Here’s a peek at two more reads that are currently available from Stampington.  In HandCrafted you’ll find more than 200 crafting ideas.

Included within this issue you’ll see two of my previously published projects.

And inside the current issue of Belle Armoire…

…you’ll see some felted wool heart pins that I created.

I have some felted wool scraps to spare.  If interested, just leave a comment to this post and I’ll send a batch out to the first two to make a request.  I love sharing art supplies, don’t you?

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I hope you all enjoyed the July 4th holiday…did you exercise your freedom to relax and celebrate?  Did you have some time to just go with the flow?  Lately I’ve been trying to go with the flow more.  And you can see some of my recent artwork that reflects this mindset in the current issue of Somerset Studio.

Within my article, “Opening Doors and Windows,” you’ll see some examples of my latest passion: watercolor paint with mixed media.

Going outside of my comfort zone and exploring new areas of art feels right to me now, and just letting things flow feels right too.  How about you, which doors/windows are you curious to open?

Here’s to openness and to letting it flow!

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Summer’s definitely in the air here…has it started for you yet?  And if so, have you had a chance to hit the beaches? Our family LOVES going to the ocean for fun and relaxation.  And while we’re there, one of my favorite activities is scavenger hunting for all kinds of beachy finds.  In the current issue of Somerset Life, you’ll see some of my stitched Summertime souvenirs. I made these memory sparking pieces using recycled dryer sheets…this material’s airy vibe goes well with this time of year.  BTW, I created the heart pillows that are featured on the cover of this issue.

These pouches are filled with beach finds from Nantucket Island.

And here are some hearts that I made using similar supplies.  I think these hearts would make pretty wedding favors.  The how-to instructions to create both of these projects are included in my article, “Pillows & Pouches.”

Within this issue you’ll also see some altered Peat Pots that I created…of course I had to add a couple of birds (the how-to instructions are included within the article.)

Also within this issue under “Locales of Intrigue” you’ll find an article that I wrote which features one of my favorite stores, Nesting on Main.  There are many lovely photos taken by Johanna Love to drool over.  This store is a definite must see so stop on by if you can, and please say hi to wonderful Wendi for me, if you do go.

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I created this love-inspired mixed-media canvas for Jennifer as a wedding gift.

Layers of creamy colors with dot accents makes me think of vanilla frosted wedding cakes.

A single, sparkly vintage earring sits atop a fuzzy bed of wool.

One meaningful word amongst a scattering of shimmer.

An antique drawer pull acts as a roof-like accent…this one, strong element hints to thoughts of shelter.  A good marriage can be like a shelter…a sanctuary where couples retreat to, to support and encourage each other.

Creating canvases with love in the mix puts me in a dreamy, gentle mood.  What about you…what puts you in this sweet and peaceful state?

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Brook recently went through her costume jewelry pile and decided to get rid of a necklace that she’s had for four years, but has outgrown since her style has changed.  I was going to add this piece to our donation box, but decided to keep it since I was low on beads.  So I took the necklace apart…

… and sorted out the beads that appealed to me.

I used these beads to make this chunky necklace,

this linear-looking necklace,

this duo of bracelets,

and this bracelet too.

I was so excited to discover that I could create 5 pieces of jewelry using the beads from Brook’s one necklace.  And it’s even more exciting that there are still beads leftover…I think these red ones can be made into a lovely something or two for Valentines Day.

It feels so satisfying to take something that’s lost its luster to create something fresh.  I love, love experimenting with the possibilities…do you enjoy doing this too?  And as a bonus, doesn’t it feel great to save money this way?

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I created the canvas below using “Live to Love” clear stamps designed by Rebecca Sower.  These stamps are very versatile and inspiring to work with.  Plus, ALL proceeds benefit Water.org – many thanks to Jenny and Rebecca for coming up with this wonderful way to contribute.

The instructions for creating this canvas can be found over at Studio Crescendoh (new projects are posted every Friday.)  And while you’re there you’ll see stamp projects from Rachel Emilie Jackson, Shona Cole, Melody M. Nunez, Cynthia Shaffer, Olivia Thomas and the oh-so amazing Jenny Doh.

