IMGIRL

TEXTURE

2012-02-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

My submission for this week's challenge over at Inspiration Avenue.
GRATITUDE on Canvas

Roll over the title of this post to see all the unique submissions this week and see how to join in on the weekly challenges. We would love for you to join in on the fun.

Stay Inspired ~*

DIVA'S

2012-02-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

LIVING THE NON-DIVA LIFE

I thought this would be a fun art photo since the challenge this week at Inspiration Avenue is "DIVA"S.

Diva's are really a mixed bag for me. I am not generally a fan. I do however, love the boldness & the confidence that exudes from them, the passion they have for what they love and how comfortable they are in their own skin, not to mention that they don't give two flips whether we like it or not.

It's those other little and sometimes large annoying nasty traits that are attached to "Diva's" that you just really have to sift out for yourself and like the old adage goes: Don't judge a book by it's cover.

Then there are Diva's who are just born bold and beautiful, talented and bright shining stars that are DIVA'S in their own right and don't even know it. Their personality just explodes into the room..they are who they are and have earned it without demand.

If I had to choose a Diva it would be:

ADELE

She is big and bold and larger than Life. And yet, so lovable and identifiable, (a trait not linked to all Diva's) If she is in the room, you know it.

As far as my own inner Diva, she gave me enough confidence to be BOLD, to LOVE MYSELF, to slow down in the world and to LOVE everything BIGGER, then I booted her out. There wasn't room for both of us!
XO

Roll over the title of this post and see what DIVA'S are hanging out over at INSPIRATION AVENUE!

"You Really Shouldn't Say I Love You

2012-02-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

.... unless you mean it.
But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
~Author: 8-year-old named Jessica

LOVE with a Cherry on Top ~ Happy Valentines Love ~*

Credits: Twocutethings.hartje.madelief.Imgirl.

I am doing blog linkup with Blonde Episodes. Please leave a comment and then click on the button below to linkup with other blogs for Valentines Day! Hearts to You Kori!

www.BlondeEpisodes.com

powerful. simple. complicated. profound. passionate. forever. LOVE

2012-02-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

credits: pritistudio.etsy.sunnyinbed.maritimelove.
irideen.teamsugar.toocutethings.renatakeveh.
janehalldesign.pritistudio.etsy

GLORIOUS GREENS

2012-02-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

My submission for GLORIOUS GREENS over at Ginger Snaps Creations.Roll over the title of this post and it will take you to the GREENS..be prepared to be inspired!

HERE COMES THE SUN

2012-02-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

We are at the half way point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox.
For centuries Christians have celebrated this time with a celebration of lights
called Candlemas. This is the challenge this week over at Inspiration Avenue, hosted and co-hosted by Hettienne and Gemma.

I have chosen to make this mixed media collage candle to celebrate St.Brigid of Ireland. She was known for many things, among them compassion and charity. Aside from St.Patrick, she is one of the most revered Saints in all of Ireland. To learn more about her, you can read it here: http://www.saintbrigid-canton.com/SaintBrigid.html

The words at the bottom of the candle say: St.Brigid of Ireland, Teacher of Compassion, Lighting the way for new life and charity.

Thank you for stopping in and be sure to roll over the title of this post and see what's shining over at Inspiration Avenue this week!

I AM IN LOVE ......

2012-02-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

.... with a card that my artist friend Peggy Gatto sent me. She has this awesome blog where I visit at least once a week to grab some inspiration from her amazing works of art. The card she sent me is a vintage reproduction of a paper doll from Laughing Elephant.com. Paper dolls was one of the weekly art challenge invitations this year over at Inspiration Avenue. I told Peggy I would reveal what I did with her card. I could not resist cutting it up and with LOVE in the air, this is what I created with it.

WISH UPON A STAR

She is a MUSIC BOX Mixed Media Art Doll Assemblage. She is standing on a box that can hold your Cherished items, WISHES, DREAMS, or Valentine sentiments. She is not just for Valentines Day...She is for DREAMERS...

The top of her box has words that say:

"If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do"

Whether you are near or afar...all you have to do is Wish Upon A Star ~*

She was made by Hand and inspired by Life.
She stands 5 1/2" by 1 1/2" and comes to life with song when you turn her hand crank handle.

On the back side, there is a card attached to her that can you can write a note or a date.

This is her song:

WISH UPON A STAR ..........Performed by Jimini Cricket, Lyrics by Ned Washington

When you wish upon a Star
Makes no difference where you are
Anything your Heart desires
Will Come to you

If your Heart is in your Dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a Star
as Dreamers do

Fate is kind
She brings to those to Love
The Sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a Star
Your Dreams come True

See Peggy's Mixed Up Art.. http://wwwpeggysamusement.blogspot.com/

To join in on the weekly challenges at Inspiration Avenue!
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/

Submission for Ginger Snap Creations Redhead Challenge
Favorite Artist Paper: I use so many papers. Two used here are: K & Company and Paper Studio
You can see all the creative submissions here:
http://gingersnapcreations.blogspot.com/2012/01/gc135-random-redhead-challenge-use-your.html

Tell someone you LOVE them today!
XO
Kim

ROCKING HORSES

2012-01-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

The challenge this week at Inspiration Avenue.

Bookmark / Tag: MY FIRST PONY

I didn't think I was going to be able to participate in this weeks challenge due to too many conflicts. I recently made new book tags and I haven't had the time to get them all listed in my Etsy shop. This was one of my new tags and I thought it was a perfect fit for this week's challenge.

Thank you for stopping by. Roll over the title of this post and see what's Rocking over at Inspiration Avenue!

LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET

2012-01-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

The challenge this week at Inspiration Avenue is the Alphabet. I love making journals so for me the decision this week of what to make was an easy one. Filling a journal with moments, ... putting down on paper a thought, a dream, an idea, a memory or emotions from your heart that can only be released on paper is just the beginning of a journey.
The finished journal is not the end of the journey, it is more like a found treasure that holds a part of your life with priceless pages that tell your story at that moment or time in your life.

I am a doodler and a scribbler, with a Picaso form of art short hand that no one can read but me. I personally love Art Journals. When I am busy working or shopping or just living life, I am constantly taking in information, and feeding it to my brain. It's a curse. I am a project hoarder. I have so many ideas and "to do" projects that would scare even the most energetic person away. (Thank you God for Pinterest boards). Taking time to journal is the perfect release for all that overload. I love going back and looking at finished journals. If you have never started or completed a journal, it is easy, just begin , your journey is waiting....

This is my submission for this week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue.
"Play with Desire"

I love that you stopped by! You are also invited to play with us each week.
I am on my way over Inspiration Avenue to check out the rest of the Alphabet!
ROll over the title of this Post and I will see you there!

BUTTERFLIES

2012-01-21T15:39:00.000-08:00

Moss covered paths between scarlet peonies,
Pale jade mountains fill your rustic windows.
I envy you, drunk with flowers,
Butterflies swirling in your dreams.
~Ch'ien Ch'i

BUTTERFLIES ~ A favorite subject and the perfect species for this week's challenge over at Inspiration Avenue. Where I ended up with my challenge was no where close to where I started.. those are the best challenges for me...the unplanned ones, the ones that just evolve before your eyes, emerging out of my cocoon and into something that will take flight.

"They are the Dreamers" is the cover of my book ~

There is nothing more beautiful and whimsical than a child's stories and dreams.
They see life in it's truest form. Colors are brighter, stories and dreams are possibilities, everything is bigger and brighter and beautiful. They are the Dreamers.

The inside says: "IT IS OUR DUTY TO GIVE THEM WINGS"

I stitched all the pictures and each side of the book after adding seam binding so that I could tie the front pages together. Then I stitched each side to the center collage so that each side closed and opened from the center. The collage book is about 8" x 11".

I started out with an art sheet from stampington to make a card and but I ended up covering it all up with collage, paper & ink. It ended up being a big collage card or book.
I am a pretty big stickler for detail so when I finished, I thought I better check out the back to see if I needed to add or cover anything up. I was so super surprised when I saw that the original Stampington paper that I started with was named "BUTTERFLIES". At that point I added two wings and called it "finished".

Thank you for stopping by to view my challenge.
This was fun challenge and I can't wait to see the other submissions that are flying in. Be sure to "flutter" over the title of this post and check them out! Each Monday there is a new
challenge..and we invite you to play!

PAPER DOLLS

2012-01-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

The challenge this week at Inspiration Avenue is "PAPER DOLLS". I didn't actually make this Doll Assemblage for this week's challenge, for lack of time this week, but she was just recently made and I feel like she would fit well for the challenge.

She started out as a paper doll and I ended up only using her face. I never know what I am going to do until all my supplies are set out in front of me and then she just evolved into this MUSIC DOLL ASSEMBLAGE.

She is made from Vintage Jewelry parts, stamped and stained blocks, Vintage music box (which plays beautifully),some stamped tongue depressor sticks from fellow artist Lani Kent (Healing Expressions), vintage camera lens,and brass embellishments. She was so fun to make. I have other Music Doll Assemblages in my Etsy shop and I am currently finishing up another one for Valentines Day, soon to be in my shop. I would love for you to stop by and take a peek soon.

Thank you for stopping in and be sure to check out all the "Beautiful Dolls" at Inspiration Avenue. Roll over the title of this post and it will take you there!
You are welcome to join in on the weekly challenges and you might find a spot on the Red Carpet! See you there!

DESTINY

2012-01-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

The challenge this week at Inspiration Avenue is "DAMASK". This Altered Art Journal made with Damask paper is my submission for this week's challenge.

Roll over the title of this post to see more challenge submissions and read a little history about "Damask".

Thanks for stopping by..we would love for you to join in on the fun!

FESTIVE

2011-12-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

There are so many celebrations during the month of December and so many words to describe all the merriment going on during the month. This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue is to pick one of those words for your challenge. Right now I am still faced with so many choices still to make regarding Christmas and unfinished challenges of my own so I knew right away what my word would be when I met Myra.

I came across Myra searching for a gift in one of our local vintage shops. She is a vintage photo postcard from France. Her hat is totally made of real feathers. I added a few jewels to the feather flowers. Not only did I just love her spirit, she inspired me. She looked as if she was decked out with her feather and jewel hat and ready for all the Festivities to come not letting her spirit be dampened by choices made or things not done.

There is so much that fills my heart at Christmastime, so much joy, love, gratitude for old friends, family, new friends,furry friends and blessings overflowing. It is literally a challenge in itself to put any of that into words or pictures that accurately describes the beauty and wealth of it all. So, I choose to embrace December in all it's Glory and FESTIVITIES. I will put on my best hat like Myra and enjoy the season!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my followers, old and new and may the New Year bring the Best to You!
Cheers
Kim~*

English Literature

2011-12-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

The theme this week at Inspiration Avenue is English Literature. A fascinating subject for sure and one that brings to mind so many subjects for this challenge. As I relived some of the history exploring the many avenues in which to go, I must say that I found myself as exhausted as Queen Mary below or maybe that was Queen Elizabeth, or Queen Victoria, or it could have been Queen Isabella. At any rate, I find myself in my busy days feeling the same way. "There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to ART".

Roll over the title of this post to see how English Literature has inspired other
artists at Inspiration Avenue!
Thanks for stopping in and feel free to join in on the fun!

2011-12-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

AGED BEAUTY

2011-11-26T22:58:00.000-08:00

AGED BEAUTY is this week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue. I didn't get to create something for this challenge, but in the spirit of "Aged Beauty's", this one is close to my heart.

This AGED BEAUTY has been my our family for many years. With each year she brings
more memories and will be even more beautiful as she is passed down to future generations.

"AGED BEAUTY'S" can come in any form. Roll over the title of this post and join in the spirit at INSPIRATION AVENUE.

Thanks for stopping by!

THE BALL

2011-10-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

We have been in this moving mode which seems to be going on forever. So, today I gathered up some things here and there to get READY! Ready for what?

The Ball of course! THE MASQUERADE BALL over at Inspiration Avenue. Most of my art supplies are packed so it was quite a challenge to come up with something for this week's theme, but who on earth would want to miss a "MASQUERADE BALL"? Here is my submission. I plan to make it a magnet to put on my board to remind me that "all work and no play, makes for a very long and boring day".

I started with a Domino and then decided to make a face with some Crayola Modeling Clay,which by the way works really, really well plugging up holes in your wall before you touch up with paint. I made a clay disc, let it dry overnight and then stamped the face. I still had a discard box from previous art projects that were left over pieces and I contemplated throwing it all out. Everything I used came from that box except the clay.

I just purchased this stamp which really says "tea", not "THE BALL", but I covered right over it with the bottom part of a tag that was a previous "toss out".

This is the poem I originally wrote thinking I could at least submit a poem, but I couldn't help myself, I have missed several challenges and the need to create something with hands just won me over.

THE MASQUERADE BALL

A Masquerade Ball ...
My favorite place to be
When I wear my mask,
No one knows it's me
It's not the mask I wear,
Or my choice of clothes...
It's not the scars of yesterdays
That no one really knows...

The Magic of The Ball,
All for one and one for All!
I can be a devilish fiend or a princess far & fair
Who am I... and Who are you? The mystery's in the air..

