artsychick
Daughter, Wife, Mother, Friend, artist, vintage loving, law enforcement officer, Southern Californian, God and country loving girl who loves to meet like minded creative people, share life with new and old friends. Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better. ~André Gide
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My Favorite Things Stencils ~ A Review and some Thoughts
A while ago I was asked to review stencils from MFT Stamps. As you know, I love stencils . . . what mixed media gal wouldn’t. So here are some honest thoughts about My Favorite Things stencils. Here are some images where I used the stencils. Please see below the photos some tips and a review. I found some fun patterns and had difficulty choosing just five. Find them here. One of my favorites I was sent was ‘Jumbled Letters’. There are some great patterns to choose from. While I love the variety, I think it would be fun to see some randomness in the stencils. Ie. Crooked hearts, not…
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Right Here, Right Now Monday – Making a Choice Before the Storm
I found this in my drafts and thought it so appropriate as the East Coast of the U.S. is preparing for a historic snow storm. Thinking of all who will be affected. If you fancy, grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the read. I hope what was on my heart encourages you today . . . or another day when the storm comes for you. It will come. I have always been impressed with people that prepare. We live in a world where quite often we live for today and don’t plan for tomorrow. Some people are good at financial planning, others not so much. Some are…
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Upscaled IKEA RIT Dyed Throw
I love some of the collections at IKEA. Do you have an IKEA near you? But often you may find something you love but it doesn’t fit your color scheme. RIT dye to the rescue! I can’t remember when I didn’t use RIT dye in my home. A beautiful Ofelia throw from IKEA for $19.99, a bottle of RIT for $5.33 (Hobby Lobby has it cheaper) and some water you have yourself an upscaled lovely throw for your home. I shared in the RIT Studio. Have you ever visited? Have an idea to share? A great place to do so. I have some other ideas I’m itching to get to. At CHA they had dye…
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Right Now, This Monday – Thoughts on Making a Difference
I feel it so appropriate that on Martin Luther King Day I had on my heart to share some thoughts on ‘making a difference.’ From a man who made an incredible and profound impact on society, Martin Luther King, Jr. is an example of ‘making a difference’ with his passions, tenacity, experience, and personality. We can make a difference exactly where we are at right now. We can make a difference with our words and actions! Words are so powerful and to use them to make a difference can be such a gift to another around you! We each have a unique fingerprint like no other in this world . .…
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CHA 2015 Goodness & Wrap Up
Oh so many highlights of CHA! I’m going to try and make this to the point because there were so many highlights as always. I try to do a recap video style each year or event . . . this one is about ten minutes long but if you didn’t get a chance to go I think you’ll enjoy the sites. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy. Of course I missed some . . . I would have liked to have gotten to but this will give you a little flavor. A highlight I just found out about . . . Way back when I had…
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Meaningful Soul Words – Part 2
If you missed Part I . . . a great list of ‘feeling and soul words’ you can check it out here. But here are some prompts also on the sheet that I thought would be great for art journaling. This is what I took from the sheet and wanted to share. We are in the midst of ‘busy’ season . . . I encourage you to take a moment out of your busy schedule and ask yourself . . . how do I feel? It’s important. Sometimes ‘busy’ can be an enemy to our physical and mental health . . . I say that from experience. Pinpoint which soul…
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Craft and Hobby Tradeshow, Peeks & Blogging
Some of you are familiar with CHA (the Craft and Hobby Association) and the biggest trade show for arts and crafts that is held twice a year. In the Winter it is usually held in Anaheim. Well, CHA is coming up again. At CHA, new products make their debut. I’ll never forget attending my first CHA many years ago. Oh my the blood pressure rising. The trade show is held during the day as well as classes for store owners, designers, and more. Surrounding the day and into the evening are events, get togethers, networking, and more. I so enjoy attending as it allows me to see the new product…
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Fighting or Embracing Change – An Honest Account
My life has been so full of changes the last two years. Not simply the cancer but that was a factor. It would seem change in every area of my life; health, personal and work. Wow, a lot of change I couldn’t control . . . both sad, scary and exciting. Change that was uncharted, unfamiliar, uncertain. At times I have difficulty with change. I’ll share a short story with you on change and a role that ‘rats’ played in my attitude towards change. Yes, I said ‘rats’ . . . rodents. We were in Madagascar and by this time, we had my sweet daughter. She was just a baby. …
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Warmest wishes for a beautiful 2015
Warmest new year wishes from us to you and yours! Grateful for you and wishing you joy, peace and beautiful possibilities in 2015! I Am so thankful for new beginnings. really praying and wishing all great blessing in 2015. Last year one of the hardest for us but even through the trials we can be thankful for how they mold us and for the miracles in the midst. Sometimes we can’t see the bigger picture and the paths that are changing direction for the better. Hoping new and exciting roads ahead for all.
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Word of the Year – Good Expectations for 2015
This past week it was so appropriate that I received an early copy of Jewelry Affaire that contained an article and necklace tutorial on my word of the year for 2014. 2014 was a year of sadness, uncertainty, and challenge filled with some times of joy, accomplishment and celebration as well. My word of 2014 was TRUST and I created a necklace to remind me of just that. My word for 2015 is COURAGE and my verse, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (and women) of courage; be strong.” ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13. I enjoy creating something as a reminder throughout the year of my word and goal. I want…
