This Muse of Mine

Fabulous Freebies!

2012-01-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time again, More Freebies! I think these are really pretty, and I think you will like them too. As always, these freebies work with any editing software, but are brought to you by the amazing folks at My Memories, and I use and love their software. You can get your own copy of this great software too, simply head on over to the My Memories website, by clicking HERE, and don't forget to use my special code in the promo box before checking out, and you will save $10 plus you will get an additional $10 to spend in the store!
STMMMS85878

Fabulous Freebies!

2012-01-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

I am back as promised with new freebies brought to you by My Memories. As with all the freebies I have posted in the past, they are available for use in any editing software, so you don't HAVE to have the My Memories Suite software, but I highly recommend it, as it is the easiest software I have used and is so reasonably priced, even without a discount, but if you use my promo code, you will get a $10 discount off the price of the software AND a $10 credit to use in the store. It doesn't get better than that, and there are a TON of freebies in the store at My Memories too!
Just use this code in the promo box at checkout: STMMMS85878
Without further ado here you go!

New Year Freebie!

2012-01-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

My Memories has issued a special freebie today, in a little different format. This one is set as an 8 1/2 x 11 size. This is not my normal format, as I usually work with the 12 x 12 pages, but it is a rather cool page, so I thought it best to share with all of you. I am told the regular freebies that I offer you will be available later in the week, so watch for them then.

http://rakscraps.com/ftp/events/STMFreebie2JanExtra.zip
Because this freebie is a little different, you may need to copy and paste the above address into a new window to be able to download the freebie.
As always, you can get the My Memories suite software at a discounted price with my special code- $10 off and $10 to use in the store! Simply enter this code at checkout: STMMMS85878

Terrific Tuesday Freebie!

2011-12-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am back with some all new freebies brought to you this Christmas Season by My Memories. As with all the freebies I have posted in the past, they are available for use in any editing software, so you don't HAVE to have the My Memories Suite software, but I highly recommend it, as it is the easiest software I have used and is so reasonably priced, even without a discount, but if you use my promo code, you will get a $10 discount off the price of the software AND a $10 credit to use in the store. It doesn't get better than that, and there are a TON of freebies in the store at My Memories too!
Just use this code in the promo box at checkout: STMMMS85878
Merry Christmas!!!

A Little Family Fun

2011-12-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

This is a little page I did of my girls' rendition of our family members in snow. We had a nice bunch of snow, so Quincy and Abby decided to make a snowman for each member of our family. The first one is me, and then there is dad with his cane, Abby in the blue scarf 'cause she likes blue, and Quincy in the purple scarf for the same reason. :) They had an awfully good time playing in the snow. Quincy made a doggy snowman too, later, but I haven't had a chance to put it in a page. But here it is anyway- so cute don't you think?

A Couple of Christmas Pages

2011-12-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

I have been playing with my software lately, and put together a couple of Christmas pages in my spare time. The first one is of my special puppy dog Kota using the gorgeous Joyeux Noel kit By Becca. It is so fun to work with.

The second page is a pre-designed page offered in the freebies at the My Memories shop. All I did was add a photo, a mat behind the photo and the word art. It took me all of 3 minutes to put this page together!

Terrific Tuesday Freebie!

2011-12-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

OK, I know I am a little late getting this posted, but the links will be good for a little over a week, so please forgive me. I have decided to go ahead and post several freebies for you in one big post instead of a bunch of little posts that repeat themselves. Whew! I am sure you will thank me for not babbling on so.
As with all the freebies I have posted in the past, they are available for use in any editing software, so you don't HAVE to have the My Memories Suite software, but as you know I am totally in love with this software, I think it is very user friendly, and is a very reasonable price even without a discount, but if you use my promo code, you will get a $10 discount off the price of the software AND a $10 credit to use in the store. It doesn't get better than that, and there are a TON of freebies in the store at My Memories too, there for you to download at your leisure. So treat yourself to a special gift this Christmas and get the great software to go with these featured freebies! Just use this code in the promo box at checkout: STMMMS85878
Here are your freebies, ENJOY!

Terrific Tuesday Freebie!

2011-11-29T00:00:00.002-07:00

I'm back, with the next Freebie from My Memories! Enjoy! Remember you get both Quick Pages and all the papers and elements that go with it. Please follow the link by clicking on the picture and download the Freebie! Remember you can still get the great $10 discount off the My Memories Suite Software and a $10 discount to use in the shop by using my special code upon checkout: STMMMS85878
Don't delay, as these links are only good for a short time, so download now! :)

Thanksgiving Day Freebie!

2011-11-24T00:00:00.003-07:00

I hope you are all well, and spending quality time with family and friends. As promised, here is your extra special Thanksgiving Day surprise. Make sure you download it right away, as the links are only good for a short time.

Don't forget about $10 off the New Version 3 of the My Memories Suite Software and a $10 discount to use in the shop by using my special code upon checkout: STMMMS85878

Terrific Tuesday Freebie!

2011-11-22T19:18:00.001-07:00

Well it looks like the Freebies are going to be available a day earlier now, so we are switching from Wacky Wednesday to Terrific Tuesday! So without further ado, here is this weeks freebie! Just click on the picture and it will take you to the download.

Remember you get both Quick Pages and all the papers and elements that go with it. Also, you can still get the great $10 discount off the BRAND NEW My Memories Suite Software VERSION 3 and a $10 discount to use in the shop by using my special code upon checkout: STMMMS85878
Don't delay, as these links are only good for a short time, so download now! :)
As an extra special gift, I will have an additional Freebie for you on THANKSGIVING DAY, so check back here on Thursday!

