• Art,  Crafts,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Life,  Mixed Media,  My Breast Cancer Journey,  Thoughts,  Tutorials and How to's

    Pink Ribbon Pumpkins & Breast Cancer Awareness

    Each day is a gift! It has been nine years next month that I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I’m so thankful that I am here today. HERE is the original post and initial thoughts when I was diagnosed. Possibly it could encourage another. I’m forever grateful for the love and support of of family, friends, co-workers, the artist community, and more. So humbled and so grateful. Dear ones, can I please encourage you to make sure if it is time to get your annual check, you make that appointment or you do a self check. Men, encourage those ladies in your life, to get those checks. Some of you…

  • woman wearing headset on neck
    Creative,  Life,  Thoughts

    Turn Up the Music

    Creativity is an amazing commodity in today’s world. I worked with a fellow artist for many years who helped forge a break through in fighting cancer. You see, science and math are not the only things that can help ‘find a cure’ or develop the next amazing invention. ‘Out of the box’ thinkers and Creatives also play a key role in solving problems or developing something that will enhance our lives. We all play a role. Some of us are mathematians, others artists, still others are good with fixing things. If you’re like me, I’m not a great mathematian, however I am creative. Like I shared, creativity has great value…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Faith,  Gel Press Creations,  Handcrafted Journals,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Life & Art

    Life can get busy. This month has been no exception with work, celebrations, living, caring for yourself, and more . . . time can fly. Art is definitely therapy for me when facing the stressors of life. Well, here we are at the end of the month of August. I thought I’d share a very brief recap. A group of ladies attended our annual Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach for our annual outing. It was fantastic this year and one of my favorite so far! Here are some highlights as to some art I’ve created in August. Is there a message that speaks to you? How are you…

  • Art,  Crafts,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Mixed Media,  Tutorials and How to's

    Somerset Studio and Gel Printing

    I had the opportunity to share some gel prints and about my love for monoprinting with Gel Press plates in the latest edition of Somerset Studio. I’m so passionate about using my Gel Press plates to create one-of-a-kind art. I was excited that Stampington and Company also chose to use some of my prints for artists paper which can be torn out and used in your art. Here’s the first of a multi-page spread. If you’re interested in finding your own copy you can do so at Joann’s, Barnes and Noble or better yet . . . go straight to the source at Stampington and Company for this ISSUE. There…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Cards,  Crafts,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Life,  Mixed Media

    ICAD’s and Coming to a Close

    What in the world is an ICAD? Well you can find out more HERE and HERE. While I have about a week more to go on creating ICAD’s, I thought I’d share with you some views from the last couple weeks. How about you? What are you working on. I know some of you here have shared you’re participating as well. Yay. I really feel that creating on a regular basis is so beneficial. I post several of these and other art, prompts, thoughts, challenges and inspiration on my Instagram account if interested. You can find me HERE if you want to follow along. Oh how I love the creative…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Cards,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Art Each Day Helps Stress Stay Away

    It’s proven that creating art helps to lower blood pressure and help stress. While it’s not 100%, creating does help! I’ve had stressors in my life recently and participating in the Index Card A Day challenge (ICAD) has helped me take even just a bit of time to create a small work of art. Most recently, below are some of the most current cards I created with lots ‘o texture. Interested in knowing more? Search #icad. I shared some from the first half HERE. It runs through the end of this month. I’m keeping up although it’s been challenging at times. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for art. Art sure helps save…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Faith,  Handcrafted Journals,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Purpose – An Art Journal Spread

    Recently I spent some time in my art journal and created this odd but fun spread with dinosaurs. The title that came to me was from a sticker and it says, ‘Found himself in a strange land.’ It just reminded me that sometimes I do find myself in odd places in my life but there is still purpose in those times and circumstances. Maybe those unusual challenging times stretch and grow us, or possibly they make us more grateful. Those strange times and events may be taking place so that we can help someone walk on this journey called life, or maybe in turn, they are encouraging us. I want…

  • Art,  Crafts,  Creative,  Life,  Mixed Media

    ICAD What?

    If you’re a crafter and you hop on any social media platforms, you might notice the word ICAD? What in the world is an ICAD? Well, during June and July, a challenge takes place called ‘Index Card a Day.’ That’s what an ICAD is. The challenge? You create on an index card beginning June 1 and ending July 31. That is 61 artful index cards. So I’ve been sharing a few. While on vacation for two weeks in Minnesota, I had very limited supplies but managed to keep up some. It was fun challenging myself to create with just a few supplies. For a lot of my cards I did…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Artsy Adventures (Outings, Flea Marketing and More),  Crafts,  Creative,  Handcrafted Journals,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Not So Traditional Scrapbooking

    Art Journaling, the Flea Market & an Update

    Life has been busy recently with lots of ups and downs. We traveled to Minnesota where we explored waterfalls, visited dairy farms, cheese stores, a coffee shop in the woods near Duluth, held a memorial for my father in law, spent time with family, spent time at a lake house on Lake Minnetonka, and more. I also managed to get Bronchitis. Upon returning I lost a dear friend to cancer, attended a lovely wedding, and celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. It’s been a little wild. Whew. I don’t know about you all, but I love the adventure of attending a flea market.. Whether to stroll and just view the treasures…