This and that

Spring has finally arrived!! Its cold and windy here today but the flowers are starting to bloom so I know things are going to improve. Just had a look at a friend's etsy shop and since I am not too savvy on how to link it properly, I'll link it here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44430185&fref=fb_itemlist
She does fabulous jewellery amongst other artistic endeavours. She was my tole teacher and still critiques my stuff and offers me support if I am a little hesitant about the quality of a particular piece. I know that I have to step up to the plate a little more often and post my creations here. Now that summer is here I hope to take more time for me and my art.

I am still a beginner trying to do some jewellery type crafting. Here is my first attempt. I have a very long way to go.

I am not the only one that wants to get out and enjoy the spring weather.

This is Cupcake, my very first art doll. It was lots of fun and I got to use some everyday items in an unusual way. Her stocking were made with mesh (from a potato bag) and brushed on distress ink. Used my Big Shot (which I totally love) on some wrapping paper to make her skirt. Of course a cutout from a magazine of her cupcake hat.

I have pages for a journal swap which I'll post in a few days. I have a couple of other pieces that I've done and hope to work on a few more and post this weekend.

The weather is getting more spring-like and I'm hoping Spring is soon to follow.

My head is almost bursting with ideas and I will have to take a moment to try and get the ideas on paper. It never ceases to amaze me that most of the ideas happen at night, just before I fall asleep.

Got to go now - Happy crafting!

Here is my Halloween box done for a swap. It was lots of fun, combining painting and paper. My hubby liked the cat so much that he wants me to do one for home.

I also have done some Christmas tags. One is finished except for the string. The other I'm not

sure if I'm done or not. Will post once I make up my mind.

This last ATC is one that I was just playing with to pass some time. It has no title but was interesting as I changed my mind a couple of times on how to actually do it. I will be convalesing in January after gallbladder surgery so hope to be able to sit and sketch out some ideas that are floating around in my head. I'm sure that I will have succumbed and joined a few more swaps.

I have joined a small group doing Journal/Book pages. We swap books once a month and do something on a page then swap again. Here is my first attempt. I finished off something that one of the others had started.

I also tried a journal page for myself to get a little more comfortable with it. I am relatively happy with it for now. Need to work on a second one and see where that takes me.

Trying something new for me again. Here is my first greeting card and some domino jewellery. Used an napkin for the card pic and the dominoes are alcohol inked and beaded. I really enjoyed the jewellery and plan to take some classes to make a better finished piece for next time. Not so sure about the cards - Its not really my thing but was fun to try. Must go to finish up a gothic arch for a trade. Will post when done. There is just so much out there to try, it's hard to sit still and finish one piece without wanting to dive right in and do something completely different next. Ah well, there's always tomorrow....

Fav photos

Here are a few photos taken last year and this summer that turned out quite well.

Outside my box Painting

This is my attempt at a new style of painting. I saw iton YouTube and had to try it. Mine didn't turn out half as nice as the one online but I had a lot of fun trying. Guess it wasn't too bad because now my daughter is trying one. I am going to try another in a week or so. Its done using joint compound, acrylic tube paints and liquitex gloss. Look for BozzoArt and you will see how he does his stuff. This is a real dive off the deep end for me as I am really used to tole painting. I will have to plan the next one a little more carefully and use a smaller canvas (actually its masonite - 1/4"). Stay tuned for more offbeat efforts!