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

2011-11-17T00:00:00.002-07:00

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

2011-11-10T00:00:00.001-07:00

It's Wednesday, so you know what that means? A brand new Freebie! I think you are really going to like this one. It has a great look to it with lovely colors and page elements. Remember you get both Quick Pages and all the papers and elements that go with it. Please follow the link by clicking on the picture and download the Freebie! Remember you can still get the great $10 discount off the My Memories Suite Software and a $10 discount to use in the shop by using my special code upon checkout: STMMMS85878

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

2011-11-02T00:00:00.001-06:00

And we are back with yet another most awesome freebie! This one coordinates with the pages from My Memories from last week, but has it's own special look. Remember you get both Quick Pages and all the papers and elements that go with it. Please follow the link by clicking on the picture and download the Freebie! Remember you can still get the great $10 discount off the My Memories Suite Software and a $10 discount to use in the shop by using my special code upon checkout: STMMMS85878

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

2011-10-26T00:00:00.001-06:00

We are back with yet another Awesome Freebie! Remember you get both Quick Pages and all the papers and elements that go with it. Please follow the link by clicking on the picture and download the Freebie! Remember you can still get the great $10 discount off the My Memories Suite Software and a $10 discount to use in the shop by using my special code upon checkout: STMMMS85878 ENJOY!

You won't believe it - Blow Out Weekend!

2011-10-22T16:55:00.003-06:00

If you have been thinking about purchasing the My Memories Suite software, and just haven't done it, this weekend is the ultimate time to do so! Everything in the store is 30% off including the awesome software, and on top of that discount you can get an additional $10 off plus $10 off kits from the store. The savings are just stacking up!!!!! All you do is log in to the store and start shopping! (My Memories) When you are all done and ready to check out, just enter my special code: STMMMS85878 into the promotional code box before you submit your order, and you will see a $20 discount off the already reduced by 30% total!!!!!!! I don't think it can get any better than this! Don't delay this offer is only good through Sunday October 23rd! And don't forget to grab the two freebies from my earlier posts as well, they will only be active through this Wednesday, when I post a new Freebie! I know you will have as much fun digital scrapbooking as I have, IT IS SO EASY!!!
Also, you may want to go and LIKE the MyMemories facebook page because when we hit 10,000 likes, they are giving away an IPad2! ISN'T THAT AWESOME!!!!

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

2011-10-19T00:00:00.019-06:00

Well, we are back this week with a brand new Freebie! This one coordinates with the pages from My Memories from last week, but has it's own special twist. Remember you get both Quick Pages and all the papers and elements that go with it. Please follow the link by clicking on the picture and download the Freebie! Remember you can still get the great $10 discount off the My Memories Suite Software and a $10 discount to use in the shop by using my special code upon checkout: STMMMS85878

Don't forget to stop back here next week for an all new Freebie!

Yellowstone Country

2011-10-18T22:22:00.001-06:00

Last summer we took a family trip to Yellowstone Park to enjoy the Wyoming wildlife and to see Old Faithful erupt, we stopped a few places along the way and took a few pictures, including a grizzly bear in the meadow.
I have been scrapbooking them with the awesome My Memories software! Here are my pages:

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

My Memories Digital Scrapbooking has started a new program and has asked me to share the love with all of you, my blog readers. Each week will be a new set of two Quick Pages and all the paper and elements used to make the pages offered to you, for FREE! All you do is follow the link and download them. They are designed perfectly to go with the My Memories Suite Software, which you can still purchase with a special $10 discount off the software and $10 in free kits from the shop simply by using my special code: STMMMS85878

So feel free to use this special freebie, and remember to stop back here next week for a new special page layout also!

2011-10-12T00:10:00.000-06:00

These are the other pages that I made of our little trip to the Big Horn Mountains back in July of 2005. I am slowly digging out pictures from the many boxes and buckets of photos that I don't have scrapbooked yet, and am scanning them into my computer so I can do it digitally with the AWESOME My Memories Suite software.
I have to admit it is so fast and easy to scrapbook this way, and I might actually eventually get all my pictures done. You can also get this software by following the little linkie above, and if you want a 25% discount or $10 off, you just add this little code: STMMMS85878 at checkout, don't forget to pick $10 in kits for free too!

Working with Text Wrapping

2011-10-12T00:00:00.000-06:00

I have been playing with the My Memories software and this week Lisa challenged us to use Text wrapping in our layouts. So here is what I came up with.

I had a lot of fun with scrapbooking some old photos from 2005 when we took a little trip to the Big Horn mountains, and went camping and visited Medicine Wheel. I actually made 10 pages with our photos from our 3 day trip.

just playin'

2011-10-05T09:22:00.000-06:00

It is still swim season here in Wyoming, so I have been playing with the My Memories software and Abby's swim team pictures. Here is what I came up with:

And the WINNER is...

2011-09-25T20:05:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Evergreen Grrrl!!!!! You have won my giveaway for the MyMemories Suite software package!!! I have contacted MyMemories , for your special code, and will contact you when I hear back from them. I hope you have as much fun with this program as I have had.

