Preparing for Surgery

I haven't been around much, nor have I been able to do much art. First of all, my son is in the midst of reformatting this old ancient PC and my scanner/printer is disabled. But more importantly, I'm having stomach surgery on 12/30 and have been running to more doctors than you can shake a stick at getting medical clearance. And don't you know, each specialist has required tests upon tests. If ever I am stopped for a traffic violation and the cops get a look at my arms, I'll probably be under suspicion as a druggie!!! My fair skin stays bruised for a long time, so I get to see a lot of interesting colors! Anyway, I think I'll only be in the hospital a day or two after surgery, so anyone reading this, send me some good vibes! I hope to spend my recovery making up for lost time and resting!!!

Gothic Arches - Snowflakes

I haven't played here for a while. I used the evergreens from Artistic Outpost's "Sleigh Ride" and snowflakes from TechniquesTuesday. I stamped the trees with Hippo Gray and then with Evergreen. I tried using silver for the snowflakes, but didn't really care for it, so I switched to a snowflake embossing powder. Hope you like it!

Sunday Postcard Art - Robins

Another great theme - Robins! Enjoyed making this one! Thanks for stopping by.

Christmas Cone

Here's a Santa Cone I made with images from Moonlight Journey. I intend to use it instead of a box for a gift for my best friend who lives in Chicago.

Think Monday Think ATC - Round

I used images from Moonlight Journey for my central images and some specialty papers. Thanks for looking!

Sunday Postcard Art - Toys

SPA is introducing holiday themes, and this one is Toys. I thought what better than a doll waiting to go to her real life girl? I know she's a little anxious, waiting in Toyland, to be loaded on Santa's sleigh. I think the little girl will be very happy to welcome her new dolly!

Think Monday - Think ATC White

Here's my ATC. I tried to keep the glitter on her wings off the scanner bed, but it doesn't look like I succeeded! Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Postcard Art - Wishlist

Finally, I got my card done for a SPA challenge! My weekends are full of the joys of being a grandma, but I was determined to get something done and Wishlist sure was a terrific theme that can't be passed up! My little Eloise comes from Sheila at Purple Moon Paperie. Thanks for stopping by!

Angel Shrine for AlphaStamps

I'm participating in a very neat swap - a golden angel shrine. AlphaStamps also comes up with some very wonderful swaps. So, I used as much dresden gold and gold paint as I could! How did I do?

Take a Word #3 Moon

I am not the biggest fan of Photoshop - I think it's probably all my own fault! There are times I get it going and other times when strange things happen with it. Probably because I refuse to learn it properly, but have my own weird methods! Ok, enough wailing...I created a little piece for the Take a Word Challenge I call Moon Dancing. My Moon and background comes from Hope Photo Art. Can't recall where the dancers are from! Thanks for stopping by!

Red Lead Garland Swap

I'm participating in a swap over at RedLead Paperworks...this one is a chipboard garland swap. I love birds and incorporating them in a Christmas theme was very easy to do. Otherwise, I've been in a creative funk of sorts. I do have some painting to do, unfortunately, it's completing touch-up on my walls. Had a contractor, but the guy bailed on me and stuck me with unfinished work while absconding with my money. Thinking about small claims court, but I know I'll never get my money back. But I do have to finish the work he started. Guess who's going to learn how to mitre? Keep your fingers crossed!

3 Muses - Blackbird

My granddaughter and I were playing with paper dolls this weekend. So, when I saw Sabrina Zanetti's great paper doll sheet, I thought why not, sweet! That's when I decided "Ain't She Sweet!"

Take a Word and Everyone Wins

Phew...finished my ATC that serves two challenges! The first is DezinaWorld's "Everyone Wins Prize Giveaway" (Go to her blog here: http://tinyurl.com/286mzp4) - I used a pretty little angel on her silver Christmas collage sheet. The second challenge is "Take a Word" and this week's word is "Angel". I used Tim Holtz' Vintage Shabby background paper, two different ribbons and then edged it with gold leafing . Thanks for stopping by!

Gothic Arches - Baubles

I found a few baubles in my stash and a Paper Whimsy image that lends itself and here's my arch! Thanks for dropping by!

Merry & Bright

Getting ready for Christmas! I did this card with an image from the Christmas Memories collage sheet found at www.moonlightjourney.com My background is a napkin, the whole thing is heavily glittered (natch!) but doesn't show on the scan (darn!) Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - 2 Colors

I'm late putting my creation up - my DIL was attacked the other night in the parking lot of a 7/11. Three teenage girls in ski masks beat her up as she was trying to get into her car...no provocation, no rhyme or reason. Kathy is all of 4'9" and maybe 110 lbs., if that. I'm happy to report that, today, she's ok. The ER doc felt there was no concussion, we were concerned about her eye (her eye socket had been broken in a serious car accident years ago). We're hoping the police will be proactive, since another young woman was attacked in the same fashion. So, back to the theme...my favorite colors for this challenge are Tattered Angels Walnut Gold and Olive Vine. I love the combination and I used my candle stamp that's been idle for too long for this tag. Thanks for looking!

Take a Word #1 - Time

Congratulations to the new challenge blog "Take a Word". I was afraid I wouldn't get anything done...I've had my granddaughter for several days and she's kept me hopping! I ran across a quote by Thoreau that I really liked when trying to come up with something for the theme of "Time" and here it is, "Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in". So, congratulations to "Take a Word" - here's to the first of many beautiful challenges in the weeks to come!

Primitive Snowman

I haven't been able to do a lot of art lately, but we had a lottery at one of my groups with an irresistable theme - "snowmen". When I was in my decorative painting phase, I loved the art patterns by Monika Brindt. She can be found in most issues of Quick and Easy Painting Magazine. I've kept a lot of her patterns and found this little guy one day right about the same time of the lottery. Seemed like serendipity to me, so I broke out my old acrylics and brushes and went at it. When I was done, I used some Tattered Angels Chandelier Glam on the snow and Stickles on the heart and finished my snowman.

Three Muses #74 - Hats

Here's my hat! A little sparkle, a little this, a little that and my hat is ready! Thanks for stopping by!

Theme Thursday - Winter

Winter is on its way here like it or not...I just hope we don't get the snow all at one time as we did last year! Thanks for stopping by!

Wings at Three Muses

Here's an ATC I made for a group I'm in. It's made with a delightful MoonlightJourney image. Thanks for looking!

Papier Mache Skull

I bought this skull at Michael's and decided to use MoonlightJourney images and Martha Stewart rubber stamps to create a scary skull (going to pack it up and send it to a girlfriend...should I warn her?) The teeth were an experiment using Tattered Angels new Glam paint. Kinda gruesome, eh?