The Ball, The Ball...my favorite place to be,
Where Spirits Soar, and Lives are Free!
And Oh those precious hours of The Ball...
Until the clock we part....
You will have met the BEST of ME,

...Because you saw my Heart!

Until the Clock Strikes 12,
I hope to see you there! Roll over the title of this post and Join the Fun!

Please take off your mask and leave me a comment, I would love to know you were here! Thanks for stopping by!

FEAR

2011-10-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue is FEAR. I missed the challenge because we are packed up and moving..I loved seeing all the fabulous submissions for this challenge and in doing so I realized I had a real FEAR going on at this very moment.

My "Fear of Moving Day"....

...all the boxes will be delivered,unpacked,the truck gone and this will be the image I see.....

Surely not,...right?

To see more FEAR submissions, roll over the title of this post, you might see your greatest FEAR..

SO Nice to see you here!

IT'S A CELEBRATION!

2011-10-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join in on the Wings of Inspiration Blog Party hosted by Inspiration Avenue. It's celebration time and lots of fun things are happening already!
The blog party will start on Monday 16 October and will be happening the entire week with the cherry on the cake served on Monday 23 October 2011! But the fun starts already today: every few days we will be revealing one of the many giveaways set out on our party table and there are many digital freebies available on Inspiration Avenue right now.
Roll over the title of this post and fly on over to Inspiration Avenue to see how to participate. You won't want to miss this party, it is our Thank You to YOU!

SUNFLOWERS

2011-08-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

The theme this week at Inspiration Avenue is Sunflowers. I don't think a bouquet is complete without a sunflower. They are big and bold and say things in a big way. So I titled my submission, "Coffee & Friends and Sunflowers".

In light of all the turbulent weather,droughts,heat,and busy back to school,...
I hope the "after" brings you all time for "Coffee, Friends and Sunflowers

Thank you for stopping by and if you roll over the title of this post, you will see a "field of sunflowers" at Inspiration Avenue!

IT'S AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN DO.....

2011-08-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE PHONE....Put the coffee on and shut the door and hang your sign out that says: "Don't come in or else". If you don't have a sign, get one..it works! (especially if you lock the door).

I managed to finish three art projects, finally and make my art submission at Inspiration Avenue on time this week.
I hope you are having a good weekend and I just wanted to share my new finished art assemblages.

CLAIM YOUR TIME....HANG YOUR SIGN!

NO.1
ART ANGEL

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

NO.2
MY SECOND ART ANGEL ASSEMBLAGE

THE VINTAGE PHOTO IS MY HUSBAND'S GRANDMOTHER WHO REALLY WAS AN ANGEL!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

NO.3
LIFE IS ART

Thank you for stopping by, check out my Etsy shop for details on these Art Assemblages (you can roll over the title of this post), leave me a comment you were here and COME BACK! I love it when you stop to visit!
XO
Kim

ICEY

2011-08-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

"Her stare is Icey Cold and Chilling...but it is only due to her broken heart"

The challenge this week at Inspiration Avenue is "ICEY". This summer with all the high temperatures, I thought a lot about "ICEY" and the anticipation of winter. I also thought about people I met in passing this summer that had a cold, chilling, glance and did not even return a smile. Perhaps they were just hot, or maybe they had a broken heart....

Be sure to roll over the title of this post and see what's Chilling over at
Inspiration Avenue this week!

SUN KISSED

2011-08-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue is "SUN KISSED". The theme was to create something or "things" you love or appreciate about summer. This mixed media assemblage is my submission for this week.

"WHEN YOUR LIFE IS KISSED BY THE SUN"

The Inspiration for this theme actually came from a pile of items I cleaned out from some of my art bins. These were items that I have not used for some time. The last thing I came across was this big glowing gold jewel. It looked like a sun. That was the beginning of my assemblage and out of the pile it came. Next, I picked out a 4" x 3" used canvas that I purchased in a little box of junk at a yard sale one day that had one little thing I wanted in it. That canvas also came out of the pile and into the "use" pile.
After retrieving a few more items that I was about to toss out, I changed my mind and it all went back into the bin. What was I thinking?

A few more looks at that gold SUN looking jewel and this doll assemblage was born.

The first thing I did was make the head. I knew I wanted colorful ribbons and yard fibers for her hair, but how was I going to glue them on to a piece of card stock and still be able to add a face without a smooth surface? Again, I went back to my stock of useless stuff. I found one vintage cabinet photo card. The picture was ruined but I kept it because the back side had beautiful scroll writing. I cut 2, 2 inch pieces and layered the hair between them and glued all the yarn and ribbons down. After it was dry, I had a nice smooth surface to add a face and a cool looking back with writing from the cabinet photo. I braided a few strands of her hair and added a glass butterfly bead on another strand.

Next, I painted the canvas and added the words on the front and back side. I have never worked with copper tubing before but I found some in my husband's stash of
"guy stuff" in the garage. This was perfect for the arms and legs. After hammering and flattening the ends, I drilled a hole in each end and nailed the arms and legs to the small wood canvas frame. With needle nose pliers, I curled the feet and hands. If you notice, I used the back side of the canvas for the front and the front side for the back. This allowed me to put the "golden sun" jewel in the center of the body and left room for all the words on the back side. Lastly, I wasn't sure how to add the finished head. Back to the drawing board. I found a bag of very small wooden vintage scrabble tiles and spelled the word "SUN". I glued them on with the word "SUN" facing the back side, and it also gave support for me to glue the head onto the backside of the tiles for the front side of the canvas. She measures 6"tall and 3 1/2 inches wide, not including the arms and legs.

"WHEN YOUR LIFE IS KISSED BY THE SUN".........

"LIVE LIFE FULL OF .... BEACHES,SHELLS,BEACH BALLS,CAMPFIRES,SANDCASTLES, PORCH SWINGS, SAND PAILS, FIREFLIES, AND NAPS"

I hope you have enjoyed my submission this week and you can find it in my Etsy shop.
Be sure to roll over the title of this post and see what else is shinning over at Inspiration Avenue!

Just a reminder, go through your "stash" piles now and then and get inspired!
I also discovered that this frozen dinner container also makes a great vessel to mix paint in!

THE FOREST FOR THE TREES

2011-08-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

The challenge for this week at Inspiration Avenue is "The Forest for the Trees". There can be so many interpretations for this theme. Last week, I made a Paper House greeting card. This week's theme gave me not only a great idea for my second Paper House card but a different twist on this week's challenge. I hope you like it!

Every once in awhile, we lose our way.... and angels find us.

LOST & FOUND

Angels are often friends, family and sometimes strangers who are sent to cross our path..

The roof top is the card on the underside and the house is tied together on the side by a string that is attached and a button. I like to put designs inside the card as well,.... a hidden treat. You can put our own treats inside the house as an added gift.

Each Paper House card comes with a re-purposed envelope of my choosing for mailing...I promise it will be cute!

She couldn't see the forest for the trees, but she loved him anyway.

Paper House cards can be purchased in my Etsy shop. If you purchase this particular card in my shop, just say you saw it on Inspiration Avenue and the buyer will also receive the college for this theme challenge as well.

Thank you for stopping by and remember, "One must work, eat and play" so come on over and play..join us in the next challenge! Roll over the title of this post to see more challenge interpretations of this theme!

TEA TIME

2011-07-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

The submission for this week's theme challenge over at Inspiration Avenue is TEA TIME.

PAPER HOUSES
We are all fragile. Sometime in our lives we will experience love lost, disappointments, illness, distance relationships, broken friendships or we will know someone who needs a friend, encouragement or just a cup of tea to share from a kindred spirit.

This is one of my new creations, PAPER HOUSE CARDS. This one is for TEA TIME.
The card is approximately 2" x 4". It can be folded flat to mail and it put together by wrapping the string around the button. The roof sits on top of the house and is also the card. The inside card is blank with several pages for you to write messages or sentiments. Inside the house contains a Sealed Organic Green Jasmine Tea Bag.--

Paper House TEA TIME card, house and tea bag will come in a re-purposed envelope for mailing.

Keep and eye out for more PAPER HOUSE CARDS for my Etsy shop.
All cards will be original.

I value your comments! Thank you for viewing and I would love for you to come to Tea at Inspiration Avenue by rolling over the title of this post!

I'M COOKING.....

2011-07-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

..and it's not in the kitchen!

We had a lot of things planned for this week of vacation, all of which will be too hot to enjoy. So, I decided to quit whining and take advantage of a week that is not jammed pack and enjoy completing some fun projects around the house. First of all, my family will be the first to tell you that I like to paint...EVERYTHING, and while some people hate change, I embrace it. So, if you have been to my house and see something new, more than likely it was once blue or yellow or perhaps once part of something else.

Here is a glimpse of some of the projects I had fun with while I was off. Feel free to leave a comment or if you have any questions, I am always happy to share further details.

Our house has some what of a beach theme, mostly because we love the beach... and we have collected shells and beach items from different places. We recently went crazy and ripped out our carpet without a plan. We knew we couldn't afford the wood floor we wanted right now, but the carpet was dirty, annoying and making our allergies crazy. We just had enough and couldn't stand it anymore, so we did the next best thing... we took out the carpet and we ...painted. In spite of our lack of knowledge and there being a little more to it than we thought, we learned a lot and it was all worth it! We love the color,(Bahama Blue). We can breathe clean air and it is so easy to keep the floor clean. It also feels great on the feet! :) This was all prior to my vacation.

So this week I spent time putting back everything we had to move into the back bedroom and studio and it inspired me to complete some of these projects below:

The BOWL Mirror:
You can find this bowl mirror at Pottery Barn for about $80.00 or you can just dig out those wooden bowls you have stored away because you know you really can't use them for much and they are too awesome to mess up. Go to any craft store and purchase 4" round mirrors. Add a few dots of glue from the glue gun and a picture hanger on the back and you are good to go. You can also purchase wood bowls at any of the larger discount stores. I had five and this is how I used them.

PAINTING.....

BEACH LETTERS. . . simple wood letters from Hobby Lobby.

I GLUED THE LETTERS TO A board that was once a chalk board sign, re-painted for the beach!

PEARS..COMPLETED AND FRAMED FOR MY KITCHEN

I even got my hubby inspired and he replaced all the cabinet hardware in the kitchen,utility and bathrooms. They used to be this ugly, dark, out dated antiqued brass hardware. This simple switch (and the cheapest handles that Lowe's had) made our cabinets look totally different and changed the look of the rooms. I highly recommend!

"FLASH BACK", It's so hot, I looked out on the patio and I swear I saw snow!

OLD,MADE NEW...
This was a 100 year old mirror and the wood details were loose and falling off. I glued everything on well, sanded just the bad places where paint was chipping off
pretty badly and then (this will make furniture re-finisher's shiver) ...I spray painted it with a cream color enamel paint. Then I carefully selected small shells from my collections and with my trusty glue gun, it was easy peasy! You can also do this same thing with any frame, old or new.

I am really proud of this mirror that has been sitting unloved for sometime and it now hangs in my dining area.

BLUE EYE FISH

RED EYE FISH
Something else in my dining room is "THE FISH". THE FISH is a large wood carving that we purchased years ago and with many moves and being stored, it needed some love and attention. It acquired lots of dings and lost it's luster along the way.
What did I do? You may have guessed..I painted it. Somehow the fish became referred to as a female..hummm... a female who sets the mood in the house. THE FISH has two colored eyes. If all is good in the house, the fish is turned with her blue eye showing. IF there there is tension in the house, ...check the fish...if she is showing her RED eye, then LOOK OUT! This was a fun project and now has added a lot of fun conversation to our house and new life for our fish carving that we can now enjoy using.

ENJOYING MY VACATION AND DREAMING OF THE BEACH...

MORE USE FOR SOME OF MY SHELLS and Table Decoration...
I added sand in bottom of this large vase, added the shells and set a votive glass holder inside pushing it a little below the shell level into the sand. When the candle is lit, it gives a beautiful glow to all the shells.

DON'T DISCOUNT THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN USED. I found some used canvas at a yard sale. I painted over them and added some beach stones to the canvas making a great wall
decoration for my bedroom. I actually made a collage of three, all beach stones with similar tags and a little different backgrounds. Quick and simple! Etsy is a great place to find beach stones and shells if you don't have access to them.

WINDOW CURTAINS in less than ONE HOUR.
When we moved in our house, we had these ugly skinny curtains that the last owners left on the windows of either side of our door. To get window coverings for these size windows, it is either expensive custom ordering or do it yourself. I put that project off as long as I could because I don't have a lot of confidence in the sewing department. However, I am proof that if I can fly by the seat of my pants and make window curtains, so can you and probably much better. I purchased some canvas like material at Walmart. I thought stripes would be better to work with, easier to cut and measure and I am always drawn to the black and white look. I knew I was not going to attempt the draw string kind, so I did the next best thing, I made them look like they might be drawn up by sewing pleats in them. It was all much easier than I expected and I gained some much needed confidence in that department. After I was finished, I discovered some black velcro in my sewing drawer and immediately I thought of that black stripe. I took them down once again and sewed velcro on the first pleat of the each black stripe on the under side and the next to the last black pleat on the under side. Now the curtains can easily be raised up by using the velcro and you can't even see it on the black stripe. They are NOT professional, not even close, but I made them and they look great and no one knows that but YOU!

