New Collages

Well, I'm back after a much needed rest from blogging and after a few challenging months including family issues and major computer problems. 

Here are some things I've been working on.

This is a collage I made with paper, dried hydrangea, rhinestones, silk flower and an air dry clay piece at top. The substrate is a recycled mass produced poster on a mat board of some sort that one of my neighbors didn't want anymore in her house. This is my favorite photo of Marilyn Monroe.  I was going to use it for the bottle below that my daughter wanted, but she selected another Marilyn photo. 

I'm not quite finished with this bottle. Still waiting on a quote from my daughter that she wants to include of Marilyn's.

 

Here's a little glimpse of my craft room.

 

 until next time......

Nelly

 

 

 

Links, Mixed Media, Video

Hi all.  Welcome to my newest followers and comments left in the past few posts.  It's truly gratifying to see others like what I do and that's a way for me to find out your awesome blogs too.


Here are some things I created in the last few days and weeks.  Unfortunately, something's wrong with my camera so the photos are really not the best.

Mini Composition Notebook

Collage on wood.

Here are some great resources that I linked.  Have you worked with beeswax?  I'm hoping to try it myself.  I love the look.


Stampington Beeswax Tutorial

I sure don't want to rush through the summer, but this book is very cool!
Halloween Altered Book Video
From Marie Patterson

Here's something else I want to try. 
Terrarium Tutorial
from Art Mind
 

Ciao,

Paper Bag Swap and Spring Peonies

Peonies are one of my favorite flowers and these are from our garden.

As promised, here's the paper bag book I received from Cathee from Art and Soul, my swap partner from the Yahoo Altered Art group.

Beautiful, right?  Love the colors and ribbons she used.

 I love that she celebrated all the beautiful things of Spring.

 Thanks again, Cathee for this awesome keepsake and to Dee Moran for organizing the swap.

Hope you are inspired by the Spring and are creating.

Spring Banner

Back from the depths of winter blues with a bit of Spring thanks to Terri of Artful Affirmations.  Enjoy!

Spring Banner Video

Here's some things I've been working on for my niece's wedding.

Wedding shower thank you cards

Have you seen these free online workshops?  Awesome tutorials!!!  The first workshop is ready to be viewed now and 2 others will start soon.  Thanks to Strathmore and the fabulous artists Pam Carriker, Linda Blinn and Roz Stendahl

I so very much appreciate the generosity of these folks for sharing their knowledge and on their own dime!  

Thanks for visiting,

Christmas Paper Crafts

Wishing you all a most wonderful Christmas, eating holiday food, engaging in family traditions, and visiting family and friends!!

I finally got the courage to try my hand at one of these.  There are some.  The ones out there from other artists I've seen just made me swoon.  Mine not so much, but I learned a few things about the technique.  One, next time I'll use a fresher/newer book.  I used an older book which makes the pages a bit too delicate and the piece can get crushed with time, so a newer book will keep it looking fresh and crisp.  Two, you layer the cones on top of each other in neat rows instead of randomly as I did.  Use a glue gun to adhere the cones for quick work.

This one I will be gifting for Christmas.

I also finally decorated these trees which I had purchased last year for Christmas.  At first I had planned to all 3 in the same style.  I quickly changed my mind because it just seemed boring to me to do it that way.

 

 

The one thing that brought them all together was the glittered buttons on the bottom

This is a very cool idea for me being a night owl and otherwise unencumbered for New Year's Eve.  You might want to check it out too.  Sounds like a lot of fun.  I just found this blog through my Google alerts and it's super cute and pack full of inspirational paper crafts.  Go visit Paula's Palace and join in.

All Night Craft Along

 

 

'Till next time,

Giveaway, Background Papers Video

Been busy with my niece's Save The Date cards, work and just general life's misery challenges lately, so haven't been creating much.

I hope it changes soon.

Here is a video from Shona Cole that I have enjoyed.

 Background Papers

Want to throw your name in for some beautiful things;  here are some giveaways out in blog land:

  

Melinda of Alabaster Rose Designs is having a 1 year anniversary giveaway pack full of yumminess to win.   Visit her to enter, here.

 Cindy Crane is a new blogger and she's celebrating with a giveaway, here.

 

Have a great week,

Drawing, Photoshop and Mixed Media Free Courses

Hi all.  I have been inspired by amazing artists who draw, especially who draw little girls.  So I've been trying my hand at it.  I love the mix of drawing and other mediums like paint, paper, etc.  

Here are some of my first attempts.  

Pretty awful.  Much more practice needed.  LOL

This is a Save the Date Card for my niece's wedding I have been working on.

Have you seen these awesome learning opportunities? Of course I registered for the free course.  Willowing is also a great ning group.

Kim is offering a free mini course on Photoshop.  You bet I registered.  

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week,