Theme Thursday - Pink

Here's my tag in support of all breast cancer patients, past and present. God bless them all. Thanks for a poignant theme. And thanks to Lisa's Altered Art for some sweet images.

Wednesday Stamper - Faces

I don't play here too often, but when I saw Patty's beautiful example, and having just received Lost Coast Stamps, I had to try my hand. So, here's my "Forest Queen". Thank you for letting me participate!

Three Muses - Vintage

I used a Paper Whimsy image for my answer to this theme. Ribbons, paper, a little ink and a small embellishment and here's my interpretation of vintage.

Sunday Postcard Art Scary Clowns

My background for this card is a Halloween napkin. Images come from various sheets. Clowns are scary, aren't they? Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - Red and Black

Here's my little girl tripping the light fantastic through Paris. Thanks for looking!

Gothic Arches/Night and Day

I haven't participated at Gothic Arches challenges like I used to! But, finally, I had time to create an arch to represent "Night". I think of it as Music in the Night. Hope you like it. Thanks for stopping by!

Theme Thursday - Dark Marie

Here's a tag I made for a swap hosted by Peggy Gatto on a YahooGroup. I used Moonlight Journey images and My Tattered Angels mists. Thanks much for peeking!

Three Muses - Victorian

This is a beautiful theme! I created my piece with Prima background paper from the Steel Toed MaryJane collection. I used My Tattered Angels mist and Glam. The Glam is really awesome, while you can't see the glow created by the Glam in the scan, it certainly dresses up the piece. The mist used is Walnut Gold and the Glam is HayRide (which helps create a vintage feel with a glaze of color). Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your comments!

SPA's Autumn Theme

I did a free hand sketch of a scarecrow and used acyrilics to paint him. Happy Fall to All!!!

4x4 Friday - Witches

Please meet the "Poison Sisters" - two happy little witches with a knowledge of a bit of belladonna and other potions we don't want to talk about!

Theme Thursday - Two Things

Two snowflakes!!! Are you ready? After a 96 degree day today, I'm ready!

3 Muses - Envelope Updated!

My envelope is 5x5, and hard to see...it's a very light and I've tried scanning a few times and can't get it better. I used a script stamp and stamped it with milled lavender. The wildflowers are done with hippo gray (ColorBox) and Jet Black (StazOn). I might try to "punch" it up later, but sometimes monkeying around makes matters worse...so...we'll see! In the meantime, thanks for looking! OK, I took June's suggestion and added some light watercolors, pink, purple and green...and they still don't show up well (except for the green). Since I have a heavy hand and the actual envie is darker, I'm not going to take it further. Thanks, June, more color makes an improvement!

TMTA - Autumn

Just yesterday I went out and bought several mums to put on my front stairs, gave into temptation and got my first pumpkin, too! It's still warm here, but perhaps my small tokens will encourage autumn to send summer on its way! The theme at TMTA certainly helps! Hope you like my little fairy playing amongst the autumn leaves.

Theme Thursday - 3 Things

Stampotique has recently released a few new Daniel Torrente stamps...I love the pumpkins, colored them with Ranger pens, although the one on the right looks like it has measles!! ;o) Well, creating this one was fun!

TMTA - Bingo

My little witch is batty for bingo!! Thanks for looking!

SPA - Feeling Blue

I found a technique that I thought I'd try while hopping around blogs...and now I can't find the link to properly credit the artist!!! It's a gesso technique, using aluminum foil, salt and sugar...really you should use oranges and browns to give the rusty look, but I decided to go with the blues for the SPA challenge. The image is from Diva D'Este. There's plenty of texture with this technique, too. Thanks for stopping by!

ACF 86

I haven't participated at ACF for a while, but I loved the image, so here's my interpretation. I colored her with watercolors. I have to apologize for the scan, tho!

Theme Thursday - Autumn

Autumn is my favorite time of year, so this challenge is right up my alley! Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - Numbers

I drew a blank at first when I saw this challenge. Maybe that's what I need to do...empty out the noggin and wait! I found some absolutely marvelous images at Digital DoDads and OneCrabApple that seemed to lend themselves perfectly to this theme! So, here's my 3 Scoops!
Thanks for looking!

Fruit at Sunday Postcard Art

Here's my rather solemn lady who has a passion for growing her juicy, fresh fruit. Raspberries, peaches...yum. Thanks for looking!

Moonlight Journey BOGO Sale

I'm a bit late...but Moonlight Journey is having a pretty awesome BOGO sale. Lynne and Becky are simply absolutely positively ready for Halloween! I have been trying to come up with designs for the sheets they're creating, but they're keeping way ahead of me! Fortunately, there's a great design team onboard, and lots of wonderful pieces of art can be seen at Moonlight Journey. Check out the BOGO sale running now until 7 Sept.

http://www.moonlightjourney.com/

Three Muses - Nature

I created my card with a technique learned from Jan D. (A Journey is her blog) that she shared a year or two ago. Started with smearing my paper with gel medium then applying a napkin. Next, more gel medium over it. Once it was dried, I painted red acrylic paint over it quickly, and wiped most of it off. Dried it again. Then, schmeered (lightly!) over it with turquoise acrylic. And there's a great background. Thank You, Jan!!!! I did smear a bit of gold ink over it here and there. I also applied the turquoise heavily to the edges, so you can actually see a roll of it. I used some forest images, a bit of lace, and a butterfly and here's my card. Thanks for looking!

TMTA - Top Hat

Here's a sweet little clown who happens to be sporting a Top Hat! Thanks for looking!

Sunday Postcard Art - Darkside

Oh boy oh boy...getting ready for Halloween!! What a neat theme "On the Darkside." Conjures up all kinds of ideas! Once again I went to the collage sheets at Moonlight Journey, started with their postcard sheet and then sprayed it with Tattered Angels Halloween sprays. I assembled my images, enlarged the border with black, orange and purple gouache and some glitter. So, here's "Wicked"!

Halloween Shrine

Halloween is coming!!! Ok...maybe not right around the corner, but it's coming! Hopefully, the hot weather will cease and desist by then so that it feels really Halloween-y with the falling leaves, fresh apples, pumpkins...witches flying...speaking of witches, I created a Halloween Shrine with Moonlight Journey's "frightening" collage sheets! I love the labels...they are awesome and can be found here:

http://www.moonlightjourney.com/HalloweenGothicSheets.html

Glad you stopped by!!!

Won Shabby Cottage Giveaway

Gail Schmidt at Shabby Cottage Studio had a blog giveaway and I won! I received a lovely envelope full of gorgeous embellishments to use in my art! Woohooo! I took a few pictures and wanted to show them to my art friends here in blogland! Thank you, Gail! You are awesome!