Happy Blooming!

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I spend A LOT of time at home…I LOVE it here.  This is where all of my stuff is.  This is where I make my things…big things, little things, all kinds of things.  Here’s a look at one of my latest little things using some bits n’ pieces from my scrap pile.

And here’s a smaller one that I made for Brook.  I usually make things in pairs or threes…do you have this tendency also?   Anyway, since the weather was so lovely outside I took these critters out for some air (plus, the light was better for taking photos.)

This week I’ll be playing around with some more bug-inspired projects.  What about you, what ideas have been buzzing around your mind?  And are you ready to “seek?”  It’s the perfect time of year for me to get outside and look, really look…and then create…whatever I see, whatever I imagine.  I’ve got June fever (the good kind,) do you?

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Intertwined: connected, crisscrossed, meshed, woven.

Two threads, contrasting yet complimentary, placed in a bottle…intertwined.

Bound together…forever.

Thoughts of marriage inspired this piece.   And when I think of marriage, I think of love.  When I think of love, I think of my one and only.  And this makes me smile…HE makes me smile.

When I smile, he smiles…we are intertwined.

I created this canvas as a wedding gift for Amanda over at Stampington Publications…sending good thoughts makes me smile too.

Happy, smiling weekend to you all!

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Although my mailbox is just across the street, I only check it about twice a week…is this weird?  I don’t know why I skip checking for days, I just do.  Anyway, I recently received some very wonderful goodies in the mail from you, my oh-so thoughtful blog world friends.

Emily sent over a package with birdie lovelies…

…which included a rustic-looking box that she made using bark.   Seen underneath this box, there is a generous pile of vintage papers which I’ve been rapidly using up in my recent art projects…thanks Emily.

And here’s some super-sweet birdie artwork from Jeanne. The blues and greens exude a happy, cheerful vibe…Merci Jeanne.

Sherry sent over some very special personal photos of doors and such.  These fairy-tale like photos are fabulous…thank you Sherry.

This photo in particular warmly invites you to, “come on in.”

Theresa sent me this postcard with a very imaginative image on the front (which she herself created.)  On the back of this postcard there’s some information about a show that Theresa is currently a part of.  This show runs from now until July 6th, at Glenview Mansion Art Gallery in Rockville, MD.  If only I lived near this gallery, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

This is definitely my kinda mail…thank you ladies!  Thank you for sending me just the things you know I like.

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Have you seen the new issue of Art Quilting Studio (Summer 2011) yet?  Cynthia Shaffer’s colorful artwork featured on the cover is fabulous!  Her layering of vibrant red, blue and pink elements over a gentle white background is so beautifully balanced.

Inside this magazine you’ll also see some “Quilted Fish” that I created.

Here’s a quick look at how this project started.  I began by typing just a few thoughts that were swirling around my mind.  And then I stacked some fabric pieces together, going by gut, letting things come together organically.  I’m guessing that many of you like to do things this way too.

After most of the materials were selected, I moved on to assembling all these spare parts to create something like this…

It’s interesting to me that popular sayings from long ago still apply to modern day life.

Sometimes, in rare instances I choose not to use words at all…sometimes it’s all about just having fun.   I think most of you must know by now how much I love to make pint-sized pincushions.

In this same issue of Art Quilting Studio you’ll see a couple of quilted houses that I made in the Patchworks section.  These houses are made up of mostly recycled materials (wool sweaters, recycled dryer sheets, vintage trim, etc.) and each one includes a felted wool bird.  BTW, isn’t it interesting how much fish are like birds?  Fish with fins in water and birds with wings through the air…moving gracefully and with ease.  I wish that I could do and see what they can, even for just one day.

If by chance you’re not into sewing and enjoy making cards and such instead, inside the new issue of Take Ten you’ll see many fast (10 minutes or less) and fun ideas.

Here are a few cards that I made using pieces of Peat pots along with some vintage wallpaper bits and other miscellaneous scraps.

Of course I had to use some words that bring to mind good thoughts.

Wishing you all many opportunities to “grow” and “bloom”, inside and out.  And may you swim or soar towards all good things.

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