Last but not least, this was my most favorite project this week!
THE BLACKBOARD WALL...again, thank you Pottery Barn!
My wall consist of three boards 11 1/2 inches deep and 45" long. I didnt' even have to cut them. They were already this size and were the cheapest grade with knot holes and dings. I picked through them all until I found 3 fairly good boards and purchased a sand paper sponge...easy to hold and easy on the hands. I lightly sanded the knot holes and any dings and then added the picture hangers on the ends of each board before painting them. I painted with chalk board paint from Walmart which was cheaper than Lowe's. If you do this, make sure you measure your picture hangers on the back the same width from the top and the sides of each board. That makes it much easier when it comes to hanging them. Just hang your first one on the bottom and then measure your next board up.

I added a couple plate hangers I found at a flea market and purchased these really cool plates from ANTHROPOLOGIE.com

Oh, we did go to see the last Harry Potter movie, only because we saw all the rest ...and don't stone me Harry Potter Fans, but I didn't think it was the best and I am not that sad to see it go...I enjoyed the ride while it lasted but I think it was time to move on.

Don't be Timid when it comes to doing things yourself. If you haven't done it, try it. You will be surprised what you can do. Have COURAGE, put on your Shell Hat and and just do what you love. Then you can feel good about treating yourself with all the money you saved!

/>

Did I have fun on my vacation? I absolutely did. It was fun and productive. It was not bad staying home and not being constantly on the run, it wasn't the beach..but I did enjoy a margarita or two!

WINGS

2011-07-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

This week's theme challenge over at Inspiration Avenue is "WINGS".
I just have to believe that beside every angel is a four legged angel with wings.

Here is my submission:

If you roll over the title of this post it will take you to Inspiration Avenue where you can view more submissions for this week's challenge!
Thanks for coming by!
XO
Kim

NURSERY RHYMES

2011-07-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

The challenge over at Inspiration Avenue this week is "Nursery Rhymes".

I decided to write my own nursery rhyme and add a little illustration.

Here is my submission:

No Graffiti On The Wall

Old Mother Hubbard went to her cupboard
to check out her art supplies....
Her cupboard was bare, nothing was there,
No paint or brushes in sight

Jack and Jill lived up the hill about a block
or so,
They had an Etsy shop and knew just where she could go
Old Mother knew full well computers weren't her thing,
so she would call Jack be Nimble and all his knowledge he would bring ..
(and he was quick)

Hickory Dickery Doc, the Mice ran up the Clock to see what they could see,
No Jack insight, but Hey Diddle Diddle, The Cat and The Fiddle, they came
to save the day,
On the way to Mary's Garden to see what she could grow, (She's quite contrary you know)
They saw over weight Humpty Dumpty rocking to and fro...

"Oh my", said the Baker, "Oh my",said the candlestick maker, "someone catch him,
he's going to fall",
(He shouldn't be painting graffiti on that wall)

Little Jack Horner was on the corner eating his curds and whey, he pulled out his
thumb and away he ran to save the day,
As he was crossing the street, he tripped over his feet and they were sure poor Humpty fell to his demise..
The Baker could not believe his eyes!

The Cow jumped over the Moon, he saw it all, poor Humpty's ghastly fall
The Cat and the Fiddle gathered up his supplies, they had never seen such a sight,
The Dish and the Spoon rented him a room with the Woman in The Shoe
for the night

The little Old Woman who lived in shoe, had so many supplies, she didn't know what to do
Scratching her door stood Old Mother's dog, begging a bone
she gave him one and sent
him home ...
with a bag of Humpty's art supplies, except for glue.

With Old Mother asleep in her bed, she now locks her door (thieves are to blame)
So he heads for the roof top and down the chimney he came.
The noise was so loud with so much clatter, she rose from her bed to see what was the
matter..
Brushes and paint and paper galore, it was all that she dreamed of and
so much more..

Jack was to follow and brought all her friends, "no time to sleep", "let the Etsy
shop begin"..
She now had supplies as she wiped her wet eyes and her dog was wagging his tail,
The curtains fling open, the coffee is on and she now looks forward to checking her
mail...
And fat little Humpty is better than new; he lost a few pounds and has been re-purposed with paper and glue
Check here to see more of their friends at Inspiration Avenue!

http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2011/06/inspiration-avenue-weekly-challenge_27.html
OR You can roll over the title of this post to take you there!

FRIDA KAHLO

2011-06-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

"SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW" is the theme of this week's challenge over at Inspiration
Avenue. This is my first "FRIDA KAHLO" ART and my submission for the challenge this week.

"SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW WITH FRIDA"

Frida Kahlo de Rivera (July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954; born Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo y Calderón) was a Mexican painter, born in Coyoacán, and perhaps best known for her self-portraits.

On September 17, 1925, Kahlo was riding in a bus when the vehicle collided with a trolley car. She suffered serious injuries as a result of the accident, including a broken spinal column, a broken collarbone, broken ribs, a broken pelvis, eleven fractures in her right leg, a crushed and dislocated right foot, and a dislocated shoulder. Also, an iron handrail pierced her abdomen and her uterus, which seriously damaged her reproductive ability.

The accident left her in a great deal of pain while she spent three months recovering in a full body cast. Although she recovered from her injuries and eventually regained her ability to walk, she had relapses of extreme pain for the remainder of her life. The pain was intense and often left her confined to a hospital or bedridden for months at a time. She had as many as thirty-five operations as a result of the accident, mainly on her back, her right leg, and her right foot. The injuries also prevented Kahlo from having a child because of the medical complications and permanent damage done when the iron handrail pierced her uterus.

After the accident, Kahlo neglected the study of medicine to begin a painting career. She painted to occupy her time during her temporary immobilization. Her self-portraits became a dominant part of her life when she was immobile for three months after her accident. Kahlo once said, "I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best."

Her mother had a special easel made for her so she could paint in bed, and her father lent her his box of oil paints and some brushes.

Using personal experiences, including her marriage, her miscarriages, and her numerous operations, Kahlo's works are often characterized by their suggestions of pain.

Of her 143 paintings, 55 are self-portraits which often incorporate symbolic portrayals of physical and psychological wounds. She insisted, "I never painted dreams. I painted my own reality."

"Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds, fly....Somewhere over the rainbow, why, o why, can't I"?

Thanks for viewing my submission and if you fly over to Inspiration Avenue by rolling over the title of this post, you can
see more art inspired by this beloved classic ballad.

Cheers!
Kim

GOD BLESS THE USA

2011-05-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

GOD BLESS THE USA
AND ALL THOSE THAT SERVE HER ~*

THANK YOU

TROPICAL

2011-05-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

TROPICAL

I didn't make the challenge deadline this week for the theme "Tropical", but I couldn't pass up the chance to join in on the fun with this theme even at a late date and offer up some Tropical photos that all say, "Take me to the Beach".

ZAKYNTHOS BEACH

AFRICAN BEACH

BEACH IN NOVA SCOTIA

MY FAVORITE SPOT, LAGUNA BEACH

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A ARTSY BEACH COTTAGE?

EVERYONE NEEDS A BEACH TREASURE BOX...

IF "TROPICAL" IS CALLING YOU......
SWIM OVER THE TITLE OF THIS POST AND CHECK OUT THE TROPICAL SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS
WEEK'S CHALLENGE AT INSPIRATION AVENUE~*

WHY NOT JOIN US?

Sending Tropical Dreams Your Way ~~~~
Kim

THE BIDDING HAS BEGUN

2011-05-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

The bidding has started over at INSPIRATION AVENUE! It's early and the CHARITY ART AUCTION has just started today. It will continue ALL Week until May 7th! Go check out the fabulous donated ART items and place your bid.

ALL PROCEEDS will go to ANGEL FACES. Roll over the title of this post to read more about them and the wonderful work they do. You can also check out the auction items while you are there. Please pass on the news of this auction and encourage your friends to come and place a bid.

We would love to see you there and feel free to post the auction badge to your blog!

Hugs and see you at the auction
NOW until May 7th!

Kim ~*

ROYAL AND OR WEDDING

2011-04-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

A ROYAL NECKLACE FIT FOR A QUEEN OR A PRINCESS ~*
This necklace will be included in the CHARTIY ART AUCTION for ANGEL FACES that beings May 1 - May 7th. Bu sure to go to Inspiration Avenue and place your bids for some amazing art. All proceeds will go to benefit ANGELS FACES. Roll over the title of this post to take you there!

A Royal necklace worn by a PRINCESS and now to be passed down for the Royal Wedding.

The History of the Royal Necklace

The GLAMOUR of the NECKLACE

THE PRINCESS JEWELS

BEHIND THE SCENES

Of course this necklace is NOT a necklace worn a Princess or a Queen, it is a necklace that COULD be worn by a Princess. It is also my submission for this week's art challenge over at INSPIRATION AVENUE. This necklace has been handmade from an antique pocket watch case, vintage jewelry pieces, vintage watch parts, a vintage diary key & swaroski crystals and includes a velvet ribbon with clasp.

INSPIRATION AVENUE is hosting a CHARITY ART AUCTION to benefit ANGEL FACES, (young girls that have suffered extensive burns to their faces). This necklace will be one of the items I am donating to the CHARITY ART AUCTION beginning May 1 - May 7th to benefit all the girls at ANGELS FACES that deserve to be a PRINCESS!

I hope you will pop over to INSPIRATION AVENUE on MAY 1 -MAY 7th and place a bid for this most worthy auction. Bidding for this Royal Necklace will begin with $28.00.

Thanks for viewing my submission and be sure to mark your calenders for the auction.
We would love it if you posted the CHARITY ART AUCTION BADGE to your blog and help pass on the word!

XO
Kim

CHARITY ART AUCTION FOR ANGEL FACES

2011-04-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

MY ART SUBMISSION for the Charity Art Auction for Angel Faces is ESSIE.

ESSIE is dear to my heart. She is an Art Doll Assemblage made from Broken Pieces brought back to Life. She has so much meaning in my life and I am happy to offer her for such a wonderful charity that brings hope to young girls and helps to mend the broken pieces of their lives.

My name is Kim and I am the artist/creator of ESSIE. Essie has some very unique features. Her body is a vintage old music box that still winds and plays a beautiful clear tone of "Silent Night". I love this song anytime of year. It's the hush of that one night that brings gives us Hope. Essie has earned her silver angel wing and also her crown which you can see on the rare antique brass button clasp that was once on an antique coat.

Essie covets and cherishes her box or Vault of Broken Pieces and she saves them to bring new Life and Hope to other Art Dolls like her who may need spare parts. She also has a rare vintage brass pocket watch key wind on the original chain that hangs from her crown button clasp. This is a reminder for Essie to always "wind forward" focusing on all the good things to come.

Essie stands 5 1/2 inches tall. Her cherished box of Broken Pieces measures 3" tall, 3 1/4' long and 2 1/4" deep. The lid inside has an old watch spring, jewel and broken butterfly wing. The box is perfect for storing your own cherished broken pieces. The bottom of the box has letters that say:

"NEW LIFE".

THe Art Charity Auction will begin May 1st, and you will have to go to INSPIRATION AVENUE to see all the auction art submissions and place any bids there. Oh, and did I mention that shipping is all included in the bid price! The beginning bid on ESSIE will start at $75.00. I hope you will bid generously on her,the winning bidder will be bringing "New Life" to someone deserving and Hopeful at ANGEL FACES.

Mark your calenders, and be at the auction May 1-7. We would LOVE it if you would be so kind as to pass on this worthy auction on and feel free to post the Charity Art Auction Badge on your blog.

Hugs
Kim ~*

CHARITY ART AUCTION

2011-04-20T19:24:00.001-07:00

As a member of Inspiration Avenue, we are excited to present our SECOND Charity Art Auction for ANGEL FACES! This will be my first time to participate and I can't think of a better way to share my art and to bring hope to this amazing charity.

We have a special place in our hearts for the awesome work and unconditional love
that is given at Angel Faces to help adolescent girls who have been burned in disfiguring accidents.

We're excited do something that will assist Angel Faces to help these deserving girls, and we hope you will feel the same way. Plus, we'd love it if you fall in love with some of the beautiful original art pieces that are being offered in our auction!

Please check back to see all the art entries and bid generously because every penny goes to Angel Faces.
All shipping is paid by the artists themselves, so a winning bid
delivers the piece right to your door!

Angel Faces was featured on the front page of the San Diego Union Tribune in January 2011.
You can read the article HERE:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jan/08/burn-survivor-helps-other-victims-cope-with/

And please visit the Angel Faces website HERE:
http://www.angelfacesretreat.org/af/

You will be touched by the overwhelming struggle these girls
face daily and the strength they need to deal with it.
And be amazed by the Angel Faces staff who help them
cope with self esteem issues and daunting physical challenges.

The auction begins May 1, 2011
and goes until noon on May 7.

We hope you'll return on May 1 to look over the items up for bid
and find something you can't live without!!

(**Perhaps we'll have an early sneak peek at some of the items...
check back from time to time in the coming weeks!**)

If you would like to help us out, we'd be thrilled if you would spread the word and
post the auction button on your blog.

YOU GIVE THEM HOPE!

