Sunday, January 13, 2013

In the studio 1-13-13

Here's my current "Read List".  Notice the book, "Optimism", by Christian Larson.
My 2013 word (mantra) is ...
OPTIMISM.
Last year my mom and sister bought this book for me from Chinaberry's, which is one of our favorite places to shop north of Bossier.  I normally have a clear direction for my word each year, but it took a little longer on this one.  I always seem to have an epiphany and know exactly what my word should be when I come across it.  More throughout the year on optimism.
Some other books are school-related.  I'm learning some good stuff, and love my new job more each day.  Finally, before Christmas, I realized I was having fun LOL.  Another book was written by a favorite artist of mine, Kelly Rae Roberts.  She has words of widsom for starting a creative journey.  Also included is a new book from mom and dad about Clementine Hunter.  Oh how I love it !  
It's been a while since I've posted.  On the home front, I'm purposefully enjoying my time with my boys lately.  2013 will bring big changes in our household, and I'm pretty sure I'll just have to hang on and be optimistic.  J.T. will graduate from NWLTC in May and is looking for a new city/job so he'll be moving.  I'm so proud of him...all A's this semester :)   We pretty much spend our time watching movies and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  Kirk did very well, as always this semester and will be a senior in May.  He has a big decision coming up, and I just have to pray God's will for his life, because this mom is a little worried.  I'm claiming Romans 8:28.  The good news is I quickly realized the things I worried about in 2012 were so silly and a waste of time.  Yes, I can confirm, God always works things out for good.  
Christmas was just a great, peaceful time with family.  The boys and I took a road trip that was pretty awesome.   We went to the DFW area.  They enjoyed Bass Pro, Cabela's, rock climbing, and ice skating.  We saw a couple of movies and found a great hotel in Grapevine.  My reason-for-going was to attend a big warehouse sale by SUZANNE MCNEILL,publisher of Zentangle 8.  Suzanne sold her publishing company and is moving from a warehouse to an office space.  Her kind husband was checking air in my tires LOL...yes, that's how I work.  We had just enough room for the 3 of us to ride home LOL.  Let's just say I racked up.  I'll have to post a picture of my bowl hand-painted by Suzanne.  I'm calling it my color wheel bowl, but I would've paid more for that bowl than I ended up paying for a car full.   Ribbon 25 CENTS per SPOOL.  No, not per skimpy roll, per SPOOL.  Good grief.  Suzanne gave me a shout-out on her blog.  Check it out at blog.suzannemcneill.com  .  I met some great people, and I adore being around creativity.  It makes me happy,.
Speaking of which....
I thought I would just brainstorm a list of things that are inspiring me lately.  School consumes so much of my time, I'm not creating much, but to everything there is a season and I want to process all of this.  For now, I keep researching, and receiving direction for my creative journey.  I plan to break each one of these down, and share some information in a series of posts for you to read and see.  
So, here goes....

Romero Britto, Bob Ross and his happy little trees, Suzanne McNeill, Zentangles, The Dot and The Ish by Peter H. Reynolds, Circle Painting, millefiori, Russian nesting dolls, Clementine Hunter, Vera Bradley, Dan Dunn, Cirque du Soleil, George Rodrigue, mandalas, shotgun shacks, alla prima, and a long list of creative friends.





Thursday, November 1, 2012

In the studio 11-1-12

And, here it is....4 pages plus the cover.  I was surprised Suzanne included the front of a thank you note I gave her after the workshop (JOY) mini card.  






Wednesday, October 24, 2012

In The Studio 10-24-12

My sweet friend, Kelley, went home to be with the Lord yesterday after a 3 year battle with stinkin' cancer  And, right in the middle of a broken heart, I get the most exciting news today.  God's good like that.  I can finally share the news:
My art has been PUBLISHED in a book, Zentangle 8.
 Can you hear me screaming?  Woohoo. Check out the author's website at blog.suzannemcneill.com.   She is an awesome teacher, and I sure feel privileged to learn from the best.  I illustrated the "T" and the "Z".  (Not the Z at the top) . I didn't know my designs would be on the cover too, so I was super excited today when I received the email. 

