for some of the participants who also read my blog. Instead, this post will serve as a "bookmark" for editing after they have been swapped out.

Unleashed Zine and Projects

Here's the picture that I promised to post... On the top shelf sit the Mystique Scroll Box and Assemblage that I created (back in 2003). The bottom shelf holds the Star Book and box that I created to hold it. Looking back now I think my artwork was created a little before its time --- it seems that these are gaining a renewed sense of popularity! On the right side of the photograph is the Unleashed Zine, as I mentioned before it was a collaborative effort with a group of wonderful artists.

Why am I organizing...

After dinner, I returned to the studio for just a bit. I boxed up several years worth of Creating Keepsakes magazines to free up the magazine holders so that I could sort through and organize my beloved issues of Somerset Studios magazines. {Sorry, CK!} Although the Creating Keepsakes magazine are several years outdated, I am not quite ready to part with them yet as there are too many years of collecting information, articles, and ideas that I may desire to incorporate into my current artwork and they can become a resource for my daughter, Amber, who is still learning. I placed that box back under my shelving unit along the west wall.

With the magazine holders free for storing what I want at my disposable, I set out to the task of sorting all my Somerset Studio publications. What a task! Have I mentioned this is my favorite publication? Anyways, issue after sweet issue of Somerset Studios, Expressions, Legacy, Stamper's Samplers, SS Gallery, and Take Ten became a challenge, but I overcame! and I quickly realized that I will need a few more, LOL! I have some issues here in the house that have yet to see the studio... but one day soon they will, and I will be happier person because they did.

After sorting, I placed the magazines in the holders and at the bottom of one of my bookcases. That is, after freeing up that space of a lot of my art library books! Which, by the way, are now laying flat on my stamping table. I will tackle that task tommorrow!

While in the studio, sorting through the magazines, moving my art books, I came across a few zines. Some I had forgotten I have but within them was one very special to me one, titled, "Unleashed" Unleashed was a brain child of mine that was created with a fun group of Mixed Media artists a few years ago. I became fascinated with zines after ordering the few that I own and instantly knew that at least once in my life, I desired to create one. Well, anyone who has ever created one knows what a challenge that is, so I elected to invite a few friends along for the journey and together we made it a collaborative effort --- out of a dream and into reality. Only the members of the collaborative project have a copy, with possibly the exception of one participant who had to drop out --- as a group, we decided to send her a copy to enjoy! Re-discovering Unleashed in my art library, was one of those "Oh My God!" moments as the joys, insecurities, and doubts that I had felt then once again rose to the surface. That rush of feelings was like a tidal wave that crashed upon my soul and was quickly replaced by the treasure I held in my hands! I couldn't wait to pull up a chair and re-read it. I was amazed to read an article I'd written based on some of the responses each of us had regarding, "What makes an Artist, an Artist?", read through each and every one of our artist statements, gaze upon all the artwork and instructions for re-creating each and every project that each of us has contributed. It was a wonderful journey down memory lane and I smiled proudly to myself as I set it upon a picture stand and displayed it proudly in a place of honor on a shelf surrounded by the artwork that I had created for the project. Perfect!

P.S. I promise to take a picture of its cover and its place of honor within my studio tomorrow. That is more than I can say about taking pictures of my studio in its mess! Sorry, but you my dear readers are going to have to wait until its cleaned, LOL! I don't want to embarrass myself! To quote one of my online friends, Tina: "it looks like Michael's threw up in there! LOL! {That should bring back some memories and warm and fuzzy feelings.}

A few cards for the New Year...

As I was recently thinking about a new beginning of a new year, I decided to create some cards that I will need to get mailed soon. Desiring to get off on the right foot this year, I am beginning by tackling the first three months of the year, so that I will be off to a great start!

My goal is to continue working on my cardmaking for all those special occassions of my family and friends before I start to work on some more general "Thinking of You" and "Thank You's!" It seems like I never create enough of these.

To further assist me, I printed off an online address book, placed my personal address book with my stationery suitcase, and will be adding a new 2007 calendar to it soon.

