What a haul!!

After a day of antiquing, I came up with quite a haul. All of these items will be used for my altered art in some way. I went through about 200 different pictures, and about 500 postcards to get this selection. I can't wait to scan everything and then play with it all.

Take a look at the black scrapbook behind the postcards. That's g
going to be used for an altered book group that will be starting a new round in September. My theme is Black & White and using one color for an accent. I've been keeping my eyes opened for the perfect book, and was lucky to come across this...and the price was right.

Look at all the notions! The most exciting one there are the flowers. They're from around 1930...and were in excellent shape. I bought all three bunches....that way I can share! I was also excited to find more measuring tape. I just commented yesterday that I didn't know what I was going
to do once my Grandmother's stash ran out. Now I have more.

And lastly, the Ephmera...some sheet music...I really love the artwork on "Why is the Moon Pale". There's some money, envelopes, tally sheets...oh yes, 2 keys, a key plate...and the most amazing sterling bee. SCORE!

Hope you enjoyed viewing my grand day of finds. The best day EVER. I have a hard time just finding one or two things on normal days....and to find all of this in one day was amazing.

Let's Go Green

Over at Paper Whimsy I'm participating in a Swap/Challenge by using "green" items. I'm still working on the first piece...but this one came to me, and I had to work on it right away.

My "green" items used here are: a page out of a book from the early 1900's, a used match, a CD sleeve, a zipper toggle, my name ripped from an envelope addressed to me, the lid off a container from a gumball machine.

I really like how this one turned out. If you look closely at the title this will all pull together for you. I really wanted to put the zipper on her mouth, but I restrained myself.

This was a fun excersize. Now, to finish my other project tomorrow.

What I'm currently working on

While at the cabin, I've started working on a project that is due this Friday. I'm a bit behind, so now I'm having to make up for lost time.


This project is a Paper Whimsy project that is all about going GREEN. So, for awhile I've been collecting items that I might use to create whatever it is that I'm creating. Right now, I'm in the laying it all out stage. I have a backing that is currently drying that you won't see in this picture. It's a pizza box, with a dryer sheet glued onto it. I plan to add some paint and embellishments to it when it's ready. What you see to the left started out as a part of a flyer from a "Victoria Secret" mailing. The cutie is hiding the bra wearing girl in boots from the ad. I added the wings to her to help conceal...the girl behind. The bottom left hand corner has a new sticker that is covering the prices from the flyer. Some of the other recycled items that I'll be using in this creation is the mini drink umbrella, the tag at the upper left hand that was a price tag off a piece of clothing, that will pull from behind the flyer. The tab at the top, is a tag that I clipped out of the back of the shirt the price tag came from. You'll also notice some bubble wrap, postage stamps, and some poppy seed heads. I have a few more things I may or may not add....it just depends what it all looks like when I start gluing it all down. I'm liking the colors so far. How about you?

Elk Rapids, Michigan

So the first day of vacation started out somewhat slow. We slept in a bit and took our time finishing packing everything up. It rained all night and we woke up to rain off and on. By the time that Jack got ready to put the canoe on top of the van, of course it started raining again. So that delayed us some more. We finally left home around 10:30ish and decided that we were hungry, so we stopped in Anderson and ate Kentucky Fried Chicken. After filling our bellies and the gas tank, we got on the road at 11:38am. The trip was wet, cool, and windy. Once we made it into Michigan, the sun started shining through, but even though there was sun...it was still pretty cool due to the wind.

After the fairly quick trip of 6 1/2 hours to the rented cottage...we arrived to see the most beautiful, clear, and blue lake. Amelia and Jack decided to try the water out a bit, only to find out that it was a bit on the chilly side. As you can see from the picture...it wasn't terribly sunny at this time of the evening due to some rain clouds...but they enjoyed the quiet time anyway.

We've already sampled the local sweet cherries. Yum! Some of my favorite fruits...and they're local and the trees are growing EVERYWHERE! We plan to bring some home with us. My dad will really enjoy them too.

I did pack lots of art supplies. I have one project that I need to post this week, so I must work on it. I have a couple more that are due very soon, so if I have time, I'll work on them too.

Think hard and you'll be sitting on the dock too!

Sunny Day

I took this picture this morning out one of my kitchen windows. The weather has been so off and on again the past couple of weeks, that I welcomed the sun this morning with a smile.

The past two Saturdays we've been wanting to attend the Raintree 100 at Mt. Lawn Speedway, but due to rain...the races have been post-poned. So the sun this morning was a welcome addition to start my day.

The sun helps me appreciate my collection of cobalt glass lining my double kitchen window. There's nothing like looking at the sun through my kitchen windows and seeing the affect that the sun has on the glass.

Happy Sunday!

ArtChix Bi-weekly Lottery - On Your Way Home

I love participating in the Bi-weekly Lottery over at ArtChix. It gives me a chance to try out different themes and techniques.

I admit, lately I haven't had much time to work on my art like I'd like, but I've always found time for the Bi-weekly Lottery. I don't think I've missed one week since I joined in in January.

I feel so fortunate to have won the lottery this week. I love the fact that I get to receive pieces of art from so many of the artists that I admire.

I decided to have a little lottery of my own with MY piece and Pam McKenzie had the winning ticket. I'll be mailing it out in the next couple of days.

I look at the lottery as a chance to art...not necessarily a chance to win...but I DO think it's fantastic when I win!! I can't wait for the mail to come tomorrow.

Helga's Pink & Blue Challenge

Helga from ArtChix has challenged us all to play with Pink & Blue this week.

I've been behind in my artwork since I started my new job, but this weekend I did get about four projects done and felt like I could make some time to play in this week's challenge.

I haven't participated in Helga's Weekly Challenge for about a month and a half or longer. I miss what I learn about art and myself when I complete one of her challenges.

Helga challenges us to be better artists. To search deep within ourselves and create something that shows others who we are through our art. If eyes are the windows to our soul, then art must be the window to our being.

My Desire is to continue to create art to make myself feel worthy and happy. I feel great when my art affects others in a positive way. I hope they feel happy, which in turn makes me happy.