I think this may be just what I need to get out of this creative slump.  The last few months I have worked harder professionally than I have in the sum of the last 11 years.  I forgot how exciting it is to learn new stuff and I feel like I'm finally moving from exhaustion to excitement, or somewhere in between.  Stay tuned for more Zentangle news and photos of new projects we're doing in El Dorado.
Suzy
 

Sunday, June 17, 2012

In the studio 6-17-12

It's been a nice, creative week. 
First, mom found this picture of me at 6 years old, and I had to share.  I love the braided pigtails. 
 On Thursday night quite a few Claiborne Parish friends went to Painting With A Twist in Shreveport.  We painted Irises (although I'm pretty sure mine are some other ...species).  It was a blast. 





I think I've mentioned before, but I love to re-purpose things.  The other 2 pictures are of things I have for sale.  I added owls to them.  That seems to be popular now, and hey, they are a symbol of wisdom :)
E-mail me at toddsuzy@bellsouth.net if you're interested.  One is just on a piece of glass...like a door hanger, and the other things are bulletin boards.  They are a matching pair, but I will sell them separately.  $15.00  each.
I will be posting more pictures often of cute junk (ha) that I have for sale.  Let me just say I have ALOT of it.  I think I just had an epiphany..."cute junk" is kindof a good name, huh?
It seems everywhere I turn the Lord is speaking to me lately through others or things I come across.  My fabulous doctor reminded me we often limit God to being good.  I was claiming Romans 8:28...that He will work things out for my good.  But, He is really in the business of doing GREAT things.  I put on an old sleep shirt the other night and it was from our Sunday School class.  Our class is named "FOCUS" based on the verse Phil. 3:13.   While, I'm not forgetting the past I sure am looking forward to what lies ahead.  When I focus on that, things are exciting.  I have an interview tomorrow and I'll update with more information later. 
suzy

Monday, June 11, 2012

In the studio 6-11-12

Here's a look at my ZIA finished and framed.  It was a fun and relaxing piece to create.  No pressure.  That is when I get lost in my work :)








I still have some wooden circles calling my name.  I vision them all painted with a Vera Bradley type floral.  I discovered an artist by the name of William Morris the other day.  He lived in the late 1800's and yet his work includes the most beautiful floral designs I have seen.  I think he was the first to print repeated designs on fabric. 

I spent much of the day working on this week's Happy Project.   It's the big secret I'm waiting to share, so I will quit mentioning it until pictures can be included. 

Looking forward to painting with some friends at Painting With A Twist Thursday night.  It's an open invitation.  I think I need to train myself to paint like that more often.  I rarely, if ever, do a painting without drawing the design out first.  I like the idea of completing one in 2 or 3 hours.  I think the larger brushes make me paint faster, more freely and loose. 

Suzy

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Happy Place

I just finished this canvas.  I think "happy" should have been my 2012 word, but one thing is for sure: I have been working "diligently" in the last few weeks to discover what makes me happy.    This canvas will be part of a series of paintings I call "Write-Ups".  This would be fun and easy to do for a class (using your choice of text) if anyone is interested.

Now, this was one of my stops today.  Does anyone recognize this?  Poor little fellow is gone now.



The last three pictures are of...you guessed it....Zentangles.  First there is a large piece that is a work-in-progress but I'm loving it, so it's moving quickly.  I have a frame waiting and will be taking it to the gallery.
Next is an even larger piece.  I'm guessing about 18x24.  I love projects that appear to be difficult, but really they aren't. 
Finally a sneak peak at something big.  Can you see the "Z" ?  This is a special little Z.  I plan to show you this as I progress and when I'm done I'll make the big announcement.  This is an official Zentangle.  Remember the other two I've shown you today are called ZIA's (Zentangle Inspired Art). 



Suzy

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Happy Project...

A shout out to two of my Jennifer friends.  First, Jennifer F. and her mom took a picture in NYC of a flower stand and I have been hooked on making tissue paper flowers ever since.  That is what inspired me to attach them to stems and use black buckets for the display.  Here's a photo of my precious nieces with the flowers in their colors. 
Second, Jennifer T. used the term "Happy Project" the other day, and it has stuck with me.  It inspires me to do things that make me happy. 
Here is a picture of my first official Zentangle.  I learned that all that I completed before were actually called ZIA's.  (Zentangle Inspired Art).
Finally, at the end of the day, both boys are home tonight and that makes me happy.
Suzy

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Art Vacation

Well, I finally escaped to Fort Worth and went on an Art Vacation.  Thanks to my awesome cousin, Mindy, who allowed me to crash at her lovely house.  As a side note Mindy is a Scentsy consultant and we discovered my new favorite scent, Luna.   Mindy and I went to Riscky's BBQ, Rosa's Mexican Cafe, Charleston's, and the Movie Tavern.  I also discovered I should be a city-girl.  Man, I'm missing out.  I didn't even KNOW there is a movie theatre in which  you can order dinner while watching the movie.