Thank you to each of you who entered, I wish I could have picked you all, but alas I could only pick one. It is still possible for you to get a huge $10 discount off the MyMemories Suite program and $10 in free kits from the MyMemories store. That's a $20 value! All you have to do to take advantage of this special offer, is go to the MyMemories Suite link here:
http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software and enter this special code: STMMMS85878

A Look Back

2011-09-20T13:57:00.001-06:00

I have been playing with the My Memories Suite software, when I have a few minutes of spare time. Quincy wanted to dig out some old pictures, for a few good laughs, so we scanned them into the computer and designed a few pages. It's hard to believe that Quincy is sixteen now and Abby fourteen, I am not exactly sure when these pictures were taken, but I am thinking around 10 years ago. Here is how I played:

Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway for the FREE My Memories Suite software package in the post below. Open til Saturday at Midnight :)

My Memories FREE Software Giveaway!

2011-09-09T21:58:00.002-06:00

This is amazing! I am so excited to share this fabulous opportunity with you. I have been invited to share a special deal on the My Memories Suite software for digital scrapbooking ...and guess what... one lucky person will win a free copy! That's a $39.97 value!

I am so excited to do some digital scrapbooking. Until I was offered this amazing opportunity, I had not done any digital scrapbooking at all, just lots of pages the old fashioned way. I have to admit the digital scrapbooking is really easy and fun.
I downloaded the My Memories Suite software today and in just minutes I was able to get started and created several pages. It was so easy.
There are a ton of free designs on the website, and you can make your own too. The options are endless!

As a special for all of my blog readers, My Memories has provided a "Share the Memories" code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software plus a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - a $20 value! To take advantage of this special offer, go to the MyMemories Suite link here: http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software and enter this special code: STMMMS85878

Now for what you have been waiting for- the Giveaway! One lucky person will win their own free copy of the My Memories Suite software. I will draw a lucky winner on Saturday September 24th. In order to be entered in the drawing please do one or all of the following:
1) Visit www.MyMemories.com and choose a favorite digital paper pack or layout, then come back here and leave a comment telling me which one you like best and why you like it.
2) For an extra entry, you can follow the My Memories blog, Facebook page, or Twitter stream. Just leave another comment letting me know if you are following.
    Blog: http://blog.mymemories.com/
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mymemoriessuite
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite

That's it! So simple. (almost as simple as using the software!) Here are a couple of the pages that I created in just minutes:

The greatest thing about this software is that it is not just for scrapbooking, but you can also make calendars, decorative greeting cards, and even videos! So take advantage of the awesome promotional price and start your projects today! Good luck with my drawing, I will post the winner on Sunday the 25th.

Faith

2011-08-27T15:04:00.000-06:00

The last of the prompts was Faith. The challenge- textiles. This was a bit of a challenge, as I had no idea how I wanted to incorporate fabrics into the art journal page. One night as I was laying awake unable to sleep, it occurred to me that I could make a little quilt for the page, so I did just that. With some scraps of material left over from projects I had done in the past, I cut out some squares and sewed them together to make a little quilt top and then adhered it to my page. I found a coordinating tag and wrote my little message on there and then added a piece of broken jewelry as an accent. It turned out pretty cool I think!

Knowledge

2011-08-27T14:56:00.000-06:00

Well, I have to admit I have been neglecting my blog again. I guess I have been so busy with my girls' summer activities, and going back to school, that a all-together forgot to post my last two art journal pages.
This one was knowledge, and the challenge was to use marbled paper somewhere in the composition. As you can see I used it as the background paper for this page. I am not exactly sure it turned out as I had hoped, but I am not sure what to do to change it up a bit yet, so it is staying like this for now.
Here is how I played:

Discovery

2011-07-21T17:29:00.000-06:00

Well I have been neglecting my blog yet again, and realized that I never posted pictures of my Discovery page. The word prompt is of course Discovery, and the design challenge is to use a door somewhere in the design of the page. I am not completely satisfied with my page, but will reserve the right to change it up a bit later on if I feel inspired. Here is how I played:

with door closed

with door open

Gratitude

2011-06-04T11:16:00.001-06:00

The new word prompt is nearly upon us, and I am just getting my page for the previous two weeks posted. Oh it has been a busy couple of weeks. I have been getting my girls ready for a 3 day pioneer reenactment trek, and with school ending they have had something going on every day it seems. I am hoping now when they get back from their pioneer trek that they will get summer jobs.
Anyway, back to my page. This last two weeks prompt was Gratitude, and the challenge was a pocket with insert on the page. I used the pocket/insert idea loosely, because I had this idea to use a hand to hold flowers with the things I am grateful for written on the back. I started out the page with some rose Wallies, and then added a few light layers of gesso. Then I scrunched up a decorative napkin and applied it in the spots where there weren't flowers showing through from the Wallies. Then a light brushing of gesso over the top of that. My Quincy thinks I have a gesso addiction. She may be right, but I don't think that it hurts anything.
Next I attached my image of a hand leaving the fingers loose to allow for the insertion of the flower bunches. Which I printed several of and cut out, then wrote things I am grateful for on the back of. I used a little brown watercolor crayon around my image to add some dimension and distress, and then added the lace border before inserting the flower bunches into the hand. Here is how it turned out:

Sorrow

2011-05-16T13:32:00.000-06:00

The word this week is Sorrow, and the challenge- a used envelope. I have to admit the used envelope has kind of thrown me for a loop. First, I don't typically save envelopes, so it is not like I have a variety hanging around to choose from. I do have bubble envys, but that was WAY stretching it for me. I don't have a letter from someone who has passed, or from a sad event. So I was really stuck on what to use for an envelope, but then I remembered that I had received a RAAK in the mail a little while ago, and the envelope had been stamped on, so I saved it. Now how to incorporate it into my journal page. Ugh.
Well, I knew I wanted to use an image of a cemetery angel, but how to make it all work together? I decided that I needed to use my Walnut Ink spray to age things a bit, and that seemed to tie things together. I also used Distress Ink to age the paper doilies, and distress the edge of my page. I know it is rather simple of a page, but I didn't think I could bling it all up when the topic was Sorrow.
Here is how it all turned out.

