I scored!!!

Had some errands to run in the big city (Utica) tonight and whilst doing those errands came across a place I had never seen before.  Intrigued by the inclusion of the words "bargain outlet" in its name and curious to see just what sort of bargains were awaiting me, I decided to take a peek inside.  There were many things that caught my interest but none so much as these:

And I got them for the incredible price of $5.99! I think I scored!

I cannot wait to get started on trying out some of these fabulous techniques.  And with Teesha Moore and Lynn Perella for inspiration, it's sure to be fun.

Beloved

My ATC I created for the Art Creations Friday blog challenge.

Papers and elements from Be Mine Kit (available in the Muse)

Overlay of letter paper from Love of Jane Kit by Fiddlette Designs/Sherrie JD

All available @ Scrap Artist except:

Globe from Happy Holidays Kit by Jofia Designs @

Thanks to my friend, Itkupilli for the door image (from free “test” collage sheet)

2010 is MY year!

There I said it!
And so as not to lose focus on my resolve for this year, I created a page today for my Art Journal.  Today of all days, it was something I especially  needed to do.  What I mean is this:
I think as caretakers (and women in general), we forget to take ourselves and end up neglecting our own needs (physical, mental, spiritual, you name it!) way too often.  It's no secret to anyone who frequents my blog that I have recently decided to jump head first into an artistic venture of my own.  I am starting to take myself seriously as an artist and whether I have a real change or not, I finally have the confidence to give it a go.  It is however not without its trials.  There are still some (those who I would least expect) that don't have the faith in me I wish they had, some who think it's a waste of valuable money-making time and then some who aren't necessarily discouraging me but aren't really encouraging me either.  This venture is about ME and ultimately only ME.  It's my time now and I'm taking it.  It's not about being irresponsible or selfish by any means.  It's about finally taking care of myself and I am okay with that!  Shouldn't I be? ;)

Credits for this layout can be found here.

And the award goes to . . .

My dear friend Sandra awarded me this blog award and it is now my pleasure to pass it on to five more lucky gals whose gorgeous blogs are my pleasure to frequent.  Thanks, first of all to Sandra ( I am so flattered; heehe) and second, I apologize for the delay as I was down for a couple of days with a migraine.  Feeling a bit more myself today so without any further delay I wanted to take the time to let the following girls know how "gorgeous" their blogs are and how much they inspire mine; which is hard because I have so many wonderful friends in the Scrap (not just altered art) Blog world.

And the Gorgeous Blog Award goes to :

Erika (Dancing Scrapper)

Jayne (Miss Peppa Pig)

Dawn (Creatwings Designs)

Julie (Savyna)

Marie (Ozstuff)

A new ME . . .

for the new year:

but my focus remains the same . . .

It's been forever . . .

or at least it seems like it.  The last few weeks have been really busy ones for me.  I spent the end of the year into the new year in California visiting family and while it was great to see everyone, being away from my creative space for that long just about killed me. There was still fun to be had.  Here are a couple of highlights from our trip:
Disneyland-
a family shot inside the Indiana Jones ride

and my favorite shot of the day; my kiddos-

Las Vegas -We took a road trip and two hours in I was really wishing I had brought my art journal for that one; definitely an eventful trip!)

Now that I am back home, I am really anxious to jump back into my art and am hoping to find not only the time but some direction, as well.  My mind is fluttering with so many ideas, I can't seem to decide which way to go, so I thought a little digital altered challenge would be a good place to start.
For this week's Altered Artspiration Challenge (#40 to be specific, by my ever fabulous friend, Tangie Baxter):

I call her  . . .
Miss Rita Sembold (a little play on words; teehee)

And for those not yet aware:

Scrap Artist has really become a site where us altered folks can really feel at home. Some of my favorite altered designers to check out: Christine Honsinger, Sherrie JD, Jodie Patterson aka Gypsy Chick, Pixel Works and Nancie Rowe Janitz

 If you haven't yet checked out the new monthly Altered Hearts zine and/or the Altered Artists Workshops, you definitely should.  Check out the blog for details.

And now I'm off to work up something for Art Creation Fridays; I'm a whole day and half late!