Latest issue in the shoppe now!

 

The latest issue of the Deviant Muse is in the shoppe!  My talented friend and co-deviant Lisa Easterling's gorgeous layout graces the front cover and for those of you wanting to get a bit more familiar with her, you need only proceed a few pages in to read her entertaining interview.

I must point out that I am also privileged to have one of my transformation deck cards featured this month.

 

I have a tremendous fear of (and distaste for) being controlled.  

I am all about embracing your individuality and 

being true to yourself!

I think one of the most wonderful things that ART allows all of us if the freedom of expression and there are many times that my art reflects that.  It's been no secret that while I thoroughly enjoy creating whimsical scenes of pure nonsense, I often use my art as therapy for myself; a sort of venue to reflect on my life and an opportunity to slow down and listen to my inner voice.

That having been said . . .

I cannot wait to share with you all the following news.

Drum Roll if you please  . . .

I have been asked to create the front cover for next month's Deviant Muse!  Hooray!

I am so flattered and so excited! I mention the art therapy up above because my proposed page will be created along the theme of listening to our inner voice. While I feel so flattered, I have to be honest and tell ya: I also feel a little bit nervous about bearing my soul.  But excited! Yes, definitely excited! I, of course, would encourage you to head over here next month to pick up your very own issue but I assure you I will post something here, as well, so be sure to check back.

I now leave you with this:

A layout created for my friend with the fabulous new Kit by Pink Lotty (available at Deviant Scrap) in honor of this Sunday's celebration.

Happy Mother's Day All!

‘What is Art? It is the response of man's creative soul to the call of the Real.’ — Rabindranath Tagore (Indian poet and philosopher)

The last post I gave a shout-out to my friends over at Deviant Scrap.  I have said many times how much I love all the gals over there, how great it feels to be amongst other "deviants" breaking through the boundaries of what is the norm and creating outside the box.  Well, I have discovered that there is another place I feel just as loved, supported and just plain comfy to be myself.  And it is where I have recently found another new home for myself and my art.

I dedicate this post to all of my new friends at

"A diverse gathering of creative souls, a place to help promote each other. Discover new & interesting people. ~ALL creative people welcome~ "

If you haven't yet had the pleasure I encourage you to check it out, just as Miss Izabella has invited us to do so.

I discovered today that this layout of mine from a while back was featured and I am so flattered.  There are some pretty tremendous artists in this little community I've found online.

For full credits click here.

Not much time to play lately!

OR work! On my artsy stuff that is. 
Things, life in general, and icky health issues have been in the way a bit lately but I managed to get at least a little playtime this month.
Last month I participated in the physical paste and paper ATC swap at Deviant Scrap and had the pleasure of sharing one of my creations with my inspiration, friend and deviant muse, Hollie Harradon (of Holliewood Studios fame).  This month I went digital and got the opportunity to create one of the things I love best.

ART DOLLS!

Here's my gal:

the Queen of Arts . . .

 

I also scrapped this AAM layout as a result (and a tad bit I admit in retaliation to) of a misunderstanding I had with a family member.  I strive to live my life to get along with everyone and to never offend whenever it's possible but something I've learned as of late (and that I am still working on keeping in mind) is that none of us can control anyone's elses reactions nor are we responsible for their feelings.  In the end, all that matters is our intention and if our intention is good, that's all that matters.  My efforts are in living a life where my intention is always positive, always good, love always my aim.

Lo and behold, it has that total hippie vibe that so personifies my philosophy in life! Dont'cha just love my groovy outfit?  One of Hollie's latest creations! Loved the first one and this 2nd edition totally rocks too. 

You can find it here.

Been hangin' quite a bit with my gals at Deviant Scrap lately and been privileged to work on a few upcoming projects with them.  They are all such "my cup a tea" and am just so tickled that they have asked my to put my creativity to work for them.  Don't want to spoil the surprise but be sure to check out the May issue of the Deviant Muse coming soon. 

Chicks hold a peep pow-wow. . .

Well, tonight was the 1st official meeting of the Chicks to plan for this year's "Chicks Along the Canal" celebration.  Last year we called it a show; this year it will definitely be an event to remember.  We have all sorts of fun ideas/plans up our little feathered sleeves! Stay tuned for more information . . .

In the meantime, I leave you with my latest layout:

Created from the absolutely gorgeous new kit (found here) from all of my talented gal pals at Deviant Scrap; a Somerset Studios publication feature.  Got my copy today and I am telling you that it has got to be the best issue yet!  The kit was just the icing on the cake.
Hats off to all of the fabulously creative ladies featured but a special congratulations to my dear friend Erika (aka dancingscrapper) who on her very first try at submission was asked to write an article for a three page feature.  Woot Woot to you!

and as promised . . .