Integrity

2011-05-06T13:52:00.000-06:00

Wow, I am getting slower and slower to post. Actually, I had hoped to find some different foiling material, and change my layout, but in all my mess, I don't know where I put it. So alas, it will stay as it is for now.
The word this time is Integrity, and the challenge- foiling. Now there are many kinds of foiling and foiling techniques, but I only have a couple of different kinds in my stash, so I was feeling a bit limited in my creative process. I was at first a little stifled as to how to attack this prompt, but then it came to me to use the verse from Job 27:5 which states: Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
Also, I really liked the quote from the Strength of Youth booklet that states:
I will have the moral courage to make my actions consistent with my knowledge of right and wrong.
I think that this statement and scripture really sum up the meaning of the word integrity, and have such a powerful message to the world.
Here is my page. (sorry the photos are not really great, I had a terrible time not getting a glare and/or reflection off the transparency that the words are printed on.)
In the last photo you can see where I added different colors of foiling to the swirl stamp designs.

Another great giveaway!

2011-05-03T19:45:00.002-06:00

I would love to win this book, how 'bout you?

Green Isles Crafts: Art Prompt Book Giveaway and Demo Video

www.greenislescrafts.com

Create a page today that combines several techniques.. They don’t have to match.. if fact, it’s better if they don’t – there’s no rhyme or reason to it.. just do it. Sooo make a page for No Reason today.

A new giveaway

2011-05-02T18:52:00.002-06:00

Christina is having a Blog Celebration Giveaway! Don't miss it! Awesome stuff to win and great crafting ideas on her blog.
http://www.craftingwithcristina.com/p/blog-celebration-grand-prize.html

A Suzi Giveaway

2011-04-24T15:05:00.000-06:00

Suzi Blu is having a giveaway, and I am really excited about it. I would love to win, so I am posting the link above. Please click on the image above, and go to her blog, and read all about her Easter giveaway!

Wonder

2011-04-19T18:28:00.000-06:00

This last weeks word is Wonder and the challenge is to use a natural element somewhere on the page.
I am a little slower than usual getting my page done this time for some reason unbeknownst to me. I guess I just didn't feel as inspired as I have on the other pages, but I knew right away what I wanted to do for my page. When I think about the meaning of the word Wonder, I automatically think about Winnie the Pooh, and how curious of a bear he was. The stories I read as a child, and loved, come flooding back to me. So naturally I wanted to use Pooh in my layout. I remembered as I was finishing up my page that I had a tiny little Pooh bear that was just sitting in a bin of found objects, so I tied him to a leather cord and attached him to my page. I think he looks pretty cute hanging around. :)

Trust

2011-03-29T22:56:00.000-06:00

This week's word is Trust, and the challenge- to alter a photograph. There are probably a ton of ways to alter a photograph, but I was looking to keep the image fairly intact, so I used a sanding block to wipe out the outside of the image, and to scratch the focal point of the picture. I tried doing some other things to the photograph, like spraying with walnut ink, which was pretty much a fail! I even tried just moistening the photo with water, looking to age it in a way, which was also a fail! So I stuck with my original idea of just the sanding. I am thinking it was the inkjet photo paper I was using, because the ink was not very set, but after the third time, I just wasn't willing to keep printing and throwing the images away. lol. I like the vintage, rustic look that they are, so I decided to just leave them as they were.

Compassion

2011-03-16T13:49:00.000-06:00

The new word for this week is Compassion and the challenge is to use stitching in your art journal page somewhere.
I started by painting a rose with my Pan Pastels, then I stitched around my painting with some lovely soft blue fibers. Next I tore some handmade paper scraps and adhered them to my journal page in a random fashion, to make a background.
Then I glued my rose painting on three sides leaving the top open as a pocket, and decorated a tag with distress ink and gesso. I then journaled on the tag and tucked it in the pocket I made with my rose painting.
It was a fun page to put together, and I had fun getting out my Pan Pastels again. They are so soft and smooth, and great to work with.

Close-up of the rose.

Close-up of the tag/pocket.

I totally want to win!

2011-03-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

Chrysti Hydeck is having some great give-aways on her site in honor of the new release of Pam Carriker's book Art at the Speed of Life.
Check out Chrysti's give-aways here:
http://chrysti.squarespace.com/always-chrysti/

Courage

2011-02-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

This weeks word is Courage, and the challenge was to use an image transfer in your art somewhere. After many tries, I am thinking I should have gone with a smaller transfer, and not try to do my main image for the transfer. As you can see there is some tears in my image, but it was the best I could do, and there are some things I have learned from my experience. One is to burnish, burnish, burnish, and also to make sure the gel medium is totally dry before you start to peel the image away, and lastly I will not work on watercolor paper, but a smoother paper that doesn't absorb as much moisture and tend to peel away as you rub. I suppose it is all OK, since the page is just for me in my art journal. A great place for all these experiments. I guess I am being courageous by sharing my page. :)

Hope

2011-02-15T12:31:00.001-07:00

Word and challenge number 2 has been posted, and the word is HOPE, the challenge is to use some kind of a stencil in your work.
I quite enjoyed getting out my stencils and making lovely flourishes with gesso and then again with spray inks. The gesso is a subtle textural element where the spray ink almost looks like a stamped image on top of the words.