If you are an artist and would like to donate a piece to the auction, contact me and I will tell you how.
XO
Kim

BIG SPRING SALE

2011-03-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Beginning this week there is a Big Spring Sale going on over in my Etsy shop. Everything in my shop is 50% off for a limited time only. I am trying to clear out and make room for new creative inventory and vintage items. Check it out and if you see something you like and would like 50% off just use the coupon code: WOW50 at checkout.

I Love Spring time. It's time to clean out, de-clutter, renew, live more simply.

There is nothing more calming and renewing than the fragrance of a fresh picked rose.

Two of my favorite decorating pieces. These antique architectural wood pillars have been used for many table settings for showers, dinners, holding candles or just sitting on my mantle.

My Happy Place ~*

My Double Dog Dare Hair in my dreams. I love Pink!

HOBBY LOBBY!

You will never guess what I found in there!

I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES WHEN I SAW IT!

AND THERE IT WAS....

A lady holding a Dwarf Australian baby goat! He was only 6 hours old. You can see by her hands holding him that this precious guy was very new and little. Just goes to show you, you never know what you will find at Hobby Lobby!

Anyone enjoying Spring Break?
Love, Hugs and

Kim~*

IT ALL STARTED......

2011-03-13T14:48:00.001-07:00

It all started when I decided to take the extra time that I purposely set aside today to clean out my art studio and all the supplies, extra's etc. that I was "going" to put away later. My paper bin was an absolute mess. Full of large pieces, small pieces, torn pieces and things that did not belong there. That's as far as I got in the cleaning out process for today.

When it comes to beautiful, unusual and well, just about any kind of paper that can be used for art, I don't throw it out. As I began sorting all the scraps, I could feel myself settling into my happy place and the ideas just start flooding in. After a couple hours of sort, more or less, I emerged from my studio pretty happy and proud that I had accomplished something productive today. Was it cleaning up my studio? Sorting out my mess? No, but I did make these cute calling cards from some of my scraps. I am just about out of my business cards and I have been searching MOO for possible business cards. I did like what I saw and they have some amazing cards that can be printed with pictures of your art and just about anything you can
imagine to do.

This is fun and great way to use your card stock and paper scraps, and any little pictures you have cut out you didn't quite know what to do with. I added some little jewel embellishments and stickers that were not tagged for future use. It's a great way to dispose of some of your supplies while making something useful at the same time. I personally would love to have some calling cards from my artists friends!

I plan on inserting these along with anything I sell from my Etsy shop.
I actually did get my idea for the long skinny ones from the MOO site on their mini's. Easy to do and much better on the pocket book!

Now can you see why I had so much fun? So, when you decide to clean out, just remember, it's much more satisfying to answer the call to:

AND TO

I do like Moo a lot and will probably use them at some point and time in the future. However, for me, it is just hard to resist homemade and making things your own, and why not? Throwing out scraps just didn't appeal to me and I think I managed to put them to pretty good use, not to mention that it was MUCH more fun than cleaning out my studio. Which is why I always go back to, "ART before CHORES" when the spirit moves you. I have to get it out of my system, THEN, I can whistle while I work!

Today is a good day. No complaints. I hope your day has been fruitful for you as well. As I reflect upon things going on all over the world this week, I am full of
gratitude for any "normal", "boring days" and I am hugging them all! Hugs to you too!
In prayerful gratitude, Kim ~*

BLACK, WHITE AND PINK

2011-03-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue. I just made two ACEO cards and with a little tweaking to make them black and white and pink, they just fit this week's challenge.

THERE'S MAGIC IN MY LITTLE PINK DRINK ~*

TA-DA!

Thank You for viewing and if you roll over the title of this post, it will take you to Inspiration Avenue where you can view more submissions and even join in on the fun!

Cheers!
Kim

CELESTIAL

2011-03-05T23:27:00.000-08:00

"Celestial" is this week's art challenge at Inspiration Avenue.
I thought my Seven Celestial beings would fit right in for this week's challenge.
I made the pattern for these angels from discarded vintage 2 cent postcards that I purchased from a sale. The back side shows the 2cent stamp and the postcard. Each angel is a collage of variety of papers, some purchased and some found. The heads are rubber stamped images.

Celestial beings...that dwell in heaven such as divinities or angels.

BELIEVE

LIVE

BEAUTIFUL

LOVE

WISH

LAUGH OUT LOUD

DREAM

text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoTEZWM-jZk/TXNACJezWHI/AAAAAAAAA5U/Twn7SSlwwg0/s320/DREAM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580874768891205746" />

Thank you for stopping by and if you roll over the title of this post, you will see more creative submissions for this week's "Celestial" challenge.
Cheers!
Kim

WHAT'S SHAKING?

2011-03-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Wow, until recently the word 'earthquake' was just a word that was associated with other parts of the world that deeply affected me when I would watch the news of their appearance on t.v. and my heart would just ache for people that were affected by this natural (or unnatural) occurrence of mother nature. However, once you feel that ground move beneath your feet, that word becomes very REAL.

There has been a lot of shaking going on here in Central Arkansas lately and that has made a lot of folks here really nervous not knowing what is going to happen or when.
That's a whole other story and you may have heard all about it on the news. People here seem to think that all the oil drilling going on in this area has unleashed the beast. With that said, I do apologize for the delay on my "Bragging Post" about the wonderful door prizes I won during the OWOH Tour.

So without further delay, here are the beautifully crafted and creatively designed
door prizes that I won during the OWOH Tour. I can't say enough about them. I encourage you to visit each of the blogs of these creative souls and not only will you find a wealth of information and treasures there, but you will also meet some delightful kindred spirits that you will want to visit time and stay awhile.

Meet:
Sherry is from Greater London,United Kingdom. I won Sherry's first prize! She crafted this fabulous Fabric Rag Quilted Sewing Bag and matching Pin Cushion!

I have it under wraps as several people I know have had their eye on it! If you would like to see what inspired her and how she made it, check out her blog. It's all there! I am so excited to have it and to meet Sherry!

SherrysSimpleblog.blogspot.com

Meet:
Cyn from North Eastern CT. She is a Chef and Artist. Check out her blog. She has some loving furry friends Pepper and Henry and this lucky girl gets to enjoy blue, green, and pinkish brown eggs everyday!

I was fortunate enough to win two of Cyn's gorgeous quilt blocks. She is one busy lady and hasn't had time to get them done yet, but something beautiful, handmade and gifted from a friend is always worth waiting for.

Pop in and say Hello to Cyn! You'll be glad you did!
TwoBlueCrows.blogspot.com

Meet:
Annie from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA.
A true gypsy @ heart born on Valentines Day!
Check out this awesome bracelet made by Annie and so generously given as a door prize. It is even more amazing in person, vibrant and colorful. Annie also included some of her creative art greeting cards, 5 of them! Check out her Etsy shop as well.

Drop by Annie's blog and give her a heart!
Anniehearts1.blogspot.com

Meet:
Nicky also known to her artist friends as Minxy. Minxy from Somerset, United Kingdom.
Minxy is a self professed altered art artist and craft-oholic. LOL, Minxy girl, join the club, we are here to support you!
Check out Minxy's blog and her creative works of art! I received this altered art canvas from Minxy as a winner of one of her door prizes! I have it hanging in my entry way and it reads: "It's the little things that make Life Big"....just what OWOH Tour was all about! I couldn't have said it better!

Craft-oholics, show Minxy the Love!
TheAlteredInker.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping in...I love it when you do!
Standing firm on shaking ground!
PEACE & LOVE
Kim/Imgirl

BREATHE

2011-02-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

BREATHE....

....Is the new challenge this week at Inspiration Avenue.

Aside from the obvious, breathing is a good thing, it is necessary to live any kind of life. When I began thinking about the word "breathe" everything we breathe in involves "scents", things that we smell.
When you think of things we smell, that is of course is a two sided coin, not always pleasant things like smog, trash, body odors, old perfume, etc. I was thinking more along the lines of things I like to smell and breathe in. Things that make you breath in and exhale with a feeling of euphoric, calmness and gratefulness.
These are some of the things that came right to my mind:

The smell of a baby

Fresh air after a rain shower

The scent of something baking from your childhood

A long tight hug

The scent of a rose..breathing in it's fragrance and exhaling in gratitude that they are on loan to us..

The smell of sunshine on fresh towels and linens after drying on the clothes line.

That was the entry I wanted to do, making a altered page showing one half of the page with ugly things we are forced to breathe and the other half with things that make us want to breathe more. However, one of the things that came to my mind was a long time neighbor who smoked most all of his life. When the time came for him to retire and enjoy his life, it was all taken from him. When he went to check his mail it took everything in him. He wore an oxygen tank and took two baby steps, bent down to breathe, two baby steps more, bending down to breathe and repeating the process until he reached the mail box. Everything in me wanted to run and retrieve his mail. His wife's response was, "No, this is what he looks forward to". I immediately knew that none of the above things really matter much if you can't breathe.

So this is my heartfelt submission:

"IF BREATHING IS IMPORTANT TO YOU AND THE ONES YOU LOVE, PLEASE DON'T SMOKE"!

My father died March 1, 2004. Smoking killed him.

My Art Inspiration

To visit more of this week's challenge submissions, just roll over the title of this post and you are there!
ENJOY!

ONCE UPON A TIME .

2011-02-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue is "Faded". My submission is a page from a new altered book I made.

The years are past and faded but her story remains clear in her mind.
It begins with "Once upon a time......

Roll over the title of this post and fade into this weeks challenge over at Inspiration Avenue!
See you there!

DON'T HANG UP, I HAVE GOOD NEWS!

2011-02-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

OWOH tour is officially over. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did.

7 winners have been randomly drawn from the 141 angels who visited my blog and here they are!

My Art Journal - DianeSalter.blogspot.com
Sandra from Thistle Cove Farm
Tracey from Glitterbug Studios
Theresa from Faerie Moon Creations
Gayle from Stampers Touch
Bliss Angels by Wendy.blogspot.com
Wendy from Wonderland - Candydelane.typepad.com/curiosities

I will also be contacting you for mailing information. Congrats and thank you to everyone who stopped by. I am off to bed now with a bit of blog lag...flying for 14 days can do that to you. Check my post tomorrow for more info on my OWOH tour.
Nitey all!

ONE WORLD ONE HEART UPDATE

2011-02-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

Two week marathon, no time for bathroom breaks. This was my first year for the One World One Heart tour. I have to say this was no feat for the weak or weary. I found myself staying up all hours past my beddie bye time and even falling asleep at my computer. I was taking trips before breakfast, traveling at lunch and sneaking peaks whenever a moment presented itself. Sadly, it is the last tour but I am so grateful to have met an amazing person like Lisa and everyone else who gave me rest and renewed my spirit at each stop along the way. Was it worth it? Totally! Did I make every blog? No. I am a looker. I like to look. I like to spend time in places that make me happy, that interest me. I am not a Hello, Goodbye person. Like a good book read over and over, I like to dog ear the pages, write in the columns and take notes. I thoroughly enjoyed my journey as I browsed through each blog reading profiles, visiting posts, viewing amazing works of art, and adding to my list of things I want to try and places to keep my eye on.

Thank you to those who participated and allowed me to walk through your rose gardens, drink tea in your kitchen, view your studio, meet your family and see your world. I left each blog in awe and content with the knowledge that I am NOT the only one who does not dust...until necessary.

I could spend two weeks talking about each blog I visited, but you know who you are, FABULOUS, WONDERFUL, Loving what you do and sharing the love.

Some of my dog eared pages of new blogs I found:

Thistle Cove Farm ~ a lovely place to visit. I picked up a fabulous apple cobbler recipe on my visit (below). Mine wasn't quite as pretty as hers but there wasn't a spoonful left when the evening was over.

If you are lucky enough to live in FRANCE, you are lucky enough!
My new blog friend, TROC, BROC and RECUP

Troc - swapping, exchange and bartering
Broc - dealing in antiques
ReCup - to recover, to makeup, to salvage
and of course, then there is FRANCE!

SUZIQU'S THREAD WORKS
Fiber Art and Crazy Quilting
Who also lives in rose garden heaven..in Australia (which I always thought to be baren and full of poisonous things.. wrong

ARTFUL FAIRY TALES
Somewhere between Paradise and the MILKYWAY
and a Fruited Plain in the USA

Cindy at CRIMSON HEART STUDIOS
She makes cupcakes in her rose garden~*

ALICE in PARIS Loves ART and TEA
Province of Nova Scotia
Who is Alice in Paris, who loves Art and Tea
http://aliceinparislovesartandtea.blogspot.com
Drop in and tell her IMGIRL sent you!

So MANY more angels, I have you book marked! And if I don't, then I just haven't had the time to get there. Email me and I will be happy to add you.

Come back tomorrow and check out some of the awesome door prizes I won and meet the creative souls behind them!

