Isn’t it fun to receive a present with a little surprise tucked in the package? I am very thankful for friends and family that think of little gifts to add along with what they consider their main gift. I am the type of person that saves tissue paper and gift wrap, so for me these …
Sometimes we need to take a break from the usual routine. Doing so allows our mind to clear and make room for new thoughts. It also allows room to let the unexpected happen. I do this when instead of collaging or painting my background papers I use pre-made die cuts as the main focus of …
Are your planners ready for the New Year? I have always used a planner, so much so that when the kids were young they would refer to my planner as my “brain” book. Over the years my planning has changed. I no longer need to track piano lessons and multiple dental, doctor appointments, it is …
This year I ventured out into purchasing gift certificates on-line. I am not an on-line shopper so, for me, this is really different. Now I need a way to “package’ them for gifting. These envelopes work perfectly, are quick to make and I can upcycle stuff from my scrap pile to decorate them. Are you …
It is so nice to have cooler weather and overcast mornings. We do not see much of a change in seasons so even these small changes are welcomed. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons. It is a time for cozy clothes, soups, and sometimes we get a bit of rain. We have a few …
Most of my holiday decorations are years and years old. I enjoy their age. Every year when I start decorating the house these items feel as if I am reuniting with old friends. There are many happy memories behind most to the decorations, especially the older ones. Memories of painting or making them. Of the …
Do you have a few old business cards that you can upcycle into tags? I like to use business cards and garment tags to experiment with different paints, inks and papers. The result is instant mini art works to be used in other projects. Another advantage is that because of their size, they are quick …
I gave myself the task to regularly clean up an area, drawer or box in my studio. This came about from participating in a ‘happy mail’ swap. It is amazing what can be found tucked away at the back of a drawer. I save a lot of odds and ends, items that I think I …
A friend that is a ceramic artist once told me that sometimes our best work is what we do while taking a class. At the time I was discussing the inability to capture drawing the same way I did in my college art classes. There was a focus then that I do not have now. …
I love messy studio time!!! It is a time when it does not matter where the splattering paint landed. I am naturally drawn to bright colors and patterned clothing especially florals. When these get paint on them the splatter does not stand out. The paint splatters on my clothing either become part of the fabric …