This image shows some of my journaling that wraps around my blue bird.

A close up of the bird and the magazine clippings I used as a banner.

A close up of the word HOPE and the subtle gesso texture behind it.

Love

2011-01-31T18:05:00.002-07:00

I am participating in the Paper Traders Art Journaling Challenge. I am working in a handmade art journal done using Teesha Moore's 16 page watercolor journal instructions. Basically we will be receiving a word prompt and a challenge to incorporate into an art journal page, every two weeks. I finished my page today. It was a ton of fun putting it all together. I am finding it difficult to photograph these pages, so you will see a couple of close-ups of certain details.

This is my page with the flap closed.

This is a close-up of the flap with the flowered lace edging.

This is the page with the flap open.

Close-up of the key and key hole assemblage.

Close-up of my journaling. It is difficult to read because it is done in lavendar metallic gel pen.

AJJ Day 24

2011-01-25T17:48:00.001-07:00

Round and Round was the prompt, so I made art with lots of circles.

AJJ Day 23

2011-01-24T17:43:00.001-07:00

Today we were to make paper poems, by cutting out words or phrases found in magazines or other published works. This is what I came up with. Kind of funny how it turned out.

AJJ Day 22

2011-01-23T15:01:00.003-07:00

Today's prompt was 'A day in the life of me'. It was hard for me to decide what to do, as I don't have a very interesting life. Most days are spend doing menial household chores or running errands, not much to journal about anyway. So I decided it was best to just journal the real stuff. Lately I have been just trying to get my energy back from having had walking pneumonia, so my recliner and blanket have been my best friend, along with my favorite drink, a Coke Icee.

AJJ Day 21

2011-01-22T14:59:00.001-07:00

Today the prompt was Bluebells. I do enjoy a pretty flower. I sure am missing Spring with all the snow falling outside, but hopefully soon we will see a few blooms popping up here and there.

AJJ Day 20

2011-01-21T14:58:00.001-07:00

Today we were to journal our Front Doors. My front door is not very exciting, but it leads into my warm and comfortable home, for that I am grateful.

AJJ Day 19

2011-01-20T14:57:00.004-07:00

Today the prompt was Toy Talisman. I struggled a bit with this one, as I don't have any special toys sitting around to look at, so I went from memory with a teddy bear. It is made from torn suede paper.

AJJ Day 18

2011-01-19T14:56:00.002-07:00

Today is Lettering journaling. We were to use journaling as a main element for our journal page. I didn't get really into it, but the message was good.

AJJ Day 17

2011-01-18T14:54:00.002-07:00

Today was plump pears. I made my pear out of torn patterned paper and a gesso wash mixed with aquacolor crayons. It turned out pretty good I think.

AJJ Day 16

2011-01-17T21:48:00.001-07:00

Today was fun play. We were to journal using our favorite number. That is always cool for me because I have an unusual favorite number- 13! I know most people shy away from the number 13, but I have always liked it, and better yet my birthday is the 13th of March, so occasionally my special day lands on a Friday, and it is even better! No when it comes to 13- I am not superstitious.

AJJ Day 15

2011-01-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed today's prompt- women stories. It was a lot of fun to try to tell a story through my art. I guess technically that is what I am always trying to do, but for some reason it really resonated with me today. These women tell the story of their love of life.

AJJ Day 14

2011-01-15T21:31:00.001-07:00

Today's prompt was mirror, mirror. Though this is not a true reflection of myself, it is meant to reflect the emotion I have.

AJJ Day 13

2011-01-14T19:13:00.001-07:00

Today we are taking lines for a walk. Basically I put some watercolors down on my journal page, and then tried to see if I could find any kind of image in my painting. Here is what I came up with. I am calling it my Alice in Wonderland page, because it is so full of nonsense, that no one could be absolutely sure what it is, even me.

AJJ Day 12

2011-01-13T20:42:00.002-07:00

Daily Debris- what a great concept. I simply used what was laying around on my work surface, and a little pencil sketch to show how I have been feeling- spacey and blah. lol

AJJ Day 11

2011-01-11T20:32:00.003-07:00

Don't forget to join us in some fun art journaling!
Click the link below and see what we are up to.

Today we played with crosswords! Look what I did:

AJJ Day 10

2011-01-11T20:20:00.004-07:00

Join us for some fun art jounaling! Click the link below and see all the great videos and prompts!!!

Today we painted stripey dragonflies.
Here is what I did:

AJJ Day 9

2011-01-10T17:44:00.003-07:00

Today we were to play with layering lines. So I started with a few different sheets of striped scrapbook papers, and layered them across the page. Then I layered some striped and flourished ribbons, and then lots of doodling to make it my own.
It was fun to just keep layering stripes, stripes and more stripes.

AJJ Day 8

2011-01-09T19:39:00.002-07:00

Today we were to do Vertical journaling. What a creative idea. I journaled about my hopes for the start of the new year, and how things don't always go as planned.
I loved using my distress inks to blend and make patterns. I haven't used my distress inks in awhile, and found out how much I missed playing with them, as I worked in my journal today.

AJJ Day 7

2011-01-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today we were to make some kind of window, and still keep with our stripes theme. Both my girls think that Kota looks like he is in jail, but I think he just looks like he wants some lovin's. It was fun to make stripey flower stems. Let's see what tomorrow brings.