Theme Thursday - Vintage Man

I created my ATC first by spraying Tattered Angels, then stamping with an ATC flourish stamp. Images, except for the pen nibs, are from Vintage Moth. Thanks for looking!

Friday Foto Collage

I told Peggy I certainly would try to answer her wonderful challenges at Friday Foto Collage, and finally, here's one I did today while trying to rest my back (MRI table always does miserable things to my lower back...especially when you have to lay perfectly still, flat on your back for an hour). So, good...it took my mind off my back and I used one of those silicone "finger" pastry brushes in a technique I read about (quickly) at TJ. I colored the image a bit with watercolor pencils and found an old package of rub-ons I figured I'd better use. The little sprite Peggy gave us to work with certainly was a real treat! Thanks, Peggy!!! Hope this one is A-Ok!

Three Muses Zetti

Thanks to ArtChix, I came up with a Halloween Zetti piece. I painted my background with various acrylics (should look like mud, but guess I got in the zone!), spattered (doesn't show on the scan) and then found appropriate feet so that Wanda has no problem worrying that her feet aren't the neatest around!

Moonlight Journey Images

I'm part of a group that does weekly TGIF mingles, and I'm also a new member of the Moonlight Journey design team. I created this little ATC using their Tiny Fairies collage sheet for one of the mingles. Unfortunately, I had to trim off the wings on this little cutie pie and use small Dresden wings so that she'd fit better on an ATC (hopefully M.J. will forgive that!) and used other elements found on this sheet. I think she's such a sweet little image, irresistable! Remember when you were a kid and it was naptime? "But, Mom, if I'm your angel, do I hafta take a nap?" You know...a nap doesn't sound like such a bad thing now!

Sunday Postcard Art - Odd Bods

Are you in the mood for a little Odd Bod fun? SPA sure is! There are quite a few odd bods around (besides mine) which is pretty darned cool! Go check it out! Thanks to Collage Anonymous for the such fun images!

Wheels at 3 Muses

I finally made one for Three Muses since my return from my travels! I had this old image for a long time, so I can't give any credit, but I used some specialty papers, a piece of flannel fabric, colored the image with pencils and inks and Momma is ready to roll! Thanks for looking!

May I Brag?

Ok, this isn't about any art I've created or looked at. My beautiful granddaughter, Jessica, returned from a two month visit in Viet Nam where she was visiting family. Whenever she goes, mom has pictures done, and this time, she outdid herself. I'm the happy owner of a gorgeous silver album full of beautifully done layouts of Jess. I just had to share...next I have to share pictures of my grandson, Gabriel. Shameless Gram that I am...I just love these two little blessings in my life!!! Thanks for allowing me to do this!

SPA - Mushrooms

My card uses the images from MoonlightJourney (the images do the work for me!), including the little girl. I colored the watercolor paper with various inks, used a Stampers Anonymous stamp and a Big Juicy stamp pad for my border. It's been a while since I've answered a SPA challenge and I've missed it! Thanks for stopping by!

Theme Thursday - Building

I created an ATC using the building from Paper Whimsy. My lady comes from CollageVisions. Other bits and bobs included. Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - Halloween

I love the Halloween theme almost as much as I love Christmas. I almost missed this challenge, and it's probably too late, but I was going through an old drawer of "stuff" and found this guy tucked into a book. I used a RubberMoon stamp and some decorative paper and stickers. This is one of my first efforts, I do remember...probably why I hung onto it!

Gothic Arches - Crowns

I am trying to get back into the swing of things. The last few days in Chicago were brutal...mom's basement flooded and the little kitchen apartment suffered the most damage. Mold ran rampant (she couldn't get down the stairs, good thing!) So, my kids and I ran around a lot (her fridge also bit the dust, got a new one delivered and then restocked it as she lost all her food, too!) I have a friend who works as a Visiting Angel and he's going to be looking out for mom until - if (big if) - I can get her to move here. So, sorry to be so long-winded, but I'm just plum worn out and haven't really been able to do much art. I find myself just thumbing through papers and images, and doing it again, much to my dismay! Made myself do this arch. Hope I snap out of this tiredness! But, that's what happens when you get old...the spirit is willing, but the body, oy va!

I'm Back! Theme Thursday

Hello everyone! Hope you've been well. I'm back, in a limited way (not home yet, still in OK using my son's PC and a limited stash of art goodies!) I really haven't had much time for art...none at all while in Chicago and just a little bit of time for art here in hot, sunny Oklahoma! I see Theme Thursday has "Words" as a theme, so thought I'd give it a go and dust off the...dust! LOL!!!

I've just joined the design team at Moonlight Journey and I'm really excited about that! In fact, this ATC was created from the images on their Enchanted Garden collage sheet.

See You Later

I'm leaving for Chicago tomorrow to take care of my mom. While in Chicago, I may have very limited internet access while my kids are still there...but once they leave at weeks end, then I'll have none. Mom still uses an antenna for her TV, so no cable...wow, how spoiled am I? My middle son and his family will be coming up to Chicago to introduce my grandson (Gabriel is two) to his great-grandmother. Barry wants me to come to Oklahoma with him when he leaves. Depending on the situation with my mom, I may take him up on it. I really love Oklahoma...but what I really love (besides my family there) is the chance to go to work with Barry.

You see, he's the head gardener at Oklahoma State University's Ag School. He said I could "volunteer" and do small jobs around the greenhouses. It's going to be hot there, no doubt, but how cool is that??? I was surprised at how much I loved Oklahoma...I figured it was all flat (pretty much is!) and boring, but was I wrong!!! We took a ride on Route 66 (who remembers that TV show?) and went to Pops (probably the biggest single source of all kinds of pop from around the world) and other nifty places. Now, I can do without tornadoes and ice storms, but it's a pretty great place to live and raise a family.

So, to all my art friends...I'll be back sooner or later...I shall miss you all. I may not have time to make a lot of art, but I'm going to try. I have more health challenges in my near future, unfortunately. I know you all must roll your eyes...I know I am! But anyway, please be well...make lots of beautiful art! God bless! LynnF

Sunday Postcard Art - Roses

I didn't think I'd get a chance to participate, but I found some time and went to work! Used another wonderful Moonlight Journey image of the fairy. I wish I could remember who makes the rubber stamp for my edges, but I don't have the package. Anyway, thanks for looking.

Theme Thursday - Men in Hats

I'm so very late posting this. I haven't been able to make much art, I've been getting ready to go to Chicago for an indeterminate amount of time to see my mom who is 87. Plus I've had a few of my own challenges lately...so unfortunately, my art has suffered. I've been a bit...mmmm...upset anyway, and I never make worthwhile art when I'm this preoccupied. But, that's life, right...and nothing lasts forever. But I did get some wonderful collage sheets from MoonlightJourney (thanks, Lynne!) and had a few quiet hours tonight that I decided to use to answer this challenge. I hope you like my "Confident Man"! Thanks!

