New Toy

My daughter Amber, the web designer, the middle child, the Amboo Bamboo, gave me one of her old tools to use with my ArtRage2.5 Plus program.  She downloaded the software and got me started.  I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with this new toy.  My first drawing with WACOM Graphics Tablet is very primitive, like a child's drawing.  I'm very much inspired by the artist Danita who is featured in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of  Somerset Studio Magazine.
I'll call this little one Emma.

Xmas Cards

I even created my own little logo to place on the back of my handmade cards.  And of course it's a little owl...bella luna handmade.

Xmas Cards

I've been busy making Christmas Cards these past couple of weeks.  I've got almost 30 made.  No two are alike, although they may look similar, it would be crazy for me to get each one to exactly  the same.  What's the fun in that.  Like I've written before, I love the randomness.  There are so many different examples that I borrowed from magazines and books that I put my own twist to, some are real simple and straight to the point....Have some awesomely happy holidays.

Wanda

So this is what happens to the markings left on a sketch page that is being used as table protector.  No ink or glue left on the table, but a strange little person had to make itself known. I'll call her Wanda.

Work in progress while enjoying a Starbucks favorite

Starbucks and Artist Trading Cards

Two to three times a week I car pool with my husband to work.  He drops me off at the Starbucks right near the department store I work at.  I have to say that I really love my Starbucks.  The morning crew is the best.  They are just so friendly and always make me feel at home.  They have my name and favorite drink memorized...like CHEERS," where everyone knows your name".  I spend anywhere between 1 and 2 hours hanging out there patiently waiting for my shift.  I chit chat with some of the regulars.  Jenn and I discuss the happenings at work and artsy crafty projects.  Sometimes I bring along my crochet or a book to read or my sketchbook and favorite pens.  I always have my little Nano ipod with me.  Music and podcasts help me pass the time away with much ease and joy.  I listen to This American Life, Crafty Pod, Oprah's Book Club or Spirit cast.  I really enjoy watching Scraptime and Paperclipping.  I like to think that I'm taking an online course where I always get a A+  while sipping an iced venti green tea and snacking on yummy banana nut bread.   I learn so much and the inspiration is overflowing.  Today, I brought several blank ATCs, brush pens, rubber stamps, paper scraps, glue stick and scissors.  I used the definition of the word 'superfluous' as my theme and title.  I'm pretty pleased with the results. 
from: superfluere "to overflow"...joy, beauty, love, passion, laughter, fabric, chocolate, music, books, paper, friends, family, flowers, butterflies, kittens, sunshine, time...........

My challenge results

Had a wonderful afternoon of creating ATCs for Jenn. I ended up making 15 and added 2 extra from my own stash of crafting goodies.  I love doing abstract designs and got some pretty funky cards to trade.  Hope Jenn likes.  I still have quite a bit of bits and pieces left over just waiting to become something. I love working on these little 2.5 x 3.5 formats...so much fun and easy to get those creative juices brewing.

ATC Challenge

My ATC buddy Jenn was feeling really down because her kitty was very ill, so to help her get in the creative mode I put together a zip- lock bag filled with bits and pieces of scrapbook papers, stickers, cutouts, beads and brads and challenged her into creating some ATCs to trade with me.  Well, her kitty sadly passed away and this challenge helped her to get her mind off of her heart breaking loss for a few hours.  Jenn did awesome job.  To say the very least, I am very impressed with the outcome.  Jenn put a goody bag together for me with this same challenge.  I hope I can pull off the same magic with paper, ribbons, snippets, recycled bits and glitter.  I only have 3 finished...I tend to think too much about what to put with what.  So I'm putting on some music and getting busy with the ARTSY CRAFTY MAGIC.  Will post my finished cards soon...hope Jenn likes.  And remember,  they never ever really leave us when there is  LOVE.