AJJ Day 6

2011-01-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

Oh I am excited about today's prompt. To draw a millipede. I loved using the feet images that Milliande took and cut them out. So creative.
My millipede is inching her way into the new year. Since that is about as fast as I am going these days.
I am feeling quite a bit better today, as I have finally gotten rid of the fever, and my cough is so much better, now I just need to get rid of the stuffy nose, and hope that the lingering tickle in my throat will soon go away. I can't believe how run down I feel. I need more energy for art journaling!

Here is my picture of Millipede Me, again I am sorry for the lousy picture. I am not sure why they are all so washed out, but I will try to take some better pictures and reupload them soon.

AJJ Day 5

2011-01-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today we were to do a hand painting of a zebra. Again I used Milliande's template of a zebra, because I could size it down to fit the page. Where tracing my hand would have been way too big. I added it to my potato stamped border/background from day 3, so it is full of lots of stripes.

Sorry this photo too is so washed out. I guess my lighting was really bad, there is quite a bit of color in this, it is just hard to tell.

AJJ Day 4

2011-01-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

I managed to print out the template Milliande has provided us, and added some zebra stripes and some subtle colored pencils, and a watercolored background.

I did add it to my background/border from yesterday though, so I am making it work together.

Sorry the photo is so washed out. I guess my lighting was really bad, there is quite a bit of color in this, it is just hard to tell.

AJJ Day 3

2011-01-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I am still sick, yet I think I am going to live. Boy has this lingered on long enough, I am so sick of being sick. UGH

I only had enough energy to do some potato stamp carving and printing, so hopefully I will be able to do something more with these pages as I progress in my art journal. So, for today it is just a border of stripey goodness.

AJJ Day 2

2011-01-03T14:36:00.002-07:00

I am still not feeling my best, so I did most of this while resting. It isn't as hard as I thought it would be to zentangle while laying down. I then just had to put it all together. Here is what I did.

AJJ Day 1

2011-01-02T21:12:00.001-07:00

Well, I managed to peel myself out of bed to work in my journal. I am so tired of being sick, but I am determined to keep up on art journal January (AJJ) so here is what I made. It is the cover of my journal.

Art Journal January

2010-12-31T14:29:00.003-07:00

'Tis the beginning of the new year, and brings us to Art Journal January.
I will be playing along with Milliande again this year, and welcome you all to join us.
So break out your art journal with me, and play along. Just click the link below to sign up.

Christmas Countdown is back!

2010-12-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder that Lisa Vollrath's Christmas Countdown is back! Remember to check out all the awesome images each day from now until Christmas.
Thanks again Lisa for the wonderful gift! You are the best.
Ten Two Studios Countdown to Christmas.
(don't forget there is a link permanantly posted in the right side column!)

NaNoJouMo day 30

2010-11-30T14:40:00.003-07:00

Today's word- Culmination. Well, it's the last day of the month. It has been fun and hard all at the same time. I have tried new things, used new supplies and learned much from it all. I still have a few pages in the process, so I know I will continue to work on them til they are done. Today I painted my kitty Smudge. Well, actually it is my daughter Abby's kitty, but she is still part of the family.

NaNoJouMo day 29

2010-11-29T13:42:00.002-07:00

Today's word is Contemplate. It is a very fitting word, as I have been contemplating the last few weeks, and where I have come from the beginning of this process until now, with only a few days to go. It has been a difficult process, as I have really been pushing myself to draw or paint each day. I am pleased with the way my drawing has improved, and my painting has changed dramatically since the first day. So here is my painting for today. A contemplative girl.

NaNoJouMo day 28

2010-11-28T19:47:00.003-07:00

Today's word is Lucidity. I am working on some paintings of my fur baby sketches. Today is Meiya, our other dog. Actually she is my husbands dog, but she is still part of the family.

Awesome Giveaway!

2010-11-28T18:56:00.002-07:00

Check out this YouTube video of scotia9338 Awesome Giveaway!
Subscribe to her channel and you might just win! (Secretly hoping you won't, because I want to, but if I don't then I hope you do.)
It would be one awesome huge Christmas Goodies box.

NaNoJouMo day 27

2010-11-27T16:08:00.003-07:00

Today's word is Exalt. I am not doing so well creating with the words, but just making sure I am working in my journal each day. Today is my husbands birthday, so all I did was a bit of painting on one of my earlier sketches. So here is my ode to Kota :)

NaNoJouMo day 26

2010-11-26T22:19:00.003-07:00

Today's word- Acclaim. I have found myself rather busy the last couple of days, so I only carved enough time to paint yesterdays sketch of the gift. Hopefully I will find the time to work in my journal more, but at least I am doing something each day.

NaNoJouMo day 25

2010-11-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Today's word is Gratitude. Very fitting being that it is Thanksgiving Day.
I am very blessed, and feel much gratitude for all my family and friends. It is wonderful to know that I have friends all across the globe. I know that Thanksgiving is primarily a US holiday, but I hope that all of you will take a moment to be thankful for all of your many blessings as well.
I sketched a package to represent my many blessed gifts.

NaNoJouMo day 24

2010-11-24T20:37:00.002-07:00

Today's word is courage. I suppose you could say it takes courage to continue on, even when it gets hard. Today I sketched a kitten to go with my puppy from the other day.

NaNoJouMo day 23

2010-11-23T16:50:00.001-07:00

Today the word is Evolve. I suppose you could say that I am evolving in my artistic expression. Today I did another practice sketch.