A pic of the ATC I created for the swap amongst my deviant friends.  This gal took a trip clear across the U.S. to the home of my friend and fellow artist (not to mention one of my favorite designers), Hollie Harradon

Faith opens the door to Dreams . . .

LIFE

So with the Altered Hearts zine currently on hold and with so much of just "life" (work, the kids, volunteer work, etc) happening, I honestly haven't had much time for creating; scrap art, that is.  Life itself is a creation, each moment, your invention.  At least that's how I see it.   Point is, I've really been itching to get my hands dirty in all of my favorite messes. What I wouldn't give for some gesso and alcohol ink wedged under my nails or a bit of mica indelibly stuck to my forehead for a week; hahaha.  Gonna make it my personal goal to get back into my studio really soon before it kills me.  Actually had an artist friend of mine say to me today that he realizes when other things in life feel outta whack, it usually means he's not connecting with his creative side enough. I have to agree!

Also, to my credit, I hurt  my hand pretty bad a couple weeks ago and it's only now starting to feel normal again.  I did manage to participate in a swap with my dear gal pals at Deviant Scrap, and just yesterday mailed out an ATC to a friend who I know will be very happy to receive it.  I cannot wait for her to see it!!! I've snapped a pic of it but will wait to post it until she for sure receives it.  Don't wanna spoil her surprise.

As far as digital scrapping goes, I did recently attempt to step outta my usual style a bit and with the inspiration of the very talented Kelly Rae Roberts, fashioned this layout  . . .

 "Ode to a Muse"

 

By the way:  have you seen these?

Thank you Kelly, and all of my wonderful friends, artists and muses who continue to inspire me even when "life" gets in the way and my art must take a back seat, if for just a little while.   Be back soon!

I "Heart" my Zetti World

A submission for Week #10 of the Take A Word blog challenge.  Not entirely proud of this one (went a bit wild with this one or rather should I say I really "went with it") but it frankly was my endeavor to reclaim my mojo and I simply could not afford to hold back.  The sentiment really does ring true if that counts; hehehe.
Credits can be found here.

Happy New Year

Just piping in to say that I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday full of light, love and creativity and wish all of you the best in the coming new year.

This past year was a time of great growth for me and my reaching out to embrace myself as an artist was such a major part of that growth.  I am grateful to all of my family and friends who supported me in this endeavor and to all of you (my fellow creators and artisans) who stood to be such a motivation and inspiration to keep on creating no matter what!

(even when my mojo seemed to skip town for a bit; heehee)

 I treasure you all!

~Amber

A winter wonderland set amidst a vast sea of artistry

 

Brrrr!!!!

Here, in my neck of the woods, things have taken a rather cold but illustriously snowy turn in the past couple weeks and that means staying inside working on things of a creative nature.  Honestly can't complain!

painting by local award-winning artist, Robert Willman of Willman Gallery-Little Falls, New York

This past weekend was the annual Christmas in Little Falls celebration and marked the inaugural event for the Indoor Farmers/Artisans Market. I was privileged to be a part of 27 v vendors present.  I shared a space with my very talented friend, Christina Hoover. You can find her gorgeous creations on display here:

Signs of Obsession

Since my friends hail from all over this grand planet of ours and for obvious reasons could not attend the show, I thought I would share some of my latest creations with all of you here.

This sweet little girl was just too cute not to bring back home with me.

This distinguished lady went home with a friend of mine who just adored her foofy feathered chapeau.

Not your traditional ornament, for sure,  but the woman who took home Miss Holly apparently thought she would add some flair to this year's celebration.  I just adore her flapper-esque style.  I must confess that Miss Holly's real name is Lulu. She was altered from an original design of my friend, Christine Honsinger of Fiddlette Designs. She is part of one of my absolute favorite scrap kits, found here.

This little gal found a home that day too.

These butterfly ornaments were such a find and so relatively inexpensive; just needed a bit of sparkle and whimsy!

Something a bit more traditional.

These girls were my first attempt at the art of paper cornucopias.  I just adore everything Victorian!

One of many of the more simple gift tags created for the occasion.  This guy comes from a classic kit, "Lot No. 87 {ATC Christmas Collection Etcetera}" designed by the dynamic duo (and my friends) Tangie Baxter and Sherrie Drummond available for purchase here.

Our space turned out to be in a bit of a dark corner so the photos aren't the best but I wanted to share them with you all none the least.

