Cinnamon Pink

Check Out 1st Floor Flat!

A little while back, I discovered a lovely blog called 1st Floor Flat which is presided over by Susie Jefferson. I heard of her blog through the Yahoo Greeting Card Professionals List.

There is so much to explore on Susie's blog. Not only does she generously provide free vintage photographs and images, she also offers free buttons - and more - for your blog. You can see one of her delightful buttons below. (Please read her copyright rules.) Take some time now to visit her blog - You won't be disappointed.

Reinventing in Watercolor

I was recently inspired by a Pochoir print (from the 1920s) which I saw online. Instead of using the stencil process, I reinvented the print by turning it into a mixed-media work, using watercolor painting and art stamps.

The original print consisted of a man and woman - and more detailed background. I chose to portray only the woman and a couple of trees.

4th of July

Sunday Postcard Art is getting ready for the holiday by taking on the theme of 4th of July. Take a little time to check out the other entries. The artists' work is always inspiring!!!

This past week flew by and I didn't blog as much as I planned to. It's time to recommit and blog more.

Wishing you all a safe and Happy July 4th!!!

Dad Postcard

I've been working on some greeting card designs so I'm late with my submission to the Sunday Postcard Art challenge. The theme is Dad for Father's Day.

As I worked on my card, I imagined a Father going into the Pawn Shop to obtain some money to purchase groceries for his family. My postcard background is actually grocery store ledger paper from the 1920s. It's interesting to wonder about the lives of the vintage people that we use in our art.

Check out all the wonderful entries on Sunday Postcard Art.

Glittered tres French Fleur de Lis

Gabriela ends her three-day Glitter Party with a flourish!!! We were challenged to create a Fleur de Lis. You can find the complete Materials List/Instructions on Gabriela's blog. Be sure to check out the other artist's entries too.

After making my Fleur de Lis, I decided to use it as an embellishment on a Shabby Chic door hanger. I began the project by making a door hanger template which I covered with vintage wallpaper. I then added additional decorative elements to sweeten it up.

You can display the door hanger when you want privacy in your studio - or if people come to visit and stay in your guest room.

I enjoyed the challenge of Gabriela's Glitter Party - and appreciated all the information that she so generously and thoughtfully shared.

Glittered Wedding Favors

On Day 2 of Gabriela's Glitter Party, the challenge was to create Glittered Wedding Favors. In her instructions, Gabriela used a clear Christmas globe to make the favor. Since I didn't have any in stock, I used a styrofoam ball which worked out very well.   

Check out Gabriela's blog for the complete Materials List/Instructions and to see what the other artists created. By the time you're done with this project, your Studio may be covered with a shimmering layer of glitter. Think of it as a coating of Magic Dust and Make a Wish.

     

Marie in Royal Glittered Dress

For Day 1 of Gabriela's Glitter Party, the theme is Royal Glittered Wear with Marie Antoinette in the starring role.

I had to improvise a bit since I didn't have the exact craft supplies on hand - and I live more than an hour away from the nearest craft store. But that didn't stop me from getting my glitter on. For sparkle, I used sequins and stickles.

Stop by the Glitter Party to see the other entries.

Sign Up for the Glitter Party Today!

Gabriela Delworth is holding a Glitter Party! The event kicks off on June 18.

There will be three days of pure Glitter Fun: June 18, 19 and 20. Participants will work on different projects and techniques. Here is your opportunity to decorate, sprinkle, glitter, learn and play!

I just found out about the event. Today is the last day to sign up. Gabriela will also be sponsoring a Giveaway. Hurry up and enter now because we all need more glitter in our life.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

This week on Sunday Postcard Art, we are going Somewhere Over the Rainbow for our theme. For more eye candy, check out the other wonderful entries.

I began my postcard by creating a large rainbow with Caran d'Ache water-soluble colour crayons. I then applied a wash of Twinkling H20's. I layered a gate image over this background - and then glued on some vintage wallpaper flowers and the girl image. I finished the postcard off with some photo corners and a foundation of pale purple cardstock.

The girl is from art-e-zine. For a $10. a year donation, you have access to free images, mixed-media art techniques, beautiful artwork and useful links.

Revisiting 2009 Goals

About every three months, I like to review my goals for 2009. This year my major goal was to draw daily. Due to my recent vacation and family visits, I neglected to draw daily.

Since I hadn't been practicing, I felt a little rusty when I worked on the watercolor (below). But I decided to recommit to my goal and continue to do a daily drawing or more.

I believe drawing is like any other skill. The more you practice, the better you become - and the more satisfied you are with the end results. Then one day, after a lot of hard work, everything seems to fall into place. And you are surprised at the progress that you made and the skill that you have achieved.

Set aside some time today and revisit your Goals for 2009.

Cousin Tia and Cousin Koda

When my brother (Roddy) and sister-in-law (Colleen) were here visiting, we attempted to get a photo of the two cousins. But as you can see, neither Tia (my Shih Tzu) or Koda (their Beagle) were cooperating.

My brother tried to get them to face the camera. After many takes and retakes, this was the best shot we could manage. Ben Franklin seems to be taking it all in stride while Tia is having a bad hair day.This photo was taken in Smithfield, VA.

  

 

 

Vintage Bathing Beauties

I've been offline this past week because we have family visiting from New York. But I did manage to create a postcard for the Sunday Postcard Art Challenge. This week the theme is: Vintage Bathing Beauties.

Be sure to check out the other artists' entries.

Vacation Discoveries

During our vacation, we visited many historic sites and antique stores. This was my first visit to The Old Lucketts Store Spring Antique Market - and I really enjoyed the experience. They gave the attendees these cute pink bags that you see below.

Ironically, I only purchased new items at the Market: a small tray, Mocha Rose Lip Balm and the gorgeous pink, Paris-themed paper that you see in the background.

At the first vendor that I visited, I spotted a lovely vintage mirror but I decided to keep looking. When I came back, the mirror was gone. Lesson to myself: Act on your first impulse.

As a surprise, my husband bought me two pieces of Wedgwood at an antique store. For the rest of the Summer, I guess I'll be searching for that elusive vintage mirror that got away.