3 Muses Take a Song, Any Song

Hold me close and hold me fast,The magic spell you cast, This is la vie en rose,When you kiss me, Heaven sighs And though I close my eyes I see la vie en rose When you press me to your heart I'm in a world apart A world where roses bloom....Edith Piaf sang this lovely song, but Louie Armstrong makes you want to press it to your heart. Here's my tribute to "La Vie En Rose".

Mixed Media Monday - Floral

I haven't played here before, but when I saw the theme, I thought I'd try. So I created a stamped piece which I colored with Twinkling H2Os. She's Red Leads' famous little fairy and I just love having the chance to use her in a piece. Thanks for stopping by!

Gothic Arches - Open Theme

Open theme on Gothic Arches got me to thinking...I usually grab the images of the lovely woman or a beautiful child, but I thought I needed to give some equal time to the guys. Diva D'Este has some great guy images...with wings, so here's my "Travelin' Man".

Three Muses #53 Time Challenge

I created a tag using Tim Holtz shabby chic background paper, a pocketwatch stamp repeated and highlighted with various embossing powders and little images of my favorite actress, Audrey Hepburn, who certainly was a "Timeless Beauty".

Tag Tuesday - Music

Here's my tag...I used 7 Gypsies music tissue paper over brown wrapping paper, used a flourish stamp and edged my tag (heavily) with Stargazer watercolor to highlight my images. Hope you like it.

SPA - Insects

I don't like being late...but then we're all busy. So now, I have to go visiting blogs and enjoy the artwork there. Neat treat! I was chasing my granddaughter around yesterday (she's 6 and helping rehab my hip! Don't know why I went to PT, she's 10x better!!) I forgot how much fun playing MouseTrap can be! Well, today she's with her dad on a friend's boat, so I had some quiet time...went to work using one of my favorite little stamps. Hope you like it!

Theme Thursday - Beauty

I love this image. Extraordinary hair, eh? I often wonder what it would be to have such hair...and how heavy would it be? I had a friend with hair so long she could sit on it, but she had the worst headaches. Came in one day to see her sitting at her desk with her hair as short as could be, her headaches disappeared as a result. Rather extraordinary. Anyway, I hope you like my offering for this theme.

WS - It's Hip to Be Square

This is the first time I've participated at WS, I've admired the challenges tho. So today I decided to get busy and try to meet this challenge. I used Inkadinkado clear stamps of birds, butterflies and feathers to create my squared piece. I colored the individual squares with Twinkling H2Os. I hope this piece measures up! Thanks!

Three Muses - Cards

I have to confess, I almost thought I'd sit out this challenge. Nothing much was coming...and then I started playing and just kept going. My piece wanders around the theme of cards...you see the back of a playing card. So, here's my King of Hearts.

TMTA - Boats or Ships

I decided to take liberties with the word "ship". You'll find my Airship stamp (by ScrollsWork) on my blog. I colored the ATC with Twinkling H2Os. Thanks for looking.

SPA - There's No Business Like Show Business

Here's my card to salute Show Business - old time movies - my mom said she remembers going to the Ramova (movie theater in Chicago's south side...it's been in a few current movies, just can't think of which) for 5 cents! Those were the days! I remember the double features at the Ramova when I was a kid (I loved Steve Reeves in Hercules and Debbie Reynolds movies). Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - Hands

Day late, a dollar short. No! That's not the theme! :o) I had errands and things to do, so I was late getting done. Lots of terrific artwork! Come have a look!

Three Muses - Relationships

Very interesting challenge, eh? Relationships mean all kinds of things...but I went to the one that's pretty high up on the list. "It all begins with a kiss..." Thanks for looking!

Tag Tuesday - Happy Birthday #52

I'm so sorry I missed last week's challenge for "home inspiration" as I has some "inspiring" things I wanted to use, but time just got away from me. So, I resolved to make the time no matter what this week. It's an interesting challenge...but celebrating all 52 weeks of the year isn't such a bad idea. Thanks for looking!

TMTA - Fish

I had a set of clear stamps by Inkadinkado, did a lot of coloring while watching some TV after a long day out and about. Rainy, chilly day! Hope you had a great Monday! Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Postcard Art - Mirror

Had a bit of excitement (of the not fun variety) tonight as I was about to get started on my card. It seems a baby black snake found its way into my house and my son spotted it in the dining room. He promptly called animal control, thinking it a copperhead or worse! It started to move toward the heat register, and animal control didn't know when they'd get here, so my Dyson vacuum was handy...yup, you guessed it, we managed to suck up the little fellow into the vacuum! Took it outside and emptied it into a deep box. Animal control pulled up then and assured my son that it was harmless. Poor son...he was really upset! Can you tell we're not snake people? Nope...and this evening didn't help.

Anyway, here's my "Beauty...The mirror never lies" - thank goodness the theme wasn't snakes!!!

Theme Thursday - Butterfly

Meet #6 Steampunk Butterfly. I rusted a thin sheet of metal, then cut out the butterfly and used Golden matte gel medium to afix #6 as the head. I also used some chipboard gears painted with Tim Holtz crackle paint. Thanks for looking!

Gothic Arches is full of MUSIC!

I created my arch using the music images from Digital Antiques (Jan Davis) and my little "Leader of the Band" from Lisa's Altered Art. I colored the images with Pebbles, Inc. pearlescent chalks and used a bit of dresden gold to finish it. Lovely theme! Thanks for stopping by!

Umbrellas on Sunday Postcard Art

What a cool theme! I immediately thought of "Umbrellas of the Cherbourg", but I didn't go in that direction. Instead, I decided to use a photo of my 6 year old granddaughter, Jessica, taken last year at a street fair. Her dad bought her a paper parasol that she just loved twirling. There were several photos to choose from, so I picked one, created a background, applied some paper posies from K&Co. and there it is. (Sorry some of it is cut off on one side, I didn't want to size it any smaller than it is now, you'd need a magnifying glass). "My Little Love"....most definitely!

ACF #73

The challenge at Art Creations Friday #73 is a lovely, vintage photo of a boy and girl. Some see them as brother and sister...well, that may be, but when I saw the picture for the first time, I remembered my cousin Paul and Barb. When they were little (back in the 50s) their mom wanted them to be musical. Paul learned the accordian, (think Lawrence Welk influence!!!), can't remember if Barb took music lessons other than dance. And there comes the memory. Cousin Paul was her dance partner. I remember walking in the house once, hearing waltz music playing and there were Paul and Barb getting ready to "cut a rug". I think their ages were close to our two young children in this photo. I can't believe I remember that...but thanks to the photo, it came back as a sweet recollection.