Have you looked into the mirror today?
"YOU LOOK FABULOUS"

SISTERS - BELIEVE and HOPE

2011-02-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

I made this cover for one of my art journals, but the real reason for this post today is the need to Believe. Do I believe? Yes, I believe in many things, God, goodness, evil, today, the hope of tomorrow, my family, my children. I believe that we all look the same on the inside even if we don't remotely resemble each other on the outside. I could go on and on about things I feel strongly about and believe in, but what really speaks to me today is the NEED to believe. The need to believe is stronger and deeper. I need to believe that the outcome of certain things in my life will be good. I need to believe that prayers for someone sick will be answered. I need to believe that tomorrow will be better. I need to believe that hungry children will be fed. I need to believe that everything I know now is not all that I will know. I need to believe there is more for people in suffering and pain. I NEED to BELIEVE......because when you believe no matter what it is you are believing, then there is HOPE...and when there is Hope, there is no fork in the road, only a path in the right direction.
I am a very positive up beat person but sometimes LIFE just makes you think deeper.
Just like I NEED to believe that someone actually reads my blog (LOL) and I have HOPE that if people do,they will follow and keep returning!
HOPE is good!

SNOW DAYS

2011-02-12T07:34:00.001-08:00

Dream Journal with 10 envelopes by 7 Gypsies

Just a few pages here:

The sun is shinning...snow is melting...time to think about dinner....

WELCOME TO THE OWOH 5TH YEAR EVENT

2011-01-31T03:53:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the 5th OWOH event. Please come in and see my world. I hope you enjoy the
journey of meeting bloggers from all over the world. The creativity and generosity
of the participating bloggers in this event is all inspiring. To be eligible to win a door prize here just leave a comment before moving on and information on how to reach you. Easy Peasy.

A little bit about me: My name is Kim and I am better known here and on Etsy as
ImGirl. I am a mixed media artist with a heart for altered art.I love all things handmade, natural, vintage, retro, authentic and imperfect. Living green is very important to me and doing all we can as individuals to save our environment. I love animals, nature and everything about the beach. I will try everything at least twice and I get a thrill out of bringing life to something that was once deemed as useless and lifeless. I love meeting new bloggers and getting a glimpse of their world and the inspiration they bring to it.
Creativity makes me tick and what inspires me is endless....

I will be giving away the 7 Door prizes below. I have chosen Heart Coffee Cozies to represent the One World One Heart event. Each door prize will have two Coffee Cozies, one to keep for yourself and one to give away to a friend or someone you love. The Coffee Cozies are made from felted re-claimed wool sweaters, they are eco-friendly and slide over your cup to keep your coffee warm and are soft and cozy to your hands. In each heart there is a red heart or a Swarovski crystal.

Door Prize 1. Who Who Loves You?

Door Prize 2.

Door Prize 3.

Door Prize 4.

Door Prize 5.

Door Prize 6

Door Prize 7. Who Who Loves You?

The drawing for door prizes will be held at the end of the event on February 17th and mailed out within 3 days after.

Thank you for stopping by, I am Kim/ImGirl from the USA
Be sure to leave me a comment and how to reach you to be entered for my door prizes. I look forward to meeting you and visiting your world. Roll over the title of this post to visit more OWOH participants!
XOXO

BROKEN PIECES

2011-01-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

The Challenge this week at Inspiration Avenue is "BROKEN PIECES". I was especially
excited about this challenge because I am always collecting broken pieces of things that were once cherished and loved. I started looking through my stash to see what I could start with and build upon. I already knew what it was before I opened the box. The one piece I saved that I knew one day I would do something with it. The broken music box. Here are the pictures of what came together and things I used to make it.

Meet Essie
and her Box of Broken Pieces

Essie is 5 1/2" tall. Her body is a vintage music box that winds and still plays,
"Silent Night". Her head is made from a rubber stamp block that I ruined and kept the wood piece..(just in case). On top of her head is a handstamped copper tag that I used for some of my skeleton keys that didn't turn out quite like I wanted so it was discarded. It is attached with a vintage snap.

On the body of the music box, I added a brass disc that says "Cherish" and attached it with a broken brad. I also added a silver wing attached with broken brads. One of my favorite things on the the body of the music box is a very old antique brass button clasp that was once on a coat. It has a crown on the front of the clasp and I attached it with broken brads that fit into each one of the holes in the clasp where it would have been sewn on the coat. Hanging from this button clasp is vintage brass pocket watch key wind on the original chain. These are extremely hard to find and I thought it fit with this project very well.

Essie stands on two vintage wooden thread spools that have been painted. I have added to her body old book pages and photos from a broken vintage child's doll book.
I used 7 Gypsies number tape on the sides of the music box and broken butterfly wings that went to a hanging mobile.

The box that Essie stands on is her pride and joy. It is her vault of "Broken Pieces". This was a broken box that I fixed and covered with vintage pages from a doll book and paper images from pieces I saved of unused art work. I then added the wording to complete the box that reads: Broken Jewelry Cherished Here" on the front and "The Vault of Broken Pieces" on the back. Some pieces of broken jewelry hang from the knob that opens the box in the front.

Front of box:

Back of box:

Top of box:

Inside of box:

Bottom of the box (under part) had collaged letters that say: "NEW LIFE"

That completes my Essie made from BROKEN PIECES for this week's challenge over at Inspiration Avenue. I really enjoyed this challenge and I am tickled pink that you stopped by to see it. To view more submissions for "Broken Pieces" just roll over the title of this post and it will take you there ~*

Look What I Found Out

2011-01-27T13:45:00.000-08:00

...when I visited my friends. I would have never known about this project if I had not taken the time to visit one of the places I like to put my feet up..twodressesstudio.blogspot.com

This is an amazing project. Here is some information about it and if you click the side bar and go to twodressesstudio then you will find out exactly how to get involved and what to do. It is easy peasy.

The Butterfly Project mandate is to remember the 1,500,000 innocent children who perished as a result of the Holocaust by collecting 1.5 million handmade butterflies.

In Spring 2013, these butterflies will then become a break-taking exhibition to serve as a memory of this event.

Can you imagine? 1.5 million children translated into 1.5 million butterflies....? If you wondering why a butterfly, the project is based on this poem -

I Never Saw Another Butterfly
The last, the very last,

So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow
Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing
against a white stone....

Such, such a yellow
Is carried lightly ’way up high.
It went away I’m sure
because it wished
to kiss the world good-bye.

For seven weeks I’ve lived in here
Penned up inside this ghetto.
But I have found what I love here.
The dandelions call to me
And the white chestnut branches in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly.
That butterfly was the last one.
Butterflies don’t live in here, in the ghetto.

Written by Pavel Friedman, June 4, 1942

Born in Prague on Jan. 7, 1921.
Deported to the Terezin Concentration Camp on April 26, 1942.
Died in Aushchwitz on Sept. 29, 1944.

This is a quote from Two Dresses Studio:

"After a brief moment, I decided, I have to send a butterfly. Then I thought of how I'd love to send a lot of butterflies. Then I thought of the great group of artist friends here ! Who doesn't love a butterfly? And who wouldn't be touched by this poem and this tragedy and want to contribute to this meaningful and lasting exhibit and tribute? And wouldn't it be rewarding to encourage as many people as I could to play along with me???"

Be the change you want to see in the world. Like the delicate beautiful butterfly, spread your wings and fly to make a difference. See the how to at www.twodressesstudio.com and get your butterfly to her so she can photograph your artwork and send all the butterflies on to the museum in February. The next photos will be taken February 11th.

Check it out, Pass it on, Spread your wings and FLY~*

Here is my Butterfly submission and I am sending it on.

Roll over the title of this post and it will take you there to find out what you need to do. I hope to see your there!

ONE WORLD ONE HEART EVENT COMING SOON

2011-01-26T12:25:00.001-08:00

AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED ~ SO MARK YOUR CALENDERS!
JANUARY 30th to FEBRUARY 17th

One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers only. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way. Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home, how cool is that? Getting to see and meet bloggers from all over the world seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes"....just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world.

I hope you will come back and visit me between JANUARY 30th and February 17th and see the DOOR PRIZES
I will be giving away ~* All you have to do is leave a comment that you were here.

If you would like more information about it, roll over the title of this post and it will take you there.

Are you ready for the JOURNEY?
Hope to see you soon!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MONTH?

2011-01-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

This week’s challenge over at Inspiration Avenue is sharing your “Favorite Month”
Can you guess mine?

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
- Aristotle
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
- Lao Tzu

My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.
- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Young love is a flame; very pretty, often very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined heart is as coals, deep-burning, unquenchable.
- Henry Ward Beecher

Love has no desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires; To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place. (I especially LOVE this one)
- Zora Neale Hurston

Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I love.
- Leo Tolstoy

I have learned not to worry about love; but to honor its coming with all my heart.
- Alice Walker

….And This ONE….
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.
- Pablo Neruda, "Love Sonnet XVII"

If you haven’t already guessed, what could be more inspiring than
FEBRUARY…THE LOVE MONTH

To see more inspiration, spread your wings and fly over to Inspiration Avenue by rolling over the title of this post ~* Thanks for visiting me, I truly LOVE it when you do!!

BELIEVE

2010-12-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue is:
BELIEVE
"I do, I do, and I hope you do too"

My submission:
I Believe...
I believe-
that we don't have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.

I believe-
that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every
once in a while and you must forgive
them for that.

I believe-
that you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I believe-
that it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I believe-
that you should always leave loved ones
with loving words. It may be the last
time you see them.

I believe-
that you can keep going
long after you can't.

I believe-
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.

I believe-
that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.

I believe-
that heroes are the people
who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I believe-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe-
that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.

I believe-
that sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down,
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe-
that sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me
the right to be cruel.

I believe-
that just because someone doesn't love
you the way you want them to doesn't
mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe-
that maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them
and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe-
that it isn't always enough to be
forgiven by others. Sometimes you
have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe-
that our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe-
that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a
secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe-
that two people can look at the exact
same thing and see something totally
different.

I believe-
that credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.

I believe-
that the people you care about most in life
are taken from you too soon.
I believe-
that even when you think you have no more
to give, when a friend cries out to you
you will find the strength to help.

I believe-
that your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe in the magic of Christmas and the eyes of a child
I hope you do too!

Merry Christmas to everyone and to all a GOOD NIGHT!
Roll over the title of this post to see more BELIEVE submissions at
INSPIRATION AVENUE!

SOMETHING I LEARNED TODAY...

2010-12-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

I am not a seamstress (emphasis on "Stress").My new mantra..in a calm voice.."I am not a seamstress", "I am not a seamstress" and breathe out.
A seamstress knows her machine. My sewing machine is a living beast with a mind of it's own. I did not grow up with a mother who sewed or lived near a grandmother who passed on that sacred wisdom. Therefore figuring out this machine that was gifted to me (perhaps my mother had enough of it herself, can cause even the calmest person (which I think I lean on that side) to throw an unruly fit. It is truly a labor of love for the art side of what I create but then when I get to the point of actually having to sew it altogether, it's facing the beast I dread the most. It starts out well to tease me. It knots up, it eats my thread, it growls and then just refuses to carry on. Throwing a fit seems to be the only way to get through to it. Today we had a pretty good go around and after hours of what would have taken someone with more knowledge much less time, I think I may have won this battle. I managed to complete my current project and I have walked away with a little more confidence that took pure strong will and patience for me to succeed. I found out by trial and error a few things about this darn machine that has kept me from completing some projects, not without some massive fit throwing, tears and a few choice words..(well maybe a lot of choice words). However, I am confident I can tame the beast, but as for my conquering the art of sewing to a degree of acceptance by any well bred seamstress, I doubt it. Straight lines and curvy art lines are for me! Following a pattern and attempting to make something that one might actually consider wearing, well..let's just say it would not be a pretty site. I have added to my Christmas list..Sewing for Dummies. If there is not a book out there like that, then there should be. If someone steps up to the plate, email me and I will be your first buyer!

PEACE

2010-12-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

LET THERE BE PEACE

This is the week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue, and what a challenge that one word can be sometimes. Whether it is in your home, your work, the world, or your heart, I wish you PEACE this Christmas Holiday Season and the New Year!

Scroll over title of this post and be inspired at INSPIRATION AVENUE
Come and join us won't you?

INGENUITY

2010-11-27T21:24:00.000-08:00

INGENUITY - This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue. Roll over the title of this post and check out the submissions for this week's challenge.

How my mind works:

Day after Thanksgiving, begin cleaning the house to put up tree,decorations etc.
Putting up some decor..find journals unfinished. Read journals. Retreat to art room and pull out articles collected to finish ideas for journal covers. Spot Christmas gifts purchased in closet. Begin looking at purchases and thinking maybe I need to do something different for ____. Spy coffee cozies finished and left over from Christmas Craft show, spread out on table and start taking pictures of cozies to list in Etsy shop. Take photos. Download photos to PC. Get hot cup of coffee and call my aunt. List coffee cozies in Etsy shop. Watch Razorback game....WHOOO PIGS! Feed the dog, push Christmas tree box with tree inside to the hallway, go get Chinese takeout. Post submission for Inspiration Avenue...decorate tree tomorrow!

Here are my Eco-friendly coffee cozies made from felted re-claimed wool sweaters.

To see more coffee cozies, check out my etsy shop.
Thanks for viewing my submission for this week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue.
Come on over and join us won't you?

COMMUNITY

2010-11-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue.

"The origin of the word community comes from
the Latin munus, which means gift, and cum,
which means together, among each other.
Community literally means to give among each other.
Community could be defined as a group of people
who share gifts which they provide to all."