*Note to self: Stock up on Postage Stamps to add to stationery suitcase soon and a new 2007 Calendar*

The card design I chose is a courtesy of Becky Fleck from Page Maps This is the first time I have used Becky's Card Maps and I loved it! It certainly saved me a lot of time not having to come up with a card design. I believe I'll be using more of these as I continue to work. Why should I keep re-inventing the same wheel? I believe by using them, I can get a lot of my cards created and ready to be sent early this year so that they will be on hand when I need them. I've always desired to have a good stash of cards ready when I need them but somehow never mastered that; hopefully 2007 will be the year that I do!

Happy New Year!

Can you believe I slept through it? Yep, the good old Nyquil did the trick. Don woke me up with a kiss, saying "Happy New Year, Baby!" before I fell gently back to sleep. I woke today feeling a lot better and am looking forward to 2007!

With the recent events of "celebrating" yet another New Year (LOL!), my 2nd Bloggervarsary!, I've done some 'years in review' for you! Actually, it is more of "where can I find your artwork?" post... until I get all my labels in place. I hope this will assist those who frequent my blog and those new to visiting!

December 2004
Pictures of my Studio!

January 2005
Microscope slide, colored pencil work, collages, book covers, handmade books, and ATC's

February 2005
ATC's, ATC Box, Altered Clipboard, Tags, a section of my Art Idea Journal RR, Matchbox Journal, A Journey of Two Sisters Handmade book using a Book Band, a Piano Hinge Book w/ tutorial, ATC's, Magic and Moonbeams Altered Book

March 2005
Collages created for Art Idea Journal RR, Faux Postage, ATC's and binder for a friend, Accordian book tutorial, Chain stitched book

April 2005
ATC's, Collages for Art Idea Journal RR

June 2005
Altered Art Puzzle piece, ATC's, Bottle Caps, Art Charms

July 2005
Autumn Nature Journal, Envelope template book pages

August 2005
Double Needle Coptic Book, Japanese Stab Bound Book, Baby Blessings book{let}, Tags, Heartsongs - a circle coaster book

September 2005
ATC stamped shirt, and European Paper's House of Cards 2005 Exhibit, Book Awl photos, Inner Vision Accordian Book

October 2005
Art Journal, January’s Angel for a Tag Swap, French Photographer Shadowbox

November 2005
Hometown Ghost and Mysteries Swap

February 2006
Baby Shower Games, Dream With Faith Pop Up Card and tutorial, Baby Shower Invites, Always Remember to Bloom Coptic Stitched Book

March 2006
Nature’s Beauty Tinnie with a tutorial for Tinnies, Colored pencil artwork, Music of the Heart Swap contribution

April 2006
Stationery Set RAK, Altered ATC Tags, Rambling Man, Kaleidoscope Stamping, ATC with Marble Patina tutorial, Easter Tussie Mussie, Rubber stamped Cards and Stationery Set

May 2006
SB page pieces for Alexxis’s album, SB Page for Amber’s album, Mother’s Day Card and various other cards, Kitchen Remodel, Studio update of book shelves, Altered Lamp Shade, Hat box, Bottles, Clipboard, and Printer’s Tray

June 2006
Page in my Artist’s Journal, Pamphlet Stitched Book Instructions, Stab Bound Book Binding Tutorial, Stamped Submission Folder’s {although I haven’t submitted anything!}, ATC Postage Swap, Leaf Shaped gift Card, Holly Berry House Medallion, Holly Berry Bird RAK packages and card, Hand-drawn ATC challenge, Art Idea Page contribution

July 2006
Gratitude Garland, Folk Art Bird, Alexxis’s Artful Banner

August 2006
Swapbot Variety Collage Swap Image CD holder, Mon Ami Deco Swap with Deco Pages, Slipcase and a Pamphlet Stitched and a Coptic Stitched Book swapped with an online friend, Artist’s “In” Box with Gratitude Garland, beginning of Glimmer, Shimmer, and Shine Altered Book, Mon Ami ATC, Sketches and Watercolored sketches, Art Journal Page, ATC Swap, another Deco

September 2006
Screenprinting, Altered Tags, Altered Love Potion Bottle, Anais Nin quote collage, Art Journal, ATC, Lianne’s Deco Page, Paper Medallions and tutorial, Stationery Suitcase

October 2007
Shrines, Rebecca’s Deco pages, Collage Ephemera Box, 12x12 Collage

November 2006
Notes & Quotes Japanese Stab Bound Book with Altered Wooden Tags, Wendy Addison Fairy in a Jar, Christmas Gift Sets with Altered Matchbox Slider Boxes, Heaven and Nature Sing Shrine, Deborah’s Friendship Deco

December 2006
Christmas Tinnies, Alexxis’ Quilt


I hope this will help others who may be looking for something specific or those who are new to visiting my blog! Enjoy!