Now for the creative stuff.  I attended a 3-day workshop on a new addiction called "Zentangles".  I came across them about a year ago, but I must admit, I didn't realize how technical they are...in a good way.    I was off-based in teaching that you draw without thinking.  Zentangles are very detailed and each little pattern has a name.  It is, however, very relaxing.  Check out the official website www.zentangle.com .  Very. Cool.
So, I had the privilege of learning under the famous Suzanne McNeill.  I can't even begin to tell you how many books she has written and published.  Check out her blog at www.sparksstudio.spappages.com
Of course, there's a reason she is so successful.  She has unlimited knowledge, creativity, and kindness.  You don't just find that every day.
As I went in Michael's this week I noticed  a whole section on Zentangles including Suzanne's book.    She is about to publish her 8th book and I have the MOST exciting news to share about that book.  Details and pictures to follow in a couple of weeks.


Meanwhile, I'm excited to return to blogging and plan to share more news soon.   This week has been a reminder of how God has placed very specific people and opportunities in my path the last few months for a very specific reason.  Also, as my doctor said yesterday, we limit God to working things out for our good, but I'm believing for GREAT.   His plans are so much better than mine and it's exciting to allow Him to work. 


Today, you're seeing a photo of my Happy Project.  I love making tissue flowers lately and they look great in a variety of shades.  I'm displaying them in black buckets giving the feel of a flower stand.  This photo was at the Claiborne Jubilee, our local art festival.  More on that later too.  


Look for art all around you this summer.
Suzy

Monday, January 2, 2012

DILIGENT

There's something about a new year that makes me want to blog. It probably has something to do with reflection and focusing on what lies ahead. A few years ago I came across an "idea" to choose a word each year as a mantra of sorts. A word that is uplifting and encouraging. In 2009 my word was Create. 2010 was Praise and 2011 was Happiness. Looking back I don't think I quite embraced my word for 2011 like I should have. I read something today about the difference in happiness and joy. Happiness is based on your feelings and what is going on at the moment. Joy is internal. A good friend of mine uses JOY as her all-time word. I love that.
So this year my word is DILIGENT. A few weeks ago a heard a sermon preached at a funeral and the verse "The Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (H
ebrews ) was mentioned. It stuck with me that day for some reason and I began praying about my word. Meanwhile I kept coming across the serenity prayer (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference). The word serenity was my 2nd choice but I need more of a motivating word this year. Calm and serene is not exactly what I'm going for. I need a "getting-things-done" kind of year. I will share a few of the specific things I want to be diligent in as I blog this year.
So, let me explain a little about choosing a word. I'm not a New Years Resolution kind of person. However, I do need visual reminders to focus on things and I liked the idea of one simple word. There are alot of artist/crafters who blog about this. One of my favorites is Ali Edwards. She calls it "OLW (one little word)". Tons of ideas on her site if you have time to look.
So of course the first step is to choose a word. Since we should pray about everything I think it's worth a little prayer time. Maybe you have no idea where to start or like me
, you have way too many words you're tossing around. A good place to start is the concordance in the back of your Bible or a fruit of the Spirit. Again, you need an encouraging word. Something to make you feel good. Don't choose organization if it's going to stress you out :) The next step is to research your word a little. Look up the definition of your word. Find songs, scriptures and quotes. It's really exciting and you wouldn't believe how often your word will "show up" in the most random places. Plaques, notepads, etc.
I bought my sister a package of notecards from Michaels for Christmas because they have eyeglasses on them and her husband is an optomotrist. The word under the glasses was "clarity" and she knew right away that would be her word. I didn't even think about that at the time. Last year as she was trying to choose a word she literally had this wooden plaque fall on her foot that said Faith. LOL.
So, as we start a new year, I hope to blog more about creative things. I plan to honor God more creatively. Let's start here and I will be more diligent to share ideas with you.
Happy New Year friends.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

In the studio 6-25









































The month of June has flown by. We returned from a wonderful trip to New Braunfels and spent time with Todd's family. Here's a picture of J.T. jumping into the river. Fun times.