After reading the definition of community, a lot of things come to mind. It's not hard when you think of family, loved ones, the town you live in and call home, people you work with and friends who become your extended family. Even the little critters who give us enjoyment (and annoy us)daily have a sense of community and our lives for the most part are richer
because they are here!

I have been incredibly busy trying to get ready for a craft show next week and had no idea if I was going to have time to make something for this challenge, but when I saw these little critters I knew this was my submission for this week's challenge. If you roll over the title of this post you will see more submissions
from the community of INSPIRATION AVENUE!
ENJOY!

COMMUNITY

I JUST NEED MORE

2010-11-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

TIME....DON'T YOU?

I honestly don't know where it has gone. My plate has been full and piled high. It's just that time of year and the holiday busy time seems to come sooner every year. I am already thinking about the new year and some things I am going to change. I am a list maker, (it's a curse) and I usually (always) feel the need to complete everything on the list (my downfall). I can't believe that is has been a little over a month since I have posted here. I don't know how I am going to do it, but I am (making a list-ugh) of ways I can eliminate (dump) and free up more time for things that I enjoy (the important things) and less things that I think I need to do. I may consider (brain surgery) to shut off all those little sparky thoughts of more things I want to do, make, create (all those possibilities) to add to my list...as Buzz Light Year would say "to infinity and beyond".
Speaking of TIME, I found some pretty cool clock pictures below that you might enjoy since this is the weekend that we FALL BACK. I for one won't be getting up at 2:00 A.M. but I will wait until the morning to set my clock back one hour and hope everyone sleeps an hour later, otherwise, I will just stay up an extra hour working on something..go figure!

FALL & DON'T GET UP!
Thanks for stopping. I would love to hear how you spent your extra hour!

DECIDE

2010-09-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

MEET SAL

SAL is my submission for this week's challenge at INSPIRATION AVENUE. She is a funky fun gal from the 80's. Sal is a painter and artist. She is looking for someone to give her the makeover of her DREAMS. Sal loves homemade and spends her time browsing ETSY shops. She is hoping her makeover will help her fulfill her dream of becoming an ETSY CONSULTANT.

She currently has her original eclectic look; her floral coat, lace up boots, brown braided hair, flower hat and mink wrap. I have added a fabric flower pin to her hat that can be removed and worn and two of my handmade Domino necklaces. Sal has her bag filled with some fabulous treasures she has collected from some of her favorite shops. Not everything is seen in the photo. I have added more to help her along the way.

She is proud of her physique. She is fit and in great shape. She has never smoked but she is quite fond of happy hour with her friends and she eats like a horse.

If you can my gal Sal a new look, she is up for adoption in my Etsy Shop. She has a great disposition and her bag is overflowing with treasures new, vintage and handmade.

Anyone up for Sal? I made her several years ago with my mother inlaw and we sold different versions of these for $100.00. without her bag and extra's. I have finally made the DECISION to sell her. She was a labor of LOVE, I only managed to make 3 of them besides this one. Now you can DECIDE her new look or just let her help you with your buying and selling on Etsy....and she does come with some fabulous accessories!

Thanks for viewing my submission for this week's challenge and Sal says "Get on over to INSPIRATION AVENUE and see what DECISIONS are going on over there"

Roll over the title of this post and...be INSPIRED!

METAMORPHOSIS

2010-09-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

COME ON IN AND VIEW THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE AT INSPIRATION AVENUE

One definition of Metamorphosis is any complete change in appearance, character, circumstances; a form resulting from any such change.

I REALLY wanted to make an altered art book for this week's challenge but for some reason this week I just couldn't manage my time and get everything done. This door is a previous project but I love it and I think it fits the bill for this challenge.

This was an old door that I brought home from a day of yard selling. This particular couple purchased an older home and had taken down all the old doors and replaced them with new ones.
She had just sold all the doors before I arrived. In the corner of her garage I noticed a door that looked like it had been there for some time, dusty, dirty, cob webs..you get the picture. I asked about that door and she said, "oh, you don't want that door, it was an old closet door and it won't fit anywhere unless you have a really old home and it needs lots of work". The lots of work I could handle and it was just screaming "Metamorphosis". Upon closer look at the door, one of the sides had a mirror. I knew right away inspite of the peeling paint, dirt and cobwebs, I had to have that door.

That was a good day, for $2.00 she insisted I was doing her a favor by hauling it off and out of her garage. With a little clean up, sanding, rust removing, and elbow grease, I added hooks, paint, built a stand for the bottom. I don't have before and after pics, but I remember what door looked like when I purchased it and what it looks like now. In all it's glory still, it stands by my front door to hang guest hats and coats on.

The back side of the door is solid , it also has hooks. I have recently decided to paint the back solid insert with chalk board paint. The door can be used from either side and I think it would be great fun to use the other side for announcements & messages on birthdays and special times with family and friends. Thank you for viewing my submission and step over to Inspiration Avenue and see what changes have taken place with this week's theme! Just roll over the title of this post and you are there!

P.S. I just heard from my friend over at Buttonalia on Etsy. She makes fabulous buttons and she compiled a great treasury with the new life of all her buttons! I told her I was going to add her treasury to my blog...a perfect fit for this theme.
Go take a look at her treasury and see the METAMORPHOSIS of her handmade buttons!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c960e8f9f986d9183196f54/fabulous-things-my-buttons-have

SIMPLIFY

2010-09-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

This morning I was sitting on the beach listing to the waves with my best
friend. We were bucket heads playing in the sand, answering to no one watching
as the water crept up with each wave getting closer and closer to our toes. And
With a the sound of a loud blast I dropped my sand shovel and .........I woke up.
It was my alarm clock waking me from my dream. A very simple dream of a simple day, one I hope I have over and over again.

I made this 3 tier picture frame this summer for my bathroom as a reminder to slow down and enjoy each day!

SIMPLIFY, this week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue. I long to throw my phone away that connects me to the world, to dis-connect the TV, big brother, reality shows, to hang a sign on my door that reads: Gone Beaching...
To simplify means going without the things that clutter our lives and keep us busier than we want to be. Can I? I want too, it's a struggle, maybe I will try it for a week, maybe two and then who knows? Do you Dream of Simplifying?

This is one of my POP items that I just listed in my ETSY Shop this weekend.
It fit the theme so I thought I would share it as well.
POP stands for Pendants, Oddities and Possibilities.

You can also POP over to Inspiration Avenue for to see some awesome submissions by
some very talented artists. Go..and take a look..just roll over this title and you are there!

FINDERS KEEPERS

2010-09-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

FINDERS KEEPERS

This week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue. Below is my submission to this week's challenge and also a SNEAK PEEK at a new line I am adding to my ETSY shop called POP. POP stands for Pendants, Oddities, and Possibilities.

All the items on this pendant are found treasures, some vintage and some new, each bonded with memories of where I found them and created to make something new.

I have been working for weeks now on new POP additions and I hope to have them added to my shop within the next couple days. I will continue adding new POP creations, journals, books, tags and more on a regular basis. I would love it if you would stop by for a visit and check them out!

There are some fabulous submissions over at INSPIRATION AVENUE, just roll over the title of this post and be prepared to be WOWED!

THE POWER OF WORDS

2010-08-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week over at Inspiration Avenue is the "Power of Words".
I think the first word I learned was "NO" and I learned from a very early age
that "NO" was a powerful word.

Over the years the word NO......
~ made me feel
~ made me ask why
~ made me ask how
~ made me discover
~ made me inspired
~ made me competitive
~ made me strong
~ made me look beyond
~ made me who I am
~ The word "NO" made me say "Yes I CAN".

Here is my submission for this week's challenge.

Thank you for viewing my submission. Check out my ETSY shop for more new editions and be sure to pop over to Inspiration Avenue (just roll over the title of this post) to see what words inspired other artists this week! Better yet, come, join the fun and be inspired!

COFFEE OR TEA

2010-08-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

My submission for this week's challenge over at Inspiration Avenue. Between the two, coffee is my drink of choice. I start my day with it and I enjoy it with friends and family. Tea is a relaxing drink for me when it's time to wind down. I started making these tags and I couldn't stop...maybe too much coffee. :)

Here is my submission for TEA

THank you for viewing my submissions for this week's challenge at Inspiration Avenue.
Need some Inspiration? Grab your cup of choice and roll over the title of this post and you are there!
Check out my Etsy shop for more tags inspired by this week's challenge!

HOPE

2010-08-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

When the World says,"give up", HOPE whispers,"try it one more time"

This weeks challenge at Inspiration Avenue is HOPE. My submission for the challenge is one of my newest creations called "MESSENGERS". They are 4 1/2" by 10" long, completely handmade by me. I first made a natural card stock back pattern and then separate pattern pieces for the wings, head, feet and body. Each Messenger is different and uniquely designed and pieced. The heads are cut from 1953 1 cent post cards. The faces are stamped and then attached to the postcards. On many of the backs you can see the one cent stamp which I loved. I have attached hand selected natural fibers and dyed ribbons. After designing and piecing each messenger with various papers, found,purchased and re-purposed, the edges were thinly finished with gold paint.

Messengers will send messages of Inspiration. Each one will come with a small handmade envelope and paper to add your special message. I have also just completed Inspiration Stands, perfect for photos, letters, cards and especially made for holding Messengers if you want to display them on your desk or mantle.
I love things that have a purpose. I am excited about my Messengers because they are perfect cards, they can be displayed on a stand or my favorite....used as a bookmark and sure to bring a smile and keep the Inspiration alive every time the receiver sees it.

I hope you will take a peek at my shop and see my other Messengers. Also be sure to pop over to Inspiration Avenue and check out all the incredible HOPE submissions!
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/

CRAZY FOR TAGS

2010-08-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

IMGIRL
I am girl…..Crazy for TAGS
When I first saw an altered art luggage tag, it was LOVE at FIRST SITE.

I do appreciate cards that I receive that are retail purchased, they come to me with the same amount of sentiment and love. However, there is always a three month keep rule that comes with them for me. I feel like I must keep them for at least 3 months stored away in a drawer before throwing them out or cutting them up and re-purposing. Otherwise, I feel terribly guilty that I have just thrown away this person’s money that they could have had a perfectly good latte with.
And so for my MAD CRAZY LOVE of Book Tags…I love making them. I love that each tag is different, and nothing about them is repetitious, from the theme, to the colors and down to the fibers and or ribbons. I love their versatility. I love that when I give a book tag, it has a meaning, it won’t be stored in a drawer, it will find a home in a good book, a journal, or on a gift bag. I love that tags keep giving. They are less likely to be thrown away and more likely to be re-purposed, re-gifted and actually kept and enjoyed. To me there is nothing better than a good book or a fabulous journal, other than a good book or a fabulous journal stuffed with book tags.
I am in the process of NEW CREATIONS for my book tags and having so much fun with it. Very soon I will be introducing some BOOK TAG MESSENGERS that I am very excited about. I will show them here first and then list in my Etsy shop near the end of August.
Thanks for listening to my raves; we all have our FAVS …what are you Crazy about?

CONGRATULATIONS TO SIMPLY DEBBIE

2010-08-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

Simply Debbie is the WINNER of IMGIRL'S Third Week of July Giveaways. Congratulations Debbie and thank you to Everyone who left comments and visited my blog. I hope you
will continue to visit. I have met so many new blogging friends and visited so many
AMAZING blogs!!
To see Simply Debbie's blog just roll over this post title and it will take you there!

I am taking a few weeks off in August to replenish my Etsy Shop and will have alot to share by the end of the month! Please stop by my shop and see all my new additions hopefully I will have them all added by the end of August!

Take care and keep doing what you lOVE ~*
♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Kim

Seeking Vintage

2010-07-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

Searching flea markets, estate sales and thrift shops are some of my favorite things to do. Does anyone remember this? I couldn't believe I saw one...just like a little kid I still have that urge to ride it! Of course all it would have taken is 50 cents and a double dog dare!

I didn't really find what I ventured out for but I did find..."THE GIRLS"
These little vintage toppers had me at first sight!

These are vintage TID BIT TOPPERS. At first I thought they might be a great inspiration for a craft project. Maybe on top of some old wooden thread spools and then decorated the spools with words and paper and who knows what. Imagine these on your cupcakes at your next vintage party or your first vintage party! These gals have even inspired me to have a vintage party!

Thanks for stopping by, I am going to get a Starbucks and maybe plan a party!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2010-07-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

CHRISTINE @ MAPLE RIDGE VINTAGE!

Congrats Christine and Thank you to all of you that have left such lovely comments and are following my blog. I am enjoying getting to know you and if I have not yet visited your blog, you can bet I will very soon.. When I visited Christine's blog to let her know she won, I clicked on a blog on her sidebar....UrbanFarmGirlLandco.blogspot.com and to my surprise she was hosting a giveaway of her own. A very nice one I might add. A $50.00 gift certificate for anything from WhiteFlowerFarmHouse.com. A place you have to visit. This was the last day to enter and I gave it my best shot. I am usually much better at giving away than I am winning....but you know what they say,if you don't try, you don't have a chance. Besides, I found some great blogs along the way and new friends, so as far as I'm concerned that's a WIN for me!

Which brings me back to my GIVEAWAY...Don't forget to come back for the third week giveaway in July beginning tomorrow. I will be adding more goodies to the bag!

Have a great week!