Some "New" Art....

I created this artwork using some new stamps I purchased today. {Gotta love clearance prices!} Rubber credits: Anna Griffin {All Night Media, Hampton Arts, and one "passion" is unknown. All of the coloring is created using Prismacolor pencils. I used a black pen to add a touch of details to some of the images and some journaling. At the top right, the text reads, "All she ever dreamed of was living with passion." The center has text written along the leaves of the flowers to say, " her soul longed for flowers..."

Do Dreams Have Meaning?

Apparently, in my life, they do!

I remember a few months ago, when I had the dream regarding creating "And the day came..." collage. I dreamt about it before it was created! I reached out into my dream to touch it before I awoke. I felt this over-powering desire and urge to create it; that nagged at me until I did exactly that! I remember Jacque posting a reply to my collage after I shared it on 2P's stamping gallery, and her reply, "It must feel good to bring your dream to life! It's like something wanting to be born..." and my friends, that is exactly what it is like! A desire, a need, a ... whatever... waiting to be born!

Remembering that dream, right now, and thinking about it, I cannot help but to think about the Anais Nin quote that I submitted to Suzanne of Quietfire Designs to be created in calligraphy and made into a rubber stamp. "And the day came when the pain of remaining tight in the bud became greater than the risk it took to open." Is it possible that these are some long ago, forgotten memories, that are somehow painful or so personal and heartful to me, that in some way,they have no other way to surface or manifest themselves in my life?

Ever since I began discovering the enjoyment that creating in paper arts brings to me and my life, I have dreamt about creating. It is a part of my creative process, somehow. Whether it is a design idea, an embellishment, or the concept behind a piece of artwork, I can no longer deny that it is there. As an mixed media artist, I have struggled to find my own personal style and my own niche within its circle. I am honestly believing this is a part of the creative process, just as imitation of other artists has assisted me to grow through learning along the way. I don't think I am all that different from other artist who desire to grow in their artwork. I long to tap into my own sub-conscious mind and bring those thoughts, feelings, and ideas into my own reality. Heck, I've even wondered what artwork I am capable of creating if only I could somehow tap into that state of mind and history is filled with a variety of artists who used mind-altering drugs to achieve that state of being. Now, mind you, I am not that desparate, LOL! although an occassional glass of wine or other alcohol beverage doesn't seem to interfere with the process. I have long admire other artists who seem to be able to reach deep down inside themselves and bring those thoughts, ideas, and concepts back out into the light of reality. I admire their willingness to share such vulnerabilities, with such a sense of honesty and integrity, and the boldness it has to take to simply put it out there!

I guess I never really gave myself credit for being able to do that. Honestly, I never thought that I would be one who would be capable of doing it. Creating this blog, two years ago, was a challenge for me, LOL! It is that vulnerability, that sense of opening up and saying this is who I am that is so scary. I believe I am so fearful of what someone else may think, or say, or do, that I am not so comfortable with sharing. And can definately understand that... about myself and others. I believe everyone's spirit has somewhat or somehow been murdered, in some way or another, from our dealings with the relationships within our lives. As I grow as an artist, I cannot count the number of times that I have heard, read, or felt the concept that "Art Heals" or "Art Saves Lives". And I truly, believe it does!

As many of my blog readers know, I have recently been struggling with employment issues. I don't just want a "job", I want something meaningful; something that I am so happy doing that the payment I receive is second to the love and enjoyment that I derive from doing it! I have been praying recently about this, seeking some clarity, and I don't have the answer yet... but I am certain that somehow "creating art" has something to do with it!!!! Afterall, that is my dream!!!

Where have I been? and a Collage idea....