So, to create this, I painted a canvas paper with acrylics and glued on a strip of music tissue paper. Then I clear embossed some flower stamps and brushed over the embossed stamps with Golden violet interference paint, swiped it off with a baby wipe. Next I applied the photo of the children and scumbled some violet paint at the edges. So, thanks ACF for the wonderful memory of my cousins. And thank you for visiting!

Theme Thursday - Vintage

I used a Paper Whimsy little girl and some new Wild Asparagus paper. I stamped a scroll stamp twice, once with white and the second time, in a lower position, with Milled Lavender. Found some other bits and pieces to complete my ATC. Thanks for looking!

Steampunk Two

I'm ready to mail out my ATCs to AlphaStamps, but I decided to scan another one and put it up on my blog. Not sure I have the feel for Steampunk yet...I do believe it may be an acquired skill for me, but I'll keep trying because it is fascinating!

Three Muses - Stars, Stars, Stars

For this challenge, I went back to my roots (gosh, I've always wanted to say that! hehehe!!!) Decorative painting. I started this little wooden chest ($1 at Michael's) and just painted away...it's based on a pattern by an artist whose name I cannot recall. So, no digital and no paper and glue this time. Hope you like it! Thanks much!

TMTA - Green

I can do green!!! I have had this stamp for a long time without using it. It was funny, but I took it out of the drawer last Friday and left it on my crafting table. When I saw the theme for this week's TMTA, I had an ah-ha moment! I even pulled out some paints and dabbed green acrylics into the pears. So, here's my nod to the theme of Green!

Sunday Postcard Art - Sewing

I created my postcard background using my Lyra watercolor crayons and smearing them around with a baby wipe. I have stitches stencils, used those, did some shaky line work with glitter Jelly Roll pens. My images come from Lisa's Altered Art...she has some very sweet images! And I thought I'd give her a pair of "different" wings! Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - Black & White

Here's my ATC for this theme. Acey Deucey stamp, I think it's the Fuji Princess. The swirl stamps are embossed with Rangers Black EP. Thanks for looking!

Music at Three Muses

I did it...I think! I created my first piece of digital art for this challenge!!! Here it is, Three Muses, ready or not!

Steampunk ATC

Steampunk art is fascinating...you can discover all kinds of mystery, strangeness and oddities therein. I decided to give it a go when AlphaStamps announced their Steampunk ATC swap (www.AlphaStamps.com) and joined in. There were 45 swappers at last count, so there should be some more than interesting art. Lynn Stevens (Trash to Treasure) is one of their guest designers. It took me a while, but I put together my first ATC. Thanks for looking and I don't mind opinions!

Tag Tuesday #49 Glitter Tag

Ok, perhaps I should stay away from glitter, I do overdo. I stamped Tim Holtz' pen nibs on the tag. I sprayed Tattered Angels on my tag and crushed it up, then sprayed it again. Then I applied fine black glitter to some of the pens and larger sized gold glitter to others. I also added glitter around the edges in places, using gold and black. The black doesn't show up as glitter in the scan, tho.

Unknown flower is known!

My son was right...the unknown flower is a viburnum...it's called a viburnum snowball bush! Mystery solved! CORRECTION: It's not a snowball bush. After scanning the actual leaf arrangement (arrangement is probably an incorrect botanical term!!), he was able to tell it's a European Cranberry (Viburnum) bush that is most likely sterile...I'm going to watch the bush to see if it bears fruit. He was telling me they have some old grape vines at the University that he's yet to see fruit on because the birds love it so much. Not sure if this is the case here, but there are loads of birds in our yards and that could be why!!!

Ode to the Unknown Flower

My next door neighbor has a green thumb a mile long. I've seen her bring home dead flowers from K-Mart's 25 cent table and resurrect them into their full glory. She has a bush in her yard that must be at least 15 feet high now that blooms every April with the most beautiful small snowball like blossoms. Each "snowball" can sit in the palm of your hand and has tight, perfectly white flowerettes. No fragrance tho. Trudi doesn't know the name of this bush, tho. It was just something she planted years ago. It drapes elegantly over the fence into my yard, which I consider a real gift. Today, I finally sent photos to my son, who just happens to be a horticulturalist at OK State University, in hopes that he can identify it. If not, I guess I can find the local co-op extension office in my county and see if they can identify it. Barry thought it might be a viburnum, but I don't think so. Whatever it is, it's glorious and I just wanted to share one photo with my blog friends!

Theme Thursday - Red and Black

Old seed catalog images are a favorite, but I haven't used them for a while until this challenge. I can't recall where I got these two images of Rose and her seed catalog, I've had the sheet for a while. Happily, I got to use it today. Happy Earth Day!

Wings or Crowns at Three Muses

Here's a little card that I gessoed (and did bodily harm to myself with a large, full bottle of gesso!) then I painted with sapphire and pink acrylic paint. Dabbed some ink over sequin waste and used some more gesso (scraped off my leg!) Maya Road stamps...and Tim Holtz grunge stuff (sorry, meds are kicking in) and came up with my interpretation of this challenge. Thanks for looking!

TMTA - Triangle

I haven't been able to get a challenge done here for a while! And here ATCs were my first love when I started in on this mixed media business. Well, I had an idea for this challenge and just had to do more than let it stay an idea. Plus I got a pad of Tim Holtz' Vintage Shabby paper...it is to die for! I love every single page! So, here's my response to the challenge of "Triangle"!

Gothic Arches - Eggs

Here's my arch "I am eggzactly where I need to be". Hope you've had a good weekend...and thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Postcard Art - Springtime

Here's my Springtime postcard. The little fairy is from Creative Images and the lavender and swirls are from Impression Obsession. Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - Crown

I chose to feature a crown for my interpretation of Theme Thursday's challenge because I had this wonderful Hero Arts stamp I had just purchased. I used Prima specialty paper for the background, embossed it with Queen's Gold and used an image I just got from Diva D'Este. Funny, I ordered some transparencies from them a few days ago and they arrived today, too, so I'm ready to party hearty with Divas! Anyway, I had a neat piece from Flights of Fancy's boutique I ordered sometime ago (it was "lost" on my art table, I just unearthed it today - art friends, organization and I never, never agree!) Added two rusty tin corners and my little king of everything was ready to show!

Three Muses - Map

Arrr, Matey! Map....I went one place and one place only for this challenge...to the perfect pirate! Jack Sparrow! Couldn't help it, Johnny Depp is one of my favorite actors. Not hard on the eyes and one of the most versatile actors around. So, here's my answer to the Three Muses map challenge!

