The New Year

Greetings & Happy New Year! I hope everyone has a healthy and prosperous New Year. I'm looking forward to starting fresh, as I always am at this time of year. I have high hopes for myself, my home, and my family. And of course, high hopes and goals for my beloved work and business.
I count 2008 as a successful year. We are no less in debt than this time last year, but I had much opportunity to meet and connect with fellow artists and Etsians, reconnect with a wonderful old friend, and spend time with out-of state family. For this, I feel richer.
I spent much time last year gathering vintage materials which I will incorporate into many new designs and also offer at my Etsy shop. I have a feeling bird-themes will be playing a large part in upcoming work. We already have some beautiful Heart Themed work ready to go for Valentines. Look for it soon both at Etsy and CafePress.
Until next time, I'll be hunkered down at home, dreaming and creating.
Again, Happiest of New Years and Warm Winter Wishes.

New Holiday Art

Here are some new mixed media pieces I've done for the Holidays. You can find them featured on some great products at our CafePress Shop. And stay tuned for some lovely Holiday items from our Etsy Shop.

Ho,Ho,Ho, It's off to work I go!

Gearing up for lots of Christmas work this week...new Etsy items, special orders, designing christmas cards, offering up some vintage supplies for Christmas crafts, etc. Also, I'll be adding some Christmas designs to my CafePress Shop. Maybe I'll sneak in a little decorating, too...Snow expected tonite, that'll bring on the Christmas spirit!

PS Does this photo look like a Martha Stewart ad or what?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, I'm prepping for tomorrow-it's the first Thanksgiving that I'm hosting at our house. Can't wait for Turkey!! I'm shutting down my computer for the next two days-no work, no internet...just food & family.
I hope everyone has a yummy, safe, and joyful holiday'
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Twitter

So, I caved and join Twitter. I met a colleague the other day, a fellow Etsian, Gayle, from Monkey Threads, who recommended it and said it was really fun. So, I signed up and let's see what happens! I'm not sure I totally get it yet, but I'm sure I'll catch on evench.

So Exciting...

I'm very excitedly getting ready for "Escape to the Cape". It's a scrapbooking retreat that I'm attending with two of my sisters-in-law. We have been counting down the days for weeks, and now its finally here! Four days of non-stop cropping and sister-in-law bonding. Without husbands or three-year-olds! Yay. I even designed special t-shirts for the three of us (which, by the way,are also available for purchase at my CafePress shop).

Discovering Derian

Greetings! While surfing the 'net today, I discovered designer/decoupage artist John Derian at Anne's Blog. (Which, incidentally, she's got a good thing going on, too. I'd LOVE a "Subscription to Delight". )Anyways, back to John Derien. I'm completely entranced by his work. The designs are random, simple images plus ephemera, mixed and layered, perfectly, somehow...I can't put a finger on it, but these simple images; a fir tree, an insect, a word, are elevated to icon status in his beautiful collages. Enchanting.