Cinnamon Pink

Inspiration Deck Arrived

YAY - My Inspiration Deck arrived in the mail yesterday. (I took two different pictures of my deck at different angles.) Jessica Brogan, host of In Search of Dessert, organized this wonderful swap. Thank You Jessica for all of your hard work.

I have participated in a lot of swaps (greeting cards, ATCs, jewelry, etc.) but what I love about the Inspiration Deck is that you receive fifty-two positive and joyful wishes of encouragement. If you get the chance, I highly recommend taking part in such a swap. Or, why not host a swap yourself.

 

Desire to Inspire "Inspiration Deck" Swap Sent Out

I finished my cards for the Desire to Inspire (Inspired) "Inspiration Deck" Swap which is being hosted by Jessica Brogan. Jessica blogs @ In Search of Dessert.

After spending so much time creating the cards (see above), I felt a little sad to send them off on Monday. I actually got attached to the cards. But now I'm anticipating the Bigger Bonus of receiving 52 cards back from the participating artists.

When cleaning up my Studio, I came across this paint swatch. I thought it might be cool to create an Inspiration Deck using paint swatches such as these. You would only have to gesso one side of the card.

If you're like me, you probably have a stash of paint swatch cards. But you might need a few more to create an Inspiration Deck. Now, I'm not advocating raiding all of the Home Improvement Stores to gather up paint swatch cards. But you could pick out a few cards now and then - and ultimately collect enough for a Deck.

What do you think?

Altered Faux Roses and Peonies Swap Arrived

Today, I received my flowers from the Altered Faux Roses and Peonies Swap which was sponsored by the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group. And they are just beautiful! My picture doesn't even capture all the glittery details.

It was just the prettiest surprise that I needed to receive in the mail. I have been sick with the flu/virus. That's why I have not been posting for a while.

These roses are fun to make. I think I'll experiment with this art form again in the near future.

Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group - Altered Faux Roses & Peonies Swap

I belong to the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group. I just finished my roses for the Altered Faux Roses and Peonies Swap.

I worked with decorative tissue paper which turned out to be quite a challenge. The pearl embellishments did not want to cooperate with me either. But, as I put my roses into the box for the post office, I was sorry to see them go, especially the polka-dot roses.

I guess I'll just have to make some more roses for myself.

Marie Antoinette 4x4 Book Swap Received

I'm a member of the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group. I recently participated in our Marie Antoinette 4 x 4 Book Swap. Today, I received my copy of the book and each artist's page was absolutely beautiful. Not only was their art work inspirational but it also gave me many new ideas for future Marie projects.

Rhonda was our gracious host and she created both the front and back cover (which you see below). She added many extra touches that produced a professional and eye candy pleasing book. Thank you Rhonda!

Let the Embellishments Begin!

I'm participating in a Marie Antoinette 4 x 4 Swap. I finished gluing the images on the cards which is the mechanical portion of the project.. Now, I'm ready to embellish and be creative.  So let the embellishments begin!

Summer Greeting Card Swap - Cards Received

I received my cards from the Summer Greeting Card Swap that Heather Bluhm organized. I LOVE each and every card! I'm just amazed at the creativity of all the participants.

I definitely want to take part in future Card Swaps. Thanks to Heather for hosting.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Summer Greeting Card Swap - Completed Cards - Part V

Here are the last of the cards for the Summer Greeting Card Swap.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Summer Greeting Card Swap - Completed Cards - Part IV

Here is the last cake card - and a card based on a vintage ad - for the Summer Greeting Card Swap

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Summer Greeting Card Swap - Completed Cards - Part III

Here are some more cakes that I completed for the Summer Greeting Card Swap.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Summer Greeting Card Swap - Completed Cards - Part II

Here come the cakes!

For some of my cards, I adapted an idea that I saw in the online Inspired Ideas Magazine (Volume 1, No 1). The magazine article includes project directions and a cake stand template. Instead of using fabric for my cake layers, I used various papers (music sheets, text, watercolor paper, decorative paper).

Be sure to check the rest of Amy's site. Read her other yummy magazine issues, blog, featured artists section - and check out her tempting shop.

I completed five cards featuring cake. I just couldn't stop creating cakes. I wonder if it has something to do with my sweet tooth.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Summer Greeting Card Swap - Completed Cards - Part I

Here are two cards that I've completed for the Summer Greeting Card Swap. The vintage images are from my personal collection of ephemera.

Based on past experience, I've found that participating in Swaps really jump-starts my creativity. All kinds of concepts begin bubbling up in my head. Not only do I get ideas for the actual swap but I also come up with ideas for new Art projects.

I get another bonus when I receive the swapped items from other mixed-media artist participants. I usually find a wealth of creative techniques when I view their work.

I have completed ten cards. I'll be posting two cards a day.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene

Summer Greeting Card Swap

Heather, from Bluhm Studios, is sponsoring a Summer Greeting Card Swap. She has created the sweetest logo for the Swap.

Right now, my studio is cluttered with ephemera, ribbon, trim, bits and baubles. But it's a good kind of clutter because it's mixed-media clutter. My favorite stuff!

Have a Creative Day, Darlene