Tag Tuesday #47 Inspire

Here I am again...I found inspiration with Louisa May Alcott's wonderful quote "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." Has a personal meaning for me, too...and hopefully when faced with a few upcoming challenges, I'll be sailing my ship with a little more finesse! The ship in a storm is a painting by Aivazovsky Ivan Konstantinovich and it hangs in the Hermitage Museum. So, hopefully this tag makes the grade for this week's challenge.

Gothic Arches - MiniArch/Tag

I've missed the past few weeks here at Gothic Arches, but I knew I had to take some time out and participate this week. I crumbled up a tag and sprayed it liberally with Tattered Angels creme d'chocolate (I think that's the right name), glossed over it with some twinkling chalks, then used Tim Holtz' scroll stamp and MoonGlow embossing powder. The arch (which I just love...the whole sheet is glorious!) comes from WhymsicalMusings. The image of the woman with her bouquet of flowers was found somewhere a long time ago. It's probably a painting, but I'm not sure. So, thanks for stopping by and taking a look. You know I appreciate it!

SPA - April in Paris

Beautiful theme...beautiful artwork at Sunday Postcard Art. Please visit and enjoy the artwork there. In the meantime, here's my interpretation of this lovely theme. Thanks for stopping by.

Tag Tuesday #46 Sketch

Here's my Happy Birthday tag. Hope you like her! Thanks for looking.

SPA - Bunny People

"She often wished for prettier shoes when she tiptoed" is how my bunny person feels. I inked my card for the background, then ran some gesso over it in places. I used Paper Artsy stamps and pieces from various collage sheets to create my bunny person. Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - Favorite Letter

C for Circus...and Clown! Another Alteredairtifacts by Inka...her little clown is just so sweet. I've never been a big fan of clowns (have seen several discussions...others saying clowns kind of gave them chicken skin, too), but this little fellow is adorable. I'll take a whole boatload of clowns like him any day of the week. Well, maybe not a boatload...but you get my drift! Thanks for looking!

Three Muses - You Are What You Eat

I found this cutie patootie on one of Inka's great collage sheets! Loved her, I knew she was licking the last bit of chocolate icing from her plate! Thanks for a great challenge!!! Thanks for stopping by...hope you're having a yummy visit!

Tag Tuesday #45 Stuck on Collage

Here's my tag....I used Jolie's Eiffel Tower sticker to meet the requirements of this challenge. Sorry the tag is a little off kilter, I couldn't see the scanner bed, it's up higher than I need it to be...or have I shrunk? Hmmm.... Anyway, thanks for visiting!

Sunday Postcard Cart - Tea

I created my postcard with all specialty papers, some pink and blue ink here and there. The tea cups and cake are courtesy of Chocolate Rabbit Designs. The lady is a found image I've had for a long time and can't recall where she came from. Couple of gloomy days here...think I'll go fix a cup of tea! What's your favorite? Thanks for stopping by!

Theme Thursday - 2x4

My 2x4 uses a background sheet from RedLead PaperWorks. I then applied Ranger's Picket Fence crackle paint. My sweet little boy comes from CollageVisions. I used a few bits and bobs and present my 2x4 to you!

Three Muses A Nice Cup of Tea

Let's have a "cuppa". I visited London a very long time ago...when there, a friend invited me to his parents house for tea. They were absolutely wonderful people (the Mortons of Mill Hill, I have lost touch sadly!) I always drank my tea with milk, but not just a few drops of milk...at least half a cup of milk! The Mortons were absolutely fascinated by this habit of mine, although they never let me know. Later on Michael told me his dad said "So, she seems to fancy a spot of tea with her milk, eh?" Well, it's not so funny, but one of those memories of a great trip. Had I played my cards differently, I might have been a British citizen today, but apparently that wasn't meant for me. Long story...but the Three Muses are to blame! :o) I'll stop rambling and tell you that I used various images and Stargazer from Luminarte on my tin tile for this piece. Thanks for looking!

In a Row at TMTA

Here's another challenge site I enjoy tremendously, but have missed several weeks. But "In A Row" was just too interesting to miss no matter what's going on. I used specialty paper, then covered it with music tissue paper. The pretty maids in a row are from Itkupilli. Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday Postcard Art - Steampunk

I created my steampunk postcard by starting with the shoe polish technique I used last month on another piece. I used several collage elements...used Stargazer on the two background pieces before applying the guy in the balloon. A few Tim Holtz gears and we're done. Sorry I'm late, but thanks for looking!

Gothic Arches - Old Photo

I haven't been around here for a few weeks. With the lovely old photo as the challenge, I decided to create an arch that reflects the happy start of spring...although some states in the US have felt the sting of winter! Hopefully, winter pulls back her chilly tendrils and gives way to flowers and blue skies. In the meantime, thanks for visiting!

Tag Tuesday - Spring!

I used Itkupilli's image of a lovely spring damsel and K&Co. shapes of flowers and butterflies to create my tag. Thanks for looking!

Sunday Postcard Art - Goddess

The theme is "Goddess". Across the pond, mother's are honored on 14 March. I think that's lovely, we get to honor our mothers twice this way. I used an image from DigitalCollageSheets and a little of this and a little of that for my postcard. I hope mothers everywhere know that they really do deserve the title of "Goddess". May this be a very special day for all of us who call ourselves Goddess! Thanks for looking!

Art Creations No. 65

"Ophelia" by John Waterhouse is the wonderful selection for this challenge. I used DecoArt's Sapphire mixed with Violet Pansy texture paint for the background. Then I dribbled Golden's Permanent Violet (dark), Ceramcoat's Green Tea and some white down the top and around the sides and bottom (over the copper Dresden) and added two little 3 leaf charms to finish it. Thanks much for looking!

Theme Thursday - Spring

My creation's little girl is a stamp from Stampington & Co. - her name is "Samantha". She's painted with Twinkling H2Os. Bits and pieces from everywhere. Spring certainly is arriving...it has been in the 60s, although there still are some dirty piles of snow on the shady side of the streets around here. Thanks for looking!

Think Monday, Think ATC - Elements

Gosh, I'm so late posting this. Fascinating challenge! My metal elements are two rusty tin corners. I glitzed them up with some fine mica after stamping and embossing. Thanks for looking!

Three Muses - Newspaper

My 4x4 has a little guy who's very deep into his paper...probably the sports section! But this was fun to put together. And the "Announcements" is pretty appropo, too, because the lab made a mistake and my blood test (the one that had me scared silly) was a mistake. The redo proved me to be normal (well...you know what I mean by that!) Seriously tho, to everyone who left messages on my blog with good wishes...thank you so much! That meant a lot, and your good wishes were heard! Hooray!!!!