The last five days have been a blur... and frankly, I'm really not certain where they have disappear to, LOL! After finishing up the kitchen, I baked and decorated some Christmas sugar cookies for Don and I to enjoy. Of course, they are gone now; but there is a freshly made batch of sugar cookie dough waiting in the refrigerator for me to bake and decorate today. {smiles}

Last Saturday, I seem to have sort of just fallen out. I have not had much energy to do anything with and began wondering if I am on the edge of obtaining a cold. I sat at the kitchen table and put a 500 pc. puzzle together, took an afternoon nap, made dinner for Don and I, cleaned up afterwards, and re-discovered the couch!

Sunday, Sheila telephoned to invite us over for a lasagna dinner; so we ventured over to Galion to enjoy the afternoon just visiting and chatting with friends. In the evening we headed into Target to pick up a few household necessities; made a quick stop into Barnes & Nobles, where I acquired the newest issue of Somerset Gallery.

On a whim, I ventured back to the Craft book section and was delighted to find Sally Jean Alexander's Pretty Little Things book! I'd recently informed Don that I would love to have it for a Christmas present, so I picked it upfor myself, deciding to save him the hassle, LOL! I even had good intentions of waiting and saving it until Christmas, wrapping it up, but somehow after reading Somerset Gallery, I found myself deep within the pages of Sally's book! The book itself is a work of art!!!! I love the soft aqua, beige, and white backgrounds, the graphics used in the design, all the eye candy, and techniques to one day try and experiment with! I dove back into its pages on Monday as well, since I'm still not feeling up to par yet.

Monday and Tuesday went on by... yet, somehow I had managed to cook everyday, clean up afterwards, wash/dry the laundry as it accumulates, and even did a little bit of housework here and there --- just enough to get by! For some strange, unknown reason, I'm not sleeping very good. Either I'm tired and go to bed earlier than usual and sleep for about 4 hours and wake up wide awake; or I seem to toss and turn through the night, waking up frequently, attempting to get back to sleep before giving in and just getting up. The bad part is, I am waking up around 3:30 a.m.!!! Urgh! That certainly makes for a long day, especially when you have no energy to accomplish much of anything, then fight the desire to go to bed early in the evening.

Today was one of those days. I somehow managed to make it through the day; having cooked us a wonderful dinner {roast, beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, and corn} and doing the bare minimum of housework {dishes, dusting, sweeping, vacuaming}, playing with Chaos. Yet, tonight was one of those nights. I retired around 20 after 11, fell right to sleep, to awake at 3:30 a.m.!!!!

I do know that I was dreaming... something about assisting to solve a little girl's disappearance; seeing her collage-style encased in glass, and wrapped with wire. I remember despirately thinking, I hope that she is alright and no one finds her murdered before dozing back into a deeper state of sleep. {Too much Sally Jean reading; LOL! Maybe...}

After a while, my dream continued... I was a little girl again, only instead of dreaming --- although I was! it was like a recording of a memory was playing within my mind. Something, I haven't remembered or thought about in a very long time. I may have been 5, 6, or 7 years old at the time this took place, but I'm thinking I was in first grade for some reason. Anyways, my Dad was out on the road {he was a semi-truck driver} and mom had already left for work for the day. Several of my older brothers and an older sister had left me behind as they left for school because we were unable to find my shoes that morning. So, I was home alone, searching for my shoes and unable to find them, I sat down in a chair in the living room and began to cry.

Right about then, a lady appeared at the open front door asking me why I wasn't in school. When I replied, that I was unable to find my shoes, she asked to come in and help me look for them. Of course you can! I'm elated at this point for someone's here to help --- well, so I thought! I opened the door for her and we began searching for my shoes. I remember feeling disgust coming from her as she found a pair of shoes belonging to my younger sister; tossing them to me, and telling me to put these on. As I started to protest, she became angry with me, shouting at me to just put them on. So, as I struggled to put my younger sister's shoes on my feet, the tears began to fall. She had yelled at me and was now attempting to assist me getting these shoes on my feet. Once done, she walked me to my school that was a block away. I remember crying, saying how they hurt my feet, to which she told me to shut up and keep moving. I remember arriving at my classroom, feeling relived to finally be able to sit down, and wishing desparately that I could remove them. Somehow, I made it through the day in school with these shoes on my feet, to feeling relief at taking them off at the end of day right outside of the school and walking home barefoot with a smile on my face!