There is such a wonderful artistic community of people here in my little town that I am proud to be a part of.  I strongly believe that we all stand to inspire one another with our various gifts we have to offer.  I also strongly believe that artists are a unique sort of people in that they are able to set aside petty jealousy and envy in order to be able to really support one another in their creative endeavors; that has been my experience, at least.  For that reason, I wanted to use this post to showcase some of the super artists that I have had the advantage to meet and in some cases, befriend.  They are people of all ages and from all walks of life but we all share in common that insatiable need to just CREATE!

Did you happen to notice the awesome paper wreaths in the right hand corner of the photos taken of our booth? My friend Christina specializes in beautiful handpainted furniture and signs, but just so happens to also be a very talented upcycling artist. This wreath (made from the pages of an antique book) adorns the mantel in my back parlor.  Isn't it beautiful? I just love it!!!

Christina at the Chicks show!  She just so happens to be manning the Mustard Seed booth; another fabulous shop here in town full of creative wonder.  My friend and fellow Chicky, Juli Webster has such the decorative eye and her entire shop is a jewel.  If you're ever in town it is so worth the stop. 

I just can't believe how ingeniously Christina (and her partner in crime Hubby) take discarded items and turn them into the gems that they are now; an old door gets a bench and becomes a halltree, window frames thrown out on the curb are reinforced and turned into a greenhouse and staircase spindles and decorative woodwork become a candelabra.  Sheer genius, I tell ya!  (Incidentally, that greenhouse sits in my garden right now; teehee.  Check out the photo of my house at the beginning of this post)

Clay is a local guy who relocated here just this past year and has already made himself well-known in our community.  I first met him this past fall at our annual Garlic Festival where he was featuring some of his wire-wrapped bent metal jewelry.   His talents in ice carving were showcased at our Christmas in Little Falls celebration last week.

Emily is someone who I met at this year’s Chicks Along the Canal event.  I gotta tell ya she is definitely one of my favorite Chicks!  She is the owner of E.S.P. Eclectics; a collection of quirky and fun novelties (jewelry, handbags, pillows, headbands, you name it!).  Together with her co-creators, Brit Rose and Megan Foley, their crafty and inventive gifts will stop you in your tracks and say "Now why didn't I think of that?!"
Emily has been featured locally in Little Falls, Utica and Albany and currently has her own page on facebook.

 I just love her little dolls (so does my daughter)!  And this handbag; It's totally mine!  Hands off!

Among the talented people I know, there are also these three who I am especially impressed with because of the sheer fact that they are already at such a tender age displaying the courage to express themselves.  They are living authentically as the creative beings they are and I admire them for that.

I met such a young man, this past weekend.  He was set up beside us at the show and what this kid can do with paper folding is awesome. Visitors and vendors alike were going nuts for this kid! He takes origami to the next level, having been paper folding since he was 4 years old and has come up with 40+ designs of his own.

From bookmarks to jewelry to giant cranes made from flattened sheets of tin and copper, Tristan Dunn, 14, does it all.

And last but not least, my two favorite artists in the whole wide world . . .

My darling daughter, who at the age of 10, has now had two showings of her photos.  She is so gifted in so many ways but definitely has that natural ability when it comes to her photography.

Three of her photos found a home that day (this being my favorite of them all).

My 13 year old son is an aspiring comic book artist and professional animator.  Art has been his passion since a very young age and he has tried his hand in so many artistic endeavors (painting, sculpture, jewelry, you name it) but sketching remains the most satisfying of them all.  He was featured at the Christmas in Little Falls event and is currently working on an exhibit to be featured at the Garnett Art Gallery at SUNY-Rome this next year.

"I'm no angel but . . ."

 So I totally went the other direction with this but I couldn't help it.  This famous quote by the infamously naughty, Mae West was the first thing that came to mind:

"I'm no angel but I have spread my wings a bit." 
What a stinker she was. Love it!!!

This "skinny" was created for the all-new Take a Word challenge blog.  Don't know about it yet?
Check it out!

http://takeaword.blogspot.com/

Into a "Sea of Uncertainty" I go!

Sometimes to take chances in life even when we are uncertain about where our choice will lead us, we just have to dive right in. Often the things we do in life that really matter require us to tread into unchartered, sometimes rough waters. There may even be what appears to be the threat of danger, the things we fear most, looming by, above and behind us but we must be courageous and vigilant if we are to ever find what it is that is hidden beneath and beyond that uncertainty and fear. This layout is a page for my art journal:
After many long years of being afraid, I am now taking a chance on certain things, treading into foreign seas, uncertain of the outcome but confident about my choices