As I mentioned, I love painting on these circles, so I chose them as a canvas for 2 paintings I finished this week for fundraisers. The floral circle went to the Claiborne Charity auction and the Owl one went to an event in West Monroe called Shake 4 Jake. Both excellent groups of people who help others in need.


I continue to find "treasures" just begging to be re-purposed. I've added some photos of recent trips. Let's just say I never take over $20 in a store with me....and I always leave with change ! The Rebel Man I found for less than $1, gave it a fresh new look, and left it on my cousin's doorstep yesterday. They are West Monroe Rebels. I have come across 2 of those ceiling medallions lately. Love them. I need to find a place for them in my house. See the 3 glass/wooden canisters? I just painted those black. I have a hard time deciding on what I want to keep for myself and what I want to sell. If you see something you like, let me know. I'll show the canisters soon.

I'm starting orders for the gallery next week, so I plan to be busy in the studio and crank out some paintings including a couple of Write-Ups and some windows.

I've also had the pleasure of meeting a precious little girl who will be starting private art lessons with me next week. I'm looking forward to it and am reminded that is my calling. If anyone reading is interested, I plan to start private lessons now that the boys have both graduated. I can start anytime this summer or after school. Please contact me at toddsuzy@bellsouth.net or give me a call. I will be teaching on Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

Search for inspiration this week.

Suzy

Saturday, June 11, 2011

In the studio 6-11



























The "Emilee" painting above is a gift for a friend and matches the cute Pottery Barn bedding green Daisy Garden. I don't know if Jennifer W. reads my blog but this is her surprise. I had a cabinet door (several of them actually) that I bought in Canton. They were cheaper than canvases and have a nice architectural detail.


Two others things above are from Canton. First, the picture of some ribbon. It reminds me of my 2011 word: HAPPINESS. THIS ribbon....makes me so happy. Inspiring. Beautiful. Fabulous. Yummy.

Then on "Junk Alley" (anyone know where I'm talking about?) I found this cute little white wooden box sitting there. It has probably been there for months just waiting on someone to notice. It was only $4. It was already white like this...and antiqued. I knew right away I could use it as a display to sell my gift tags and notecards. I had a drawer knob that Todd added for me and then I tied some of that fabulous ribbon on. My latest addiction is re-purposing. Some call it up-cycling. I like to think of it like this: "Use what you have (or buy really cheap) to create something better".
Now speaking of re-purposing, it makes me happy to support local thrift stores. There are some that are ministries started by people who love the Lord and want to help those in need. I'm not sure how much I "need" most of the things I buy, but I sure consider them treasures and it makes me happy to clean them up, give them a fresh new look and ready for a new home. Today my total bill was $6.00 for 25 items. SERIOUSLY. Check out the vintage milk bottles. I found 5 of them, cleaned them and "shabbied" them up with some ribbon. They're for sale. See the CUTE fabric they're on? Like a soft cotton vintage piece with crocheted edges? Yep, THAT was one of the 25 items today. You can see it better under my notecard box. Then the other piece. OMgoodness. I bought the black base on another trip. It was not-so-pretty when I bought it but a fresh coat of black paint and ta-da. Today I found the tall glass dome. Perfectly in tact. These sell for atleast $25 retail. Yep, one of the 25.

So, I guess the theme of my post tonight goes back to some earlier posts...ART is all around you. TREASURES are all around you. Train yourself to look for them. Notice pretty things. What can you find?

Do what you love and love what you do.

Next post: Windows and Write-ups.

Suzy

P.S. You know what people are putting in glass jars or bowls now in up-scale vintage shops? Birdseed and Glitter. I loved both. White glitter in a little vintage glass jar = happiness. Birdseed in a silver footed bowl with a pewter bird: oh yea. Check out www.laurieannas.com It is a cool place in Canton.
































Thursday, June 9, 2011

In the studio 6-8













Since I last posted my mom, sister and I took a road trip to Canton. It was very hot and thankfully mom had the foresight to get us a hotel room. We ended up staying 2 nights and had so much fun. I cannot begin to tell you all of the creative things that I saw. I call that "Idea Overload" lol.

Back in the studio I have been finishing some baby paintings. I love baby names. I actually have some picked out for my granddaughters some day hehe.