As I lay there in the throws of dreaming, I remember thinking it was my childhood spirit that was murdered! Tears began streaming down my face and I awoke to warm, wet, salty tears thinking "2 shoes; 2 small" Now that I am actually awake, I got up out of bed, attempting to regain my composure before I wake up Don and Chaos.

I'm not certain why I had this dream; why I would recall such a painful memory from my childhood? Anyways, I do know that I really feel a strong need to document it. I believe that I want to create this into a glass encased charm, wire wrapped, of course! for a bracelet, perhaps? I will definately be adding the title, "2 shoes, 2 small" a maybe a broken heart charm for my childhood spirit that was murdered! On the back side, I'll definately have to use a stamp or an image of a pair of Mary Jane's! Although, I don't rememer the style or type of shoes exactly, Mary Jane is my younger sister's name!!!! Hopefully, my gesture of creating this collage-style charm will somehow heal that awful childhood memory and repair a little girl's broken childhood spirit.

More Christmas Goodies...

These Ornaments are wooden tags and I've created a co-ordinating "Notes & Quotes" Japanese Stab Bound little book.

I tried once again to capture my rendition of

my Wendy Addison Winter fairy in a jar.... I think it is a better view of the outside of the jar and the glittered stars. A rim in the formation of the jar distorts when photographed but not in real life.

Another Christmas Set

I felt creative again tonight so I created another Christmas set using another vintage image and a new banner saying, "Warm Winter Wishes" This set will be going postal so I decided to include one of my Paper Paper labels.

Christmas Gift Box with a gift tag and card

I have been desiring to create with some vintage Christmas images and this Old World Santa lended himself perfectly to this set of artful creations. He is adorning a red decorative paper lined card with matching "To/From" gift tag. I used a circle chipboard and a peppermint sticker on the inside, with a glitter sizzix cut star graces the outside.

The Christmas gift box is completely handmade! It is a slider box (matchbox style) adhered to a chipboard covered and printed paper layered support. Red tinsel surrounds but does not interfere with the sliding portion of the box. The inside contains more of the green printed paper on the bottom, although cotton could also be inserted. Surrounding the box is a pinking sheared edge border upon which I've placed a paper medallion, another paper covered circle chipboard, and a pinking sheared edge banner that says, "Christmas Wishes" Completely Barbara Schriber inspired!!!!

I am also desiring to walnut ink some shipping tags! Some will be crinkled first, while others will be created as is. Vintage images and jute will be added to them so I can hang them on our tree as ornaments. I'm thinking I'll glitter some sections of some, create some plain, and others may just get some Diamond dust sprinked over them. I'm excited about the upcoming holidays! Can you tell?

Now for some of my most recent artwork...

My target tree! I so feel in love with these little trees from the Dollar Spot at Target. Unfortunately, the Target at Polaris had no gold ones, and I was torn between choosing between this irridescent, a teal, and the traditional silver style. So, I compromised! I purchased this one and a silver. One will be in my art studio, and one in Alexxis's nursery here. I would have loved to have been able to put lights on it, however, decide to think safety and peace of mind over beautiful lights that would be seen infrequently.

In front of the tree to the left, is my Wendy Addison rendition created fairy in a jar style. Gold glittered stars adorn the jar in a variety of places... {2 small and 1 large}. I used a Ragu Spaghetti Sauce jar for this and hot glued "Have yourself a merry little christmas" ribbon to the side edges of the jar's lid. On top is a paper medallion with a "Joyeux Noel" banner! The banner is combinition of white text weight paper, speckled gold vellum, with a matted verse over the red patterned paper medallion. I'll show you a sample of the medallions in my next post.

"Heaven and Nature Sing" Shrine, continued...

This shows the view of one of the sides that I have managed to complete today. I used a bit more of the Basic Gray paper here to provide some additional contrast. There is more bordering a stamped quotation in the inside above the nest, unfortunately the sunlight is fading and I was unable to capture a good photograph. I cut out a bird from the same aqua color Cavallini paper and added some popdots underneath it for additional dimension. The ribbon is satin and I used Cavallini alphabet stamps to stamp "sing" in sepia ink. More images from another Cavallini sheet, grace the inside front in the form of eggs. I hot glued in a shot glass, added the word, "nest" from the aqua sheet. More dried natural twigs fill the glass and assist holding another bouquet of painted silkflowers.