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!

Queen for the Day and feeling ever so privileged . . .

This week's Altered Works of Art Challenge over at DAQ was to re-create an incredible work of art by Mark Ryden.   The original is so out there and  I was totally psyched to give this one a shot and boy did I have fun!  Best part of all . . . I made myself Queen for the Day!   Queen of what, I don't know, but a queen nonetheless . . .

In Ryden's piece, she has quite the quantity of meat hanging from her belt while in my piece you'll see that I made the piggy my friend and cupcakes, my guilty pleasure, heehee . . .
But my feeling privileged can be attributed to more than merely altering myself into royalty.  Two absolutely fantastic items were revealed in the world of digital altered art today and if you are not already aware, my altered friends, you must check it out!!!  I am so flattered to have been asked to be a part of both of them.

Now available in the Scrap Artist shoppe . . . everything you ever wanted to know about creating digital art and paper dolls and best of all it is FREE to the first 100 people to grab it!  Be sure to check out the back cover while you're at it; wink wink.


And then DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!  


If you are an Art Journaler or simply aspire to be one,  you MUST check out Tangie Baxter and Amanda Sexton's Art Journal Caravan {Expedition 2010}.  An amazing kit, tips on getting started, access to a special altered artist forum, challenges and a full Navigation Guide (it alone is worth the price in my book)  that includes tons of information and inspiration from myself and a host of other talented ladies.  

For all of the details check out the Art Journal Caravan blog here.

"Just hanging out!"

Here are some things I made with the Mixed Media Monday challenge in mind . . .

Winter is here!!!

It's that time of year again and no matter where you live or what you believe there is no denying the beauty that is winter!  I am lucky to live in a place with all four seasons and I think every single one has a magic all it's own.  Winter is my favorite!
Last year I decided to make a little ATC sized card to send out to my friends and family living elsewhere.  I wanted to create something "different" and not so traditional.  Here's what I came up with:

This year, I wanted to include the entire family and set out to make something just as fun!
Here is what I will be handing out to friends and family this year:

A little glitter for shimmer and ribbon for embellishment and I think it'll be just right!

 and Blessings to all of my friends . . .
For full credits on this card, look here.

aRt JouRnAL time!

I have really been focusing on creating some pages for my Art Journal as of late. Been in a "journaley" mood lately, I suppose. My latest is actually a very personal page and a year ago I probably wouldn't have had to guts to share it but the emotional courage it takes to create such a page also provides a sort of emotional liberation. Thank goodness for altered art therapy! I don't know how I get through some days without this creative outlet.
And besides, a kit like this makes it so easy!!

Check out Fiddlette's newest: Art Journal Collection One by Christine Honsinger

Here's what I was inspired to do with it:

I have struggled for a long time with feelings of inadequacy because of situations I’ve experienced in my life and this song has always somehow had meaning for me throughout many different periods of my life. I thought it was about time I expressed that in an Art Journal page.



Journaling reads:
How long before you screw it up?
How many times do I have to tell you to hurry up? With everything I do for you The least you can do is keep quiet Be a good girl You've gotta try a little harder That simply wasn't good enough What's the problem... why are you crying? We love you just the way you are
if you're PERFECT


-“Perfect” by Alanis Morissette


For full credits, see my Scrap Artist gallery here.

Three Muses Challenge: Time

Here's my latest ATC and the entry for this week's Three Muses Challenge: Time.. .



It seems that there is never enough time to do it all but I am making a concerted effort to fit my creating into the mix at least one day a week. To commemorate the beginning of the journey I have created this page below for my digital art journal.


I went a bit crazy on this one (very freestyle) but then maybe that kind of works for a layout entitled "Fearless"! LOL!


Journaling reads:
(November Year 2009)
It’s sad really how long it has taken me to finally find the courage to listen to my inner voice, turn off the negatives and just go for it! If I fail, I still will have found accomplishment in the process and maybe, just maybe, I will have had a little fun along the way. Hold onto your hat, ‘cause I’m going for it!

14 Wacky Years . . .

My beloved and ever patient husband and I just celebrated fourteen crazy years of marriage and I came up with the following layout to commemorate the occasion . . .

What I've been up to . . .

Thought I'd share some photos of some of my newest creations. They usually sit on a shelf beside my creative station but it was such a nice day I decided to take them outside in the sunshine for a little photo shoot. I apologize that they aren't the best of photos but you get the idea.

Sideshow Peek-a-Boo:



The story on the back reads:
Why those who paused to look at the two women saw that they possessed little faults or peculiarities regarded almost as a myth in certain circles.
Dear Bertha had never noticed the young men fluttering around her and by her manner she as continually invited their attentions.
"I can't get up much sympathy for her", said Kate "and it isn't any use to try."

Marie Antionette (altered art doll)-


Afternoon in the Park-




and last but not least a couple of my other circus beauties:

Something Wicked this way comes . . .

This wicked little pair were created for this week's Three Muses Challenge . . .
Credits here.

Moi, little Ole Me published!!!!

Received word today from the managing editor at Somerset Studios Publications that they will be publishing two of my altered art layouts and I couldn't be more jazzed. I have been in love with those magazines from the first time I layed my eyes on them. The artists featured in the pages of that magazine have never ceased to inspire me and so I naturally feel so privileged to be one of those artists. Can't hardly believe it!
Here are the two that will be featured in the March 2010 issue of Digital Studio:




Full credits available here.

Feeling Zlightly Zetti!

The Three Muses Challenge this week was to create your own Zetti. Being such a fan of Teesha Moore's work, this was quite fun! I only hope I have done a proper job at paying her inspiration homage . . .