Margaret's Dress Up Project

I found out about Margaret's project ( see it here: http://aliceandcamilla.blogspot.com/2010/02/dress-up-march.html) from Patty S. (Magpie's Nest). I needed to make something special for my dear friend who lives in Chicago. She demands something handmade from me - it goes years back to my painting days - so I oblige her. Her birthday is coming up soon and I picked up a piece of Eisenberg jewelry (which she collects quite avidly) but needed something special to send along with it. When I saw Patty's dress, I knew I found the perfect thing! So, I created a paper dress for Cindy and will get it all ready to give to the UPS man. Thought I'd try to participate in the project, so here's my dress for March.

SPA - Travel

Here's my postcard! I had two little girls running around my house over the weekend, plus a visit from an old friend, so art making had to be on hold! We had lots of fun! I love how inventive and creative little ones can be! They didn't want to make art this time...it was upstaged by My Little Pony and rainbow sherbet! So here's my postcard "I'll be there soon". As always, thanks for visiting!

4x4 Friday - International Women's Day

Kersten's challenge blog is featuring Athena as host for a challenge honoring women. The artwork I've seen so far is beyond lovely and all are fitting tributes to women everywhere. I decided to try my hand and began by spraying my base with Tattered Angels, then used some tissue paper and various images. Thank you for looking!

Theme Thursday - Art Words

I am slightly distracted...my doc called and informed me there might be a problem with my blood work that could indicate an infection somewhere. Like maybe in my hip replacement which could be a very, very bad thing. I'm going to retake the lab test today and hope it was simply operator error! I had hoped making an ATC would distract me, but it really didn't...I made 3 before I figured I'd better quit while I was ahead. I seem to be getting an informal medical education! Sorry to whine here...but I know there are those who have been down this path before, too, so forgive me for working it out here. Thanks for looking and listening.

Three Muses "Oh Man!"

I can't wait to see the art for this challenge! I collaged a 5x7 canvas for my entry this week. My "Joe" comes from Supplies to Go. So, please meet "Joe"! Thanks for looking!

Sunday Postcard Art - Mermaids

It's almost Monday, here on the east coast of the States...so I have to type fast! My mermaid is done and I hope you enjoy the Queen of the Deep Blue!

Paris Exposition at Gothic Arches

Bonjour! I have so many images of Paris that I feel like I've visited a time or two. Sadly, I haven't done that (there's still time!) yet. I shall have to make do with an arch instead! It gave me the opportunity to try Christine Adolph's Sticky2 foil...I just wish the scan would show it around the edges of the arch, plus I applied some gold to her hair. I colored her a bit with my watercolor pencils. In the meantime, merci beaucoup!

Flourishes - Theme Thursday

I used Kelly's (CollageVision) images of an old salt and his fish (along with my flourish stamp and a little heart with a picture of his sweetie) for my theme. The background is created using the technique I describe in my steampunk arch below. Thanks for looking!

Architecture at 3 Muses

I used a gorgeous stamp from Paper Artsy. The quote featured on this little house is from former Catholic priest, John O'Donohue. He popularized Celtic spirituality. And he wrote so beautifully...when I saw this challenge announced, I immediately knew what I would use for it. The heart is also from this little collection of stamps. The butterfly is from Paula Best. I stamped the house several times, cut it apart and glued it all back together. Hope you like it...and more importantly, like this quote!

Steampunk at Gothic Arches

I used a fun technique I just learned. (See Val's blog: http://valsalteredheartjourney.blogspot.com/ - stop by and wish her well, please, she's going through serious health issues). Natl Geo magazine strips glued to your base, sand, then go over with brown shoe polish and Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold. I threw down some Lumiere gold and turquoise for a bit of glitz here and there. Added my image and metal pieces to finish it. Thanks for looking!!!

TMTA - Dancing

I created my ATC using Itkupilli's dancer and some of the elements. The background music comes from Optic Illusions and the Eiffel Tower is from Altered Pages. Thanks for looking...and go visit Think Monday, Think ATC...lots of beautiful art!

Sunday Postcard Art - Twins

I used a specialty paper for my background...there's a gold decorative strip at the bottom of the image that doesn't show up well. The image is from my stash, don't know where I found it. Used other bits and pieces and put my card together. Thanks for looking!

Tag Tuesday - Cutsie

Ok, Louise's challenge is for a cutsie theme. Usually this would be no problem, but I experienced brain freeze (or something quite like it!) I went through images and stamps, then stamps and images. And then I realized there's nothing quite like a baby for cutsie. It just brings that out in us! So, thanks for looking at my cutsie tag!

Theme Thursday - Girls

Such a wonderful theme because there are so many wonderful images and ways you could go with it. I decided to use a lovely Paper Whimsy image so I had to do something lovely with it. I tore several pink papers and glued them down. Used ribbons and a sticker and some music tissue paper. The little comb charm completed my piece. Thanks for looking!

Three Muses - Nature

Here's my nature piece done with chalk inks for the background and Pipe DreamInk embossing enamels, B-Muse embossing powder, cardinals image from Kloud 9 Creations, Autumn Leaves clear stamps from a sale table at Jo-Ann's, and I think that's it! It's not the piece I wanted to do, but the one that came out...now that I'm able to sit for longer periods at the "big" computer, the son is going to install Photoshop and I'm going to try to learn how to use it! I love all the beautiful art pieces I see many of the artists doing, and I'd like to give it a go. I suspect I'll be slower cause I still can't stay seated here as long as I think it will take. Who knew getting old(er), having surgery and still having some muscle issues would make life so frustrating. I don't even feel really retired yet...I'm still limited a bit, but now I'm whining! I shall get to the other side soon! See, I'm a work in progress! :o)

TMTA - Exotic

I love this picture of a beautiful Oriental girl. I used origami paper for my background and Inkadinkado clear stamps. The girl is colored with glimmer chalks, but they don't show up in the scan. Thanks for visiting!

Gothic Arches - Mardi Gras

Gothic Arches takes us to the Mardi Gras this week! My images come from ArtVisionStudio. Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!

Three Muses - Postage

I started by gluing down music tissue paper, brayered over it with blue and champagne metallic acrylics, then covered it with my image and postage stamps. I brayered over the whole piece with the champagne metallic acrylic to finish it off. I'm not sure why the scan looks a little blurry, and the champagne acrylic doesn't really show up, here I thought I applied too much. But, my piece is done, and at least not days late like the last one! Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - Flowers

I decided to go back to something I used to do all the time before my paper obsession took hold - painting. Drew the flower by hand, then used various acrylics to paint my flower. Hope you like it!

Tag Tuesday - Monogram

Will the snow ever go away? Yes! will I ever catch up on challenges? Well...I wouldn't take that bet! But I keep trying! Here's my Monogram tag for Louise's challenge. I used an image from AlphaStamps. Lots of lovely tags to see! Thanks for checking mine out.

TMTA - Eternity

My take on this theme is to show eternity in families and our connections to one another. I sprayed my watercolor paper with TatteredAngels Walnut Gold and used a photo taken of my son who is a horticulturalist at Oklahoma State University. That's a tattoo on the side of his neck..."Poet". He's published, too!

Sunday Postcard Art - Cats

I made my card with Itkupilli's wonderful images. Thanks for looking!

Three Muses - Birds of a Feather

Nuts....I'm so challenged on photos! I bought a new digital camera and really haven't had much time to play with it. For the Muses challenge, I created a shrine and painted, glued and used lace and ephemera on it. I grabbed the camera, took a couple of pictures, uploaded it...felt proud of myself for getting there...and then ran into a brick wall in sizing the thing. I think I just didn't play enough in PowerPoint to get the picture to where I wanted it to be...but I'm running out of time on this challenge, so I put it up with what I had done. And in this Google Blog, if you can enlarge a pic by clicking on it, I don't know how! Hmph! Probably need to go back to school!

Gothic Arches - Crackle

Kelly Burton has brought us an interesting theme - crackle! I decided to use a Western theme for my crackle arch. I'm sorry, I can't provide the image sources. Oh, does anyone need snow? I have about 33 inches of it I'd be happy to send over!

Theme Thursday and TMTA

We've finally had our power restored...almost 15 hours without heat or lights. Wow...made any art making really tough! So, I made my pink and black piece for Theme Thursday, and I can also use it for TMTA Circus. Sorry I'm so late!

Gothic Arches - Correspondence

I made my arch using oil pastel crayons for my background (on 140 lb cold press watercolor paper which I gessoed first), rubbed them together with my finger, then coated with matte medium (a Lori Roberts technique). The lovely woman image comes from Rhonda at San Design, the other images are from Kathy at KF Collections. Then, I used white acrylic and floated ovals at the edges to create the appearance of lace. The dots were done holding my breath! :o) Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - Busy

Ok, I used BasicGrey's Porcelain paper pad, tore it up and pasted it down. Then I stamped the lovely little Red Lead fairy stamp and colored her with H2Os. So, here's my offering for this theme!

Tag Tuesday - Time

I am behind again!!! The tag I decided on is Baby Time - who doesn't have time to hug and love these little sweethearts? God bless all the children!

Think Monday, Think ATC

I'm so late posting my ATC. I used 100 Proof Press' sleeping angel for this piece. Smooshed Adirondocks ink for my background.

The Three Muses Quotes & Quips

I've been reading "Nine Modern Day Muses..." and found this wonderful quote by Terry Cole Whittaker and it just thrilled me. I had it planned out in my head, but it just didn't come out the way I thought it would. I like that image, she's a bit of a train wreck, but she really could care less. Not a bad way to be.

SPA - Time

Here's my postcard. The image of the woman is from Tuscan Rose. The flowers are from Altered Pages. Sorry, I don't have the name for the image of the clock. Thanks for looking!

Wedding at Gothic Arches

I have this lovely image that I bought many years ago...and now I can't find it! Luckily, I still had a few copies of it in my file. I love it, the couple is so beautiful. I used my Martha Stewart bird punch and Stickles Icicle on the flowers (although it really doesn't show up in a scan). Used some trim from JoAnn's and finished my arch.

ACF - No. 58

Here is my offering using the images for this challenge. Thanks for looking!

Theme Thursday - Favorite Number

The most wonderful image I used is from Kymsart at Etsy. It was sent to me as a freebie! Thanks! And so I created my favorite number, which I have decided will be my next birthday number. Actually - no thanks - don't think I'd want to go back there! LOL!

Up in the Air with 3 Muses

What a fascinating theme. I found this cute little fellow flying away on a goose! How can you resist that? So with the backdrop of a dirigeable, there's a race on...my money is on the goose. Thanks for looking!

Shabby Chic at Gothic Arches

Lovely, lovely theme. I enjoyed this one...hope you did, too...and judging from the art I saw, I'd say this was a theme we all embraced!

Sunday Postcard Art - Eyes

Audrey introduced a fascinating challenge at SPA - Eyes. There are so many wonderful Zetti style postcards, as well as many others to see. I found a great image on a collage sheet from Calico Collage, so I developed my postcard using it.

Theme Thursday - Hearts

I'm a bit late. Guess I was just fooling around putting this together...it took me all day. No special techniques other than playing!

Water Theme at Three Muses

When I saw the theme for this week, I knew serendipity was at work. My mom sent me an envelope of journals and pictures that I discovered were the journals my dad kept while he was in the Navy. He wrote love poem after love poem to her. He also wrote about his days on board ship and how he longed to be home with her. His writing is so fine and light that I'm having a hard time reading it, but am managing. In the envelope was a small leather picture holder with their wedding photo (part of this piece), a head shot of my mom and a lock of her hair. The holder is in bad shape, too. I can only put the journals in an archival bag and hope that prevents further deterioration. So, when I found these pictures in the envelope, I decided to do a small piece to hang on the wall (going to use Red Lead's French Laundry hanger). I'd been working on it when the theme of water was announced last week at 3 Muses.

I scanned this photo of my dad and used watercolors to enhance it a bit, especially the water. Thanks for looking, I appreciate it!

Theme Thursday - Paris

My computer was "overcome" with the install of Norton. My son has to tinker...you know how it goes. So I've been waiting to post my tag. I just smooshed pink and blue inks over the tag, used an ATC background and stamped over it with writing in gold. So, here's my Paris tag.
The lace at the bottom is from an Etsy shop called 5dollarfrenchmarket. It is so cool! The ribbon at the top is seam binding from the same shop.

Polka Dots & Stripes

I haven't participated at Louise's challenge site before, but have been admiring the artwork I've seen, so I thought I'd try my hand at one challenge. Lisa's Altered Images provided the perfect focal point...but the striped part is gray and white and didn't show up all that well on my scan. Still...here is my tag.

Angels on 3 Muses

I imagine we'll see lots of gorgeous offerings this week. Angels are a grand subject. I used gauche (sp?) paints, just swiped colors around. So, here's my Heavenly Angel.

Top Hat and Tails at SPA

Pretty cool challenge! I tried to go a little art nouveau with this piece. And now I have the song "Putting on the Ritz" going through my head!!! LOL! Thanks for stopping by!