And... we're off again next week Thurs- Sun. The 4 of us will be going to New Braunfels for a family reunion w/ Todd's side of the family. I went last year w/ my in-laws and it was so much fun. I couldn't believe we had never made a point to go. They have been meeting every year for a LONG time at the same spot.


Here's a look at 3 of the baby paintings. One little boy ironically will be named Allen. No relation. The "Cute Announcement" was fun to paint. I like owls lately. This girl made contact w/ me by getting my info. from the back of a Cute Announcement I painted for her as a gift from a mutual friend.

Then, there's the "Murphie" circle painting. Have I mentioned I am hooked on painting using circles as my canvas? I love how they are different, bold, and graphic. The first floral one I did is in the window at the gallery in Magnolia right now. I found a few "odd" things to paint on in Canton too and am excited to get started. Working on re-purposing some treasures and I still have a couple of Write-Ups and window paintings to finish.

Coming Up: Claiborne Charity fundraiser and a cool event called Shake4Jake in Monroe. More information soon.

Do what you love and love what you do...

Suzy

Sunday, May 29, 2011

In the studio 5-29













Geesh. Over a month since I've posted. I like bloggers who update daily, so I'll try to do better than once per month :)

Where did we leave off.....

The month of May was a little rough to say the least but I'm thankful to have a job and one that I love. Nothing is perfect and I had plenty of paperwork to remind me of that, however, it's done and I now have almost 3 months off. Ahhhh, the joys of teaching.

I've done 2 more "write-ups" and 2 more on order. I'm drawn to big, colorful, graphic florals lately and was inspired to do something on a circular canvas. A creative friend is good at cutting out wood and she did a huge wooden circle for me. It's in the gallery in Magnolia so stop by if you get a chance. The Cosmopolitan Ladies Club is full of fabulous art... such an inspiring place.

I've also made a set of "color-your-own" notecards. They are black and white and come packaged cute with envelopes and colored pencils. A great idea for kids to do in a restaurant or party.

I have a few baby paintings to catch up on this week and MUST finish a large mobile mural for our church youth group. Our youth minister is starting a ministry in the community and I think this will be the logo/backdrop. I'm so thankful the Lord does not procrastinate.

Looking back over the week....even though I feel extremely exhausted....it has been fun. Last Friday was the last day of school. That evening we had a local fundraiser called "Potluck for the Pots" where the town raised money to re-do the bathrooms at our local event center the Fair Barn. It was the CUTEST theme and was a reminder we have so many creative and generous people in our town. Over $17,000 was raised and kudos to the Killgores who lead our creative, generous people. The centerpieces were rolls of toilet paper wrapped in tulle, tied with a ribbon and a gerber daisy. Genious.

Saturday I went to the Blossom Festival by myself and had a nice day looking at artwork. (I like going places by myself BTW..and if you see me I will be in another world). I'm always inspired by art shows and they make me realize I need to step up my game as a teacher.

On Saturday night there was a wonderful event at our local museum to unveil a new show they have on designer Geoffrey Beene, a Haynesville native. It also included Folk Art by the students in our parish and the adult workshops. On Sunday the museum also hosted a reception for the public featuring the work. Another great local place you should visit. The exhibits are first-class. Look for workshops later this year on recording oral histories...I cannot wait.

And THEN....Sunday afternoon I escaped to the "River". We call it that b/c the guys usually go there to trout fish. It's the Little Missouri River in Murfreesboro, Ar. I HIGHLY recommend staying at the SWAHA cabins. They are located at Narrows Dam on Lake Greeson. My mom and dad give the guys a night at the cabins for Christmas and we did not get to use them for trout fishing earlier in the year, but instead they fished Lake Greeson for the first time and it was GREAT. Did you know that locusts make a noise that sounds like an alarm? Wierd ! Anyway just the 4 of us went and it was perfect. It's only a 2 hour trip and it is the most beautiful river. I sound like Rick Rowe LOL. Do YOU need a STAYcation planner?

Friday Todd and I went to Shreveport and came home with a new truck. Suckers. For only $12 per month more we could buy new LOL. And, we did. It is very beautiful and black vehicles are my favorite. My husband does work very hard and I'm happy for him.

Saturday was the Claiborne Jubilee. They also had an auction where local artists painted chairs. They were all so impressive ! I visited with some friends there and met up with a most interesting folk artist from Minden, my friend Alma = the next Clementine Hunter.