INSPIRATIONAL AVENUE WEEKLY CHALLENGE ~ BOOKS

2010-07-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week at Inspirational Avenue was BOOKS. This is the altered book I planned to enter, but oops, I missed the deadline. So I decided to post it here anyway. I hope you like it.

BOOK OF BLISS

A few inside pages:DANCE

UNSELFISH

PRAYER BRINGS DOWN ANGELS

QUIET SONG

PLAY

SHARE

THE ROAD..

YOU DON'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT..

DREAMING

Thank you for taking a peek inside,

IT'S THE SECOND WEEK IMGIRL'S JULY GIVEAWAYS!

2010-07-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a great weekend. I accomplished a lot of things this weekend, things that needed to be done AND I found time to work on some new art projects. I was focused on everything I had going on that I totally missed entering the weekly art challenge over at Inspiration Avenue. This week's challenge was "Books". I have been working on several altered art books. I always manage to have too many things going at once. I was satisfied that I managed "some" of everything today that I had on my list. Yes, I am a list person.We are all list people in my family. Some of us manage to actually benefit from making a list. I don't seem to be one of those people. It mostly just allows me to clear my brain and make room for more projects. One thing I know for sure as I get older,life is way to short for lists!

I have also managed to add 4 book tags to this weeks JULY GIVEAWAY -July 19-July 23.
Here is the finished photo of the bag the winner will receive.

If you want to know how to enter and to see more of what's inside, just click on the button at the top right that says: "I'm so glad you are here" or roll over the title of this post.
Be sure and get your entries in and refer a friend, that will get you another entry!
Thanks for stopping by, I am heading over to Inspirational Avenue to see some creative challenges and to see if I can sneak in my challenge.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE

2010-07-18T08:07:00.001-07:00

THE WINNER IS:

NANCY OF NANCARTS
She has a lovely blog, be sure to check her out!
www.nancarts.blogspot.com

NANCY was referred by VINTAGE DRAGONFLY and she will be receiving a special THANK YOU!

TOMORROW STARTS A NEW JULY GIVEAWAY!
CLICK ON THE JULY GIVEAWAY BUTTON TO SEE HOW TO ENTER OR ROLL OVER THIS POST TITLE TO TAKE YOU THERE AND SEE WHAT IS BEING GIVEN AWAY THIS WEEK! I WILL BE ADDING MORE TREASURES TO THIS WEEKS GIVEAWAY TO BE REVEALED DURING THE WEEK!
MANY THANKS to all who entered, be sure to get your enteries in this week!

I HAD A VISITOR TODAY

2010-07-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

If you hear a "knock knock" at your door, even if it is a "tap tap", be sure to stop what you are doing and answer it. You never know who might be there!

IMGIRL'S JULY GIVEAWAYS

2010-07-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

COME AND JOIN THE FUN!
WEEK 2 GIVEAWAY IS HERE!

Read below how to get your entries. Below you will see this week's GIVEAWAY and then roll over this post's title or click "Home" and it will take you to July 19-July 23 GIVEAWAY POST where you can comment and enter!

Thanks for stopping by and have a Fabulous Week!

Each week beginning Monday July 12, I will be offering a GIVEAWAY until the end of July! It's just my way of saying "Thank You" to many wise, wonderful, and creative souls who have helped me along the way with my blog. So beginning tomorrow thru Friday you can come and enter for this week's giveaway. It is a drop in party, visit some new blogs, shops,meet some fabulous people and be sure to come back each week and enter for each week's giveaway!

Here are your ways to enter. When you enter, please do leave a link to your blog/and or shop, so we can get to know you better!

GIVEAWAY Week July 13 - July 16 (Winner will be announced on Saturday by midnight.

Ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment 7/13 - 7/16
2. Follow my blog and leave a comment that you are following
3. Blog about this giveaway on your site and leave your link here
4. Face book it and leave a comment here
5. Refer a friend, they leave a comment and refer you (your blog/site) You both
get an entry

The more entries the better. All entries will be numbered and drawn at random.

Can't wait to see you at the Party each week!

HERE IS THIS WEEK'S GIVEAWAY!

In the bag you will find:
One of my Skeleton Key necklaces with tag that says: RENEW
One "Nikko" SECRET GARDEN China Tea cup and plate with
Two cones of FORTE Tea (as seen on Oprah) and
One Organic cotton dish towel stamped: "A friend is one who knows you and loves you all the same"

GOOD LUCK AND BELOW IS A SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE GIVEAWAYS FOR WEEKS 7/19 & 7/27
I MAY ADD MORE TO THEM BEFORE EACH WEEKS GIVEAWAY!

WEEK 7/19 -7/23

WEEK 7/27 - 7/30

SEE YOU THERE!

PAISLEY

2010-07-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week at Inspirational Avenue is "PAISLEY".
This is my submission using the cover of a vintage sheet music and adding
different paper patterns of paisley to the men's ties and making them paisley hats.
I made the lady's hat with paisley paper and couldn't resist adding articles of
steampunk to her hat.

My submission for the challenge is called:

Thank you for viewing my submission to this week's challenge over at Inspirational Avenue.

Click on the title of this post and check out more submissions. Better yet, come and join us!

MAGIC HAPPENS

2010-06-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

AT THE CIRCUS!

INSPIRATIONAL AVENUE'S WEEKLY CHALLENGE FOR JUNE 21-27th

COME AND GET YOUR TICKETS AND JOIN IN ON THE FUN!

http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2010/06/inspiration-avenue-weeklly-challenge.html

WISH

2010-06-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Wish: 1. deepest desires of one's heart 2.A longing for something seemingly out of reach. 3. A dream or desire for oneself or someone else.

MY ENTRY FOR INSPIRATIONAL AVENUE'S CHALLENGE FOR THIS WEEK

MAY ALL YOUR "WISHES" COME TRUE!
Check out Inspirational Avenue's challenge submissions for this week, you might
find your wish!
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/

SUMMER FUN & RELAXATION

2010-06-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

I was really bummed this week because we had so many things going on. I didn't how I was going to meet this week's challenge at Inspirational Avenue. My husband was trying to help me out because I had been frantically trying to meet all my other challenges this week, very calmly and slyly said that maybe I should just pick and choose ....with a little grin on his face. Seriously? he knew that wasn't going to fly.
In between all the comings and goings this week I had been trying to finish a wreath for my front door for several weeks when it hit me..my wreath could just be the challenge for this week.
This picture is how it started sitting on my table for several weeks.

I had a really nice surprise before I began working on it. I took a few minutes to open some purchases I made from some of my favorite Etsy shops that also had been sitting for about a week and one of them was a Bear paw handmade soap from Dixie Dreams in Kodiak, Alaska. I found her shop in Etsy and I was thrilled to find out that she was from Kodiak, Alaska, the place where I was born and my grandparents lived there on the island for many years. When I opened her box, not only did I find the most incredible soap but also inside I found a little bag of beach treasures...a little piece of drift wood, some wonderful pieces of beach glass, a cool shell and a few little beach stones. I knew immediately that I wanted to incorporate these wonderful little treasures onto my wreath.

Thanks Inspirational Avenue for this week's challenge, I was able to finish my wreath, enter the challenge and I have a wreath I love with treasures from a new treasured Etsy shop and friend!
Here is my finished wreath!

Hop over to Inspirational Avenue and check out some SUMMER FUN & RELAXATION!
Also, feel free to join in the fun! (You might even finish one of your projects)
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2010/06/weekly-challenge.html

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

2010-06-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Inspiration Avenue's Weekly Challenge: HOWS DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
For this week's challenge I wrote a poem. I hope you enjoy it!

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Kings, Queens and Diamond Rings
Domino's and Pretty Things
Papers, Fabrics, and Buttons more,
ETSY friends and BLOGS galore

Jewels, Beads and Skeleton Keys
Nothing to hoe and nothing to weed
These are the things that I adore,
Beautiful scraps on my Garden Floor.

I Sing, I Dance, I do not Care,
I wear the flowers in my hair
How does my garden Grow?
Just visit my Blog and you will know

It started with a little bead, and it grew
as if it were a seed ~
I LOVE to see my Garden grow and visit my
friends to and fro
Come get your Bouquet,
It's yours to take
It will consist of friendships and challenges to make

One thing I know for sure, it's nothing that I do ~
My Beautiful,Whimsical Garden.....
It grows because of YOU!

Thanks for viewing my submission. Be sure and hop on over to Inspirational Avenue and see some other Beautiful Gardens!
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2010/05/weekly-challenge-how-does-your-garden.html

WILD WOMEN DON'T GET THE BLUES

2010-06-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

I had forgotten I had this bookmark already in my Etsy Shop when the challenge last week at Inspirational Avenue was "I've got the Blues". Thank you and hugs to all for your wonderful words of inspiration. Just a little reminder to keep the blues away,.. Get in touch with that wild and crazy woman you are and hang up all those hats for a day!
Going to check out this weeks challenge!

"I'VE GOT THE BLUES"

2010-05-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

The weekly challenge over at INSPIRATIONAL AVENUE this week is "I've Got The Blues".
I didn't have time this week to really prepare something, so I gathered some 'blue items' from my Etsy shop and here is my submission for this challenge.

Pop over to Inspiration Avenue and check out this week's challenge by some really creative artists!
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2010/05/weekly-challenge-ive-got-blues.html

* Just a quick note: I am having a Big 1/2 Price sale on ALL my items in my ETSY shop (with the exception of my book tags) for 3 full days. I am making room for more items. Go over and take a peek, you might find a treasure at a great price!
God BLess and I hope everyone has a safe and fabulous holiday weekend!

MALANGE

2010-05-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Melange~ all sorts, assemblage, assortment, broad spectrum, conglomeration,
gallimaufry, hash, hodgepodge, hotchpot, hotchpotch, jumble,
magpie, mash, medley, mess, mingle-mangle, miscellany, mishmash,
mix, mixed bag, odds and ends, olio, olla podrida, omnium-gatherum,
pasticcio, pastiche, patchwork, potpourri, salad, salmagundi,
sauce, scramble, stew, what you will

THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE AT INSPIRATIONAL AVENUE
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2010/04/its-time-for-party.html

For this challenge, I chose a butterfly. I started with making a pattern from a large recycled envelope. I covered the front with scrap pieces of artist papers from previous projects. The "LOT 60307" is a piece of material cut from a Vintage Levi jacket tag. I added colored felt circles,small punched paper butterflies from scrap papers and magazines,a handmade ceramic heart button,colorful natural fibers, a vintage tag,a metal key embellishment,a small gold door knob and key,and colored jewels. The face was hand stamped on paper and then backed with a thin wooden business card. A paper flower,butterflies,and a paper cutout from vintage sheet music. The brown circular tag has cut out words that read: "Gratitude is the Heart's Memory."

The Back Side was covered with vintage pattern tissue. I added stamped wooden word sticks that read: CELEBRATE LIFE ~ MOMENTS TO SHARE ~ BEYOND WORDS
The two envelope pockets are actual vintage offering envelopes dated 1923. I love these. The left one says: "Pastors Salary and Current expenses". The right one says: "This side for Others". The words at the bottom which read: "May the Good Lord Bless You and Keep you" are cut from vintage sheet music. Inside the envelopes I have two whimsical wands from pieces of the wooden business card and flat vintage buttons and included two printed word cards that read: BEAUTIFUL and ARTGIRL.

This is my weekly challenge and thanks so much for stopping in to view it. Pop over to Inspirational Avenue, http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/ and see some fabulous works by other artists who took the challenge!

Some credits to my Etsy friends for some items from their shops:
Handmade Ceramic Buttons from Buttonalia ~ http://www.etsy.com/shop/buttonalia
Felt Dots from Twpmango ~ http://www.etsy.com/shop/twpmango
Bakers Twine from Papertreats ~ http://www.etsy.com/shop/papertreats

INSPIRATIONAL AVENUE WEEKLY CHALLENGE/ARCHITECTURE

2010-05-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

This building is over 100 years old with original stain glass windows

Original architectural gate on the above property which I just loved!

This was the most interesting building and definitely one of my favorites yet!!

http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com

Have a lovely week everyone!

SO.....WE WENT ON VACATION

2010-05-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

This particular vacation we had to take a little closer to home. My mother inlaw is not well so we did not want to be too far away. If you have ever been to Branson, MO, then you know it is very touristy and features lots of shows from stars that have retired from the Vegas scene. Since we are not really into all the shows, we decided to stay in Big Cedar, a resort about 10 miles outside of Branson for a little R&D (relaxation and discovery). My husband was all about this and said "we are taking a break from everything, including art, right?". I said, "of course............SILLY BOY!

You don't have to look far to be inspired~*

We did make a trip to the Butterfly Palace and it was well worth it. These are some of the pics I got there.

INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE.
NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO...Just don't forget to LOOK ~*

IT'S PARTY TIME ~ GLAD YOU R HERE!

2010-05-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome! I love altered books and I am happy to share some tips and some wonderful sites that offer freebies to help you along. Glad you are here and enjoy the party!

THERE ARE NO BAD BOOKS…..JUST GOOD BOOKS AND BOOKS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ALTERED
I know because I have a stack of them, each one waiting for a new life. I guess I should correct myself. There obviously are "bad" books, but I am just referring to condition. You can take the most beaten book with great content and make an exceptional altered book. Altered books are easy once you have gotten past your first one. I love books and I have to say it was hard for me to tear out those pages, to cut holes, and to get past the fear of doing it wrong or messing up. Once you lose that fear, a gateway of ideas will open up to you.