NaNoJouMo day 22

2010-11-22T18:22:00.002-07:00

Today the word is Relax. So I did! I decided to work on some backgrounds. They are done with watercolor crayons. I have been having a lot of fun playing with them lately. Here is what I did today:

NaNoJouMo day 21

2010-11-21T19:42:00.001-07:00

Today's word is Atonement. I worked on another sketch, but today it was a puppy instead of a girl.

NaNoJouMo day 20

2010-11-20T15:54:00.003-07:00

Today's word is Poise.
Here is my painted sketch:

NaNoJouMo day 19

2010-11-19T20:41:00.001-07:00

Today the word is Fray. I managed to get
my paints out today and put some color into a previous sketch. Here is how she turned out:

NaNoJouMo day 18

2010-11-18T19:57:00.001-07:00

Today's word is actualize. I didn't get a lot of sketching done today, but I did manage to give baldy from yesterday some hair and a body. Hopefully I will be able to paint her in the next few days.

NaNoJouMo day 17

2010-11-17T23:26:00.001-07:00

Today's word was Sumptuous.
I didn't journal much today since I was out of town most of the day, but managed the start if another face sketch. This one is still bald. I am not sure what she will have for hair yet. I did manage to do a tiny bit of shopping while I was away, and found the best bargain on some pretty Christmas stamps. I am not sure if I will get any cards made with them or not, but they were 40% off, so for right at $7 I couldn't pass them up.

NaNoJouMo day 16

2010-11-16T15:19:00.003-07:00

Today's word is Divinity. The very first thing I think of when I hear this word, is the Candy that we make at Christmas time. I guess I am starting to get ready for the Holiday season, and have thoughts of Christmas on my brain. Here is my sketch for today.

NaNoJouMo day 15

2010-11-15T18:25:00.002-07:00

Today's word is Luminous.
Here is what I painted:

NaNoJouMo day 14

2010-11-14T20:20:00.003-07:00

Today's word is Portray. Today I worked on another sketch. I am finding the process a little more comfortable the more I do it. I think I will continue to practice my sketching and painting, as I am finding that it is a rewarding experience. Tomorrow I paint her.

NaNoJouMo day 13

2010-11-13T19:07:00.002-07:00

Today's word: Mystique. I did not have much time to work in my art journal today, because I went to an all day workshop, but we did several creative projects including a scrapbook page. So for today I am counting my scrapbook layout as my art journal submission. I know it is not quite the same, but it will have pictures on it, and journaling when I get it ready to put in my album, so I think it works that way. I plan on doing some drawing tonight after the Harry Potter movie is over. Just can't do much during these movies, because I love them so much I can't stay focused on anything but that. LOL
Here is my scrapbook page layout:

NaNoJouMo day 12

2010-11-12T13:40:00.004-07:00

I love today's word~ Essence. What a great word. So inspiring I finished my art journal page today.
Here is what I created.

I worked some more on the shading in her face, and then used my spritz ink and a stencil for the border. Added the words, and a cool little clear plastic element with the star from Close To My Heart. It matches the background paper that I gessoed over to make it lighter. I had a lot of fun finishing this up today, and hope that I am out of my creative funk now.

NaNoJouMo day 11

2010-11-11T18:53:00.002-07:00

Today's word Reverie was a very appropriate word considering today is Veterans Day. I did not create according to the word, but instead did another practice girl sketch. I do enjoy working on practice sketches, and have learned a lot doing so. I am still not sure what this page will turn out to be, but I will keep working on it a little at a time.

My favorite Close To My Heart product

2010-11-11T11:06:00.003-07:00

My favorite product is the stamping acrylic blocks. They are by far superior to any on the market. I love the variety of sizes and shapes they come in. Also the organizer that you can get to store them is wonderful. It keeps them all tidy and close at hand for when you are ready to stamp. Thanks Close To My Heart for making such great products!

NaNoJouMo day 10

2010-11-10T20:24:00.004-07:00

Today's word is Liberty. That has to be a good word for me today, because I took the liberty of only applying a bit of gesso and distress ink to my background. Still not feeling extremely creative, but forging through.

NaNoJouMo day 9

2010-11-09T16:57:00.005-07:00

Today's word- Forge. To advance gradually but steadily. Today was difficult. I struggled to get anything out. It just wasn't a creative day for me, but then again, I moved forward.
Today I managed the start of my stucco background. I will gesso it tomorrow and see where it takes me from there.

NaNoJouMo day 8

2010-11-08T13:12:00.004-07:00

Today the word is Virtue. Today I worked on backgrounds.
I am not finished yet, but this is a start.

NaNoJouMo day 7

2010-11-07T17:57:00.003-07:00

Today's word: Moment. I definitely had a moment today, with my back being completely out. I did manage to sit for awhile and do some art. I did some painting, and here is how it turned out:

NaNoJouMo day 6

2010-11-06T16:11:00.004-06:00

Today's word: Esoteric - I suppose all my posts and drawings are esoteric. Unless there are more of you out there that really do care and I don't know about it. I still maintain it is the process of creating and sharing is what has made me who I am, and not the acknowledgment of such. Either way, here is what I sketched today.

NaNoJouMo day 5

2010-11-05T12:07:00.003-06:00

Today's word: Equanimity. Sadly I have to admit this word is not in my known vocabulary. So like any good curious soul, I looked it up. It means: composure, steadiness of mind under stress, a source of strength.
HUMMM! That is a great word. Now to see if I can make something out of it.