I left there a while and went to another fundraiser for my friend Kelley. Are you getting all of this? I know what you're thinking....geesh at all of the fundraisers but that is the point ! Life is all about helping others. It's a great big circle of loving and giving and it's just what we do. Sometimes there is a need and sometimes you just do things because the truth is there's nothing we can do. Life is in God's hands. Thank goodness. So, like 1000 people were there to EAT. Todd was working and only had about 5 men there so I grabbed them all plates and delivered them to work. I must say that was the BEST BBQ. I don't know who cooked it...or who seasoned it but good grief it was good. WHO cooked that peeps? Do you know? I know 50 men cooked it, but who seasoned it? yummy.

Then today.....today is my mom and dad's 46th Anniversary. What a blessing. 10 of us met up at Mudbug Madness. It was fun.

And now, it's almost 10:00 and my husband is making comments about me being on the computer so long to which I lovingly remind him of his Angry Bird addiction.


Oh, I forgot to finish posting about the Jubilee Saturday and the Art Show. I'll save that for another post though. This has been long enough, so thanks for reading :)

Do what you love and love what you do....


Suzy

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

In the studio 4-27
































































I'm hooked on creating these mini designs in black and white. I had some scraps of nice paper that I did not want to throw away. Plus, a friend asked me to create some give-aways that would fit in a 3-1/2" square box. They need a name....help Erin.


Even my students are excited and I think they are lovin' it as much as I am. If any parents are reading (or anyone who wants to try these mini's) ...there is a special pen at WalMart. I'll add a picture. These are probably in the scrapbooking section and are permanent, acid-free, etc. I'm using a .01 tip size but anything small will work.



I also spent a couple of hours at the photo kiosk at WalMart. I knew I wanted something resembling a business card, and I ended up doing a collage advertising the "Write-Ups".



Hope you enjoy all of the pictures tonight. I encourage you to look for ART all around you. Make a point to recognize it and appreciate what the Lord has created just for us. He's the Maker of all things....



Suzy

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

In the studio 4-19






















Not much happening in the studio this week. Judged some local art (not my students) for the first time yesterday. So impressive. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE children's art? Pure imagination.

I received some pictures today from the talented photographer and former student of mine, Miss Heather Lee. I'm not crazy about having my picture taken, but I do love the props and backgrounds. I'm working on some artist cards and an artist bio so I needed a creative picture or two.

I came across something cool this week called a "Zentangle". Check them out at zentangle.com. I'm stuck on creating these zentangles whenever I have a little bit of time...like waiting on a coke at Sonic or something.

So, you start with something called a TILE. This is a 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square piece of paper. Something nice and thick. Then you draw a STRING. The idea is to quickly draw a line without thinking to get you started. Imagine if you dropped a string on the paper, how would it look? Draw it. Real quick.

Then you basically doodle patterns and designs to form patterns to fill up the tile. The overall piece is called a zentangle. Zen represents the idea that these should be relaxing. A tangle is the pattern.

Here are a few pictures to give you the idea. This is a perfect example of a project that looks really hard, but it's not. They are fun. Try it.



Do what you love and love what you do.

Suzy

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

In the studio 4-13







Sothankful after being disappointed today with student behavior

that I can come home to my studio. (Bedroom at home turned into an Art Room which I now call my Studio)


I need to practice my 2011 word: happiness. My studio makes me happy. My "write-up" paintings make me happy. Therefore, I'm showing pictures of these 2 one more time. I had to um, CORRECT the spelling on my purple one. Then I finished adding the last few lines on the Go Green Write-Up yesterday afternoon.

Here's a couple of up-close views too. Have you "read" these yet?

Next there is a photo of my bookmarks in a display piece I re-purposed. This was a Home Interior basket with apples on the label.
I also had a spice rack to match. Ran out of room in my kitchen and it dawned on me the other day to re-paint the labels with chalkboard paint. So, voila.

My altered art instructors always issue a challenge for us at each meeting. Last month they gave us a baby food jar and an egg. We can make anything we want. I'll let you know how that turns out...


I'll leave you with another idea from the list I mentioned a few posts back. The website is www.kerismith.com. I'm lovin' it.


*** Glue an envelope in your journal and for one week collect items that come your way ***


Do what you love and love what you do.


Suzy