Some of my best books are the ones that went the wrong way, the ones that didn’t quite work out right, but took another turn. The best thing about altered books is that there are no rules, no boundries, just endless possibilities. If you want to learn a few things about yourself, then start with an altered book. You won’t believe what you can do when .. when you learn to fly~*

Finding Copyright Free Images for your Altered Book

Copyright free images are pictures without copyright. In other words, you can use them legally in your art works.
Pictures that are copyright free are in the public domain, meaning anyone can use them.

Where to Get Copyright Free Images:
1. Create Them Yourself
Technically speaking, images you create personally are not copyright free, since you own the copyright yourself. Take pictures with a camera, paint, draw, generate an image on the computer... and its yours!
2. Use Copyrighted Images with Permission
The majority of the images you find are not copyright free. This applies to postcards, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, junk mail, pictures in books, pictures created by your friends, images captured from video or television, and pictures found on the Internet.

However, if you have written permission from the copyright holder,then you are free to use the pictures in your projects.

Sometimes copyright holders will permit you to use their images under certain conditions -- which could include attributing the source, placing restrictions on how the work can be published and distributed, or in exchange for licensing fees or royalties.
3. Use Copyright Free Images that are in the Public Domain
An image reverts to the public domain a number of years after the creator's death (barring other legal implications). The exact number of years differs from country to country. An image can also be in the public domain if its creator has put it there.

Once an image is in the public domain, you can use it any way you want.
Check out these sites for FREE IMAGES:
Please check the terms and conditions at each web site before using their images.

1. http://www.public-domain-image.com/
2. http://www.pdimages.com/web6.htm
3. http://www.morguefile.com/
4. http://freestockphotos.com/
5. http://ihm.nlm.nih.gov/luna/servlet/view/all
6. http://www.metmuseum.org/

Some of my personal favorites:

1. http://1stfloorflat.blogspot.com/
2. http://freubel-art.blogspot.com/
3. http://itkupillishop.blogspot.com/
4. http://oldphotoalbum.blogspot.com/

Purchase Ready-Made Collage Sheets:
Lots of arts and crafts people are compiling beautiful collage sheets containing pictures that you can use in your altered books. Check out ETSY SHOPS!

Somerset Studio Free Collage Sheet
Every month, Somerset Studio contains a collage sheet that you can cut out and use as desired.

Thank you for being my guests and I am off to join the party myself!
Creative blessings to you~* Spread your wings and FLY!

BLUE ROSES for.......MOTHER'S DAY

2010-04-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

There are 2 rose colors that remain elusive to breeders..black roses and the ultimate...blue roses. I have no doubt that true blue roses will be produced sooner or later. I hope it's in my life time. I would love nothing more than to present one to my Mother, my daughter and daughter inlaw on Mother's Day because Mother's are Rare and Precious.

I AM SENDING OUT INVITES

2010-04-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

"Gee, I need a litte inspiration said the dragonfly". "Well, come to a party said the Lady Bug, you'll get all the inspiration you need to fly"!

Who doesn't love a party? Be sure and go to INSPIRATION AVENUE and RSVP. Follow the directions how to participate. SEE YOU THERE!

Oh, a few little true facts about our lovely lady ..the Lady Bug. They are just little jewels for our environment. Cute little workaholics. They don't fly at night, they are busy eating aphids, mealy bugs,leaf hoppers, and other destructive pests. And they keep on eating until the bad guys are gone, laying their own eggs in the process. Strong and inspiring ladies. My hero's.

Click on LEARN YOUR LESSON button and it will take you there.
See you at INSPIRATIONAL AVENUE May 1st and MAY 2nd!

CREATIVE ADDICTIONS!

2010-04-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

I started making Art book tags. They are just one of my favorite things to make. I love the fact that I can actually finish the project once I start it. My problem is knowing when to stop. The are are so many fun things about them and easy to attach to a gift, put in a card and give as a creative book mark. I have added some to this blog and there are more in my etsy shop, just click on any tag and it will take you there. I would love to hear about your creative addictions.....
HAPPY MONDAY!

I HAVE A DESK?

2010-03-31T09:39:00.001-07:00

I just found this blog that features "What's on your work desk Wednesdays". That really sparked my interest because I don't know what's on my work desk on most days of the week. Every time I see a picture of a well organized desk or even one that resembles it, it makes me want to get in there and really organize my studio area. However, once I get there, with 101 unfinished projects, staying focused becomes a some what of an issue. As far as I get with that project is re-organizing my thoughts. For instance, what am I thinking, I know exactly where everything is (for the most part). Besides, once I start searching I find things that I forgot I had. I am not even sure what the top of the desk looks like, but it gets altered often enough with my continuing stash of art treasures that I am satisfied with the look of it and not bored enough to change it! If I do decide to proceed in that direction, I will probably check my iphone, I bet there's an app for that!
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

ARTIST, DESIGNER, POSSIBILITARIAN, CRAZY FOR TAGS

2010-03-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

Are you a possibilitarian?

Every once in a while I come across a quote that I can't believe I haven't already seen. Here's one from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale that struck a chord with me.

"Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities — always see them, for they're always there."

"There is no use trying," said Alice; "One can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast" by Lewis Carroll.

Did I mention that I am crazy about tags? I love making them for bookmarks, card inserts, altered art projects, and adding to packages. I am all about the packaging. For me, the packaging is an extension of the gift. I am listing some art tags in my Etsy shop this week. I am sure I have made a zillion of them. Check back tomorrow and I hope to have some pictured here to share. No two are exactly alike. I guess that's why I love making them so much! Have a great Monday....and remember to believe in possibilities!

ANY DAY is WEDNESDAY....Bring your favorite cup of brew

2010-03-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

Life is busy. We all have to make time for the things we want to do. I use to call that time for me, My Wednesdays. Mostly because that was my least busy day and usually the day I could squeeze out time just for me. If you are like me, Life Happens. I seem to be in a constant state of ALTERation. It is not as crazy as it may seem. Altered Art has actually helped me to embrace the changes in my life. It is the same concept. You take pieces from your life, all the good, the bad, the unexpected, and you make something beautiful with them.
Time for myself now is whenever I can claim it, but I still refer to that time as "My Wednesdays" no matter what day it is. When is your Wednesday?

BUNNIES, EGGS & CHICkS

2010-03-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

These pictures are lovely items that can be found on Blumchen.com.

I do love everything Spring. What can be better than watching all of nature awake from her winter's nap and explode with colors and fragrance. Easter brings back memories of "the bunny cake" my dad use to make us and Easter baskets with furry chicks,chocolate bunnies,sugar eggs and the peeps. What would an Easter basket be without peeps? I love to make Easter baskets and you never out grow them no matter what age you are. I have however out grown the plastic eggs, the all sugar jelly beans and the cellophane grass. Today I prefer a BIG GIRL basket with candles, and girlie stuff, dark chocolate and red wine, much like the picture here. No peeps please, but I wouldn't mind some of the retro candy like Fun Dip, candy buttons and sugar babies. I just happen to find some fun stuff on retrocandyonline.com

"The Bunny Cake"
Remember old-fashioned cutout cakes? This cute bunny is easily made from carrot cake mix frosted and covered with mouthwatering coconut.

You can find the recipe and directions here:
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easter-bunny-cake/b8af0f55-67d5-4fb0-aaec-ab11ff5df7e3

For traditions sake, add a few colored PEEPS next to the bunny~ :)

SAVE THE PEEPS

2010-03-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

I for one am against cruelty to peeps. As disgusting as they are to eat, they do have "a-cute-ability". I never liked them much,but it didn't seem right to get an Easter basket without them. My kids don't like them either, but I still find them irresistible and I still buy them. I just feel the urge to save them from a terrible fate. Please don't smash, stomp, mangle or let your peeps die a terrible death of staleness. I have searched the internet and here is a little peek into the life of some Peeps with a Purpose. Since Spring brings the birth of PEEPS, I will be devoting several PEEPS Post.

PEEP FLOYD

PEEP AND CHIPPY

GANDALF THE PEEP WIZARD

PEEP JOUSTERS

SGT.PEEPER

POTTY PEEP

SATURDAY NIGHT PEEPS

ROYAL PEEP

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

PEEPSTOCK

It's after 10:00, do you know where your PEEPS are?

SWEET TREATS FOR YOUR FEET!

2010-02-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

FASHION POLICE..LOOK OUT! I know I said I would wait until Monday's to do AAH MOMENTS, but somethings can't wait. I am head over HEELS for these shoes. Yesterday I was checking out some treasuries on ETSY (a short cut way of shopping for some very cool handmade or art created items) and I found shoes! Not just any shoes..these are defining moment shoes!

Grab a pair of these from Hippy of Doom's Etsy shop, it will be very hard to pick a favorite, so grab 2 or 3!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hippyofdoom

HIPPY OF DOOM has got it right! LOVE the CAGED AND FREE SHOES!

CAMERA BUFFS with a story to tell, these shoes with the hand designed camera and film on them are waiting to tell your story. No words needed here by Hippy of Doom.

THE PUCKER UP SHOES ARE FLIRTY,GIRLY, and BOLD!

I am CRAZY for these Hummingbird Shoes with the PRADA inspired FLORAL HEEL designed by HIPPY OF DOOM.

A BAR AT THE FOLIES-BERGERE right shoe is paired with OLYMPIA the left shoe and both are from original art paintings from 1863. If you think owning an ACEO card is cool, imagine owning a pair of shoes with original handpainted art right on your feet by HIPPY OF DOOM.

CHECK OUT the MEN'S PIN UP SHOES by http://www.etsy.com/shop/KickFlips...okay men, don't be shy, we all know you have as many shoes in your closet as we do!

OWN A PAIR OF THESE ARTSY SHOES FROM KICK FLIPS AND YOU ARE DEAD ON TARGET.I also have to say that the CABARET shoes have FRIDAY NIGHT written all over them.

TECH SHOES ARE HOT and so are art school dropouts with unquenched painting desires. See CRAFTTASTOPHE'S ETSY shop for these cool shoes: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Crafttastrophe

HER STORY..offered by COCOPUNKZ
Each shoe has it's own story.These are just one of her amazing shoes.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cocopunkz

SWEET FEET by BEERATEAR on ETSY
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Beeratear

Put your thoughts where your feet are. Ashley girl here can do just that. She is an amazing artist, tatoo artist to boot. She will run with your idea. From your head to your shoes..check out Ashley on Etsy.

GIRAFFE SHOE
I just had to add this 3D Table Art piece from Nancy's ETSY Shop just for fun.
It's colorful,eye catching and a fun unique art shoe. You can check out Nancy's art at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NancyWiedowerArt

Have I made your day? It sure inspired me to get in my closet and sort through my shoes, maybe get rid of a few and maybe even treat myself to a pair above. Nah, I'll probably still keep all my shoes, sorry honey you know I'll wear them. But I don't have any that look like those! A girl can always use a new pair of shoes!

Waterrose Blog Anniversary Giveaway Week Three! Get the Scoop!

2010-02-22T20:41:00.001-08:00

You don't want to miss this week three of Waterrose Blog Anniversary Giveaway for a chance to win a whole month of advertising on her blog and one of her fabulously created cuffs - the one pictured on her button (top right of my blog) is the Queen Anne's Lace cuff. Week 3 started today and ends on the 28th. Thanks Waterrose for your generous giveaway and congratulations on your ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

AAH MOMENTS

2010-02-22T13:25:00.001-08:00

Webster Dictionary defines AAH as expressions of surprise and joy. I know we have all had "AAH MOMENTS" and probably can recall each of them fondly. This weekend I had an "AAH MOMENT" as I was taking some much needed "ME" time and browsing through all the awesome blogs that I have not yet had the time to properly delve into and enjoy. I make a point to read all the blogs and view all the art works of "Friends" that follow me and then I also have huge list of blogs that are on my "coffee and me time" that I can't wait to look at and have only yet scanned most of them. Saturday morning I went to Hillcrest Cottage, my new blogging friend and I was enjoying her post about supporting etsy artists. She even had a handmade button there to click on that featured an item from one of the etsy shops.
I clicked on the button and there was my "AAH" MOMENT. I was truly surprised to see my item there and joyful that she chose to feature one of my Art Domino Desk Sets! It was so much fun and I appreciated it so much that she now has inspired me to feature AAH MOMENTS on my blog. From here on out every Monday for SURE and maybe even more often when ever the moment strikes me and I just can't wait until Monday, I will feature on my blog a handmade creation from an Artist that follows my blog. Be sure to check out Hillcrest Cottage on etsy and her blog...you will find her under my list of inspiration and good reads.

You also should check out this amazing artist and fellow blogger...CUTE N COOL BLOG STUFF by ITKupilli also listed under my angels. She is a finnish artist and designer and has some great things to offer many of them are free..such as the picture here and the Angel picture..thanks ITKupilli!

Visit anytime, I love comments and be sure and check back on Mondays to see more
AAH MOMENTS... inspiration sent to me by way of Hillcrest Cottage! Support is good!