Well, I am not sure this is any representation of our word of the day, but I did keep my composure today as I was sketching. LOL

NaNoJouMo day 4

2010-11-04T16:21:00.004-06:00

Today's word is Quarter. Again, I am not sticking with the words as such, so today, I decorated the cover of my handmade journal so that it isn't so plain while I work in it. Hopefully it will be a bit inspiring for me to continue to stick with this project.
Here is my cover with the cover flap out:

NaNoJouMo day 3

2010-11-03T11:14:00.002-06:00

Today's word is Fortune. Again, I am not necessarily working with the words, but just trying to get some kind of art journalling done. Today I did the mixed media background for this page.

NaNoJouMo day 2

2010-11-02T11:12:00.001-06:00

Today's word is Choice. I guess today I chose to paint in my doll face. LOL I am not sure it turned out as I expected, mostly because I am working in a handmade journal and the paper is watercolor paper. It has a lot of tooth to it, so I am thinking that is why my color blending didn't go as I had hoped, but I am satisfied enough with it to continue on.

NaNoJouMo

2010-11-01T11:04:00.003-06:00

NaNoJouMo stands for National Nonstop Journaling Month. Basically you do some kind of art journaling everyday for the month of November. To read the official beginning and specs on the subject check out d'blogala she is posting a new word ever day. The post about the inception of the idea is here: Intro
Today's word is Inception.

I am not necessarily working with the words, as of yet, but mostly my goal is to get something to paper each day. So today I worked on a doll face.

"I AM" journal prompt

2010-10-07T18:30:00.003-06:00

This is an art journal page I did for a prompt with Milliande.ning.com called "I Am".
Basically I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about who I really am, and not necessarily about what other people think of me, so I thought this would be a good thing to art journal about.
If you would like to play along, you can, here is a link to the page: "I Am" art journal prompt

The Master's Touch

2010-09-17T18:04:00.000-06:00

These are some Round Robin journal pages that I did for my sisters book which is entitled Hands.
I chose to do a bit of a spiritual type page, so have included the images of the hands from the painting Creation. I printed them and then cut them out and adhered them on top of my own background.
I call this background the "Stucko" technique, because it always looks like there is a layer of mortar on top of rocks. It is a fairly easy technique, which yields some amazing results.
First is a layer of old book pages, and then on top of that, torn pieces of decorative paper. In this example, the paper looked like old wood slats, but the tone was good, so it worked.
Once the decorative paper is adhered, (I used gel medium to attach it) then with an old plastic gift card, I scraped gesso over the entire surface, and then continued to scrape it till the paper started to show through again. You have to work fast, so the gesso doesn't dry on you, but if you do one side at a time it works pretty well.
Once you are happy with the amount of gesso, you just set it aside til it is good and dry, and then I took a distress ink pad, and smeared it across the whole surface, and then with a paper towel, I rubbed the ink around, and also it rubs some of the ink off. It makes for a lovely subtle aged color and pattern. Just perfect for this page.
Then I adhered the cutouts to the backgrounds, and then with my brown watercolor crayon, I outlined the cutouts, to help seat them into the page, and give it all a cohesive look. I also ran the crayon around the outside of the pages to give them an aged and vintage look. Then wet them with a small paintbrush. I added the lettering with some tiny alphabet stamps and a brown StazOn pad, and voila!

This Muse of Mine

Fabulous Freebies!

Fabulous Freebies!

New Year Freebie!

Terrific Tuesday Freebie!

A Little Family Fun

A Couple of Christmas Pages

Terrific Tuesday Freebie!

Terrific Tuesday Freebie!

Thanksgiving Day Freebie!

Terrific Tuesday Freebie!

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

You won't believe it - Blow Out Weekend!

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

Yellowstone Country

Wacky Wednesday Freebie!

More Pages

Working with Text Wrapping

just playin'

And the WINNER is...

A Look Back

My Memories FREE Software Giveaway!

Faith

Knowledge

Discovery

Gratitude

Sorrow

Integrity

Another great giveaway!

I would love to win this book, how 'bout you?

A new giveaway

Christina is having a Blog Celebration Giveaway! Don't miss it! Awesome stuff to win and great crafting ideas on her blog.http://www.craftingwithcristina.com/p/blog-celebration-grand-prize.html

A Suzi Giveaway

Wonder

Trust

Compassion

I totally want to win!

Courage

Hope

Love

AJJ Day 24

AJJ Day 23

AJJ Day 22

AJJ Day 21

AJJ Day 20

AJJ Day 19

AJJ Day 18

AJJ Day 17

AJJ Day 16

AJJ Day 15

AJJ Day 14

AJJ Day 13

AJJ Day 12

AJJ Day 11

AJJ Day 10

AJJ Day 9

AJJ Day 8

AJJ Day 7

AJJ Day 6

AJJ Day 5

AJJ Day 4

AJJ Day 3

AJJ Day 2

AJJ Day 1

Art Journal January

Christmas Countdown is back!

NaNoJouMo day 30

NaNoJouMo day 29

NaNoJouMo day 28

Awesome Giveaway!

NaNoJouMo day 27

NaNoJouMo day 26

NaNoJouMo day 25

NaNoJouMo day 24

NaNoJouMo day 23

NaNoJouMo day 22

NaNoJouMo day 21

Christina is having a Blog Celebration Giveaway! Don't miss it! Awesome stuff to win and great crafting ideas on her blog.
http://www.craftingwithcristina.com/p/blog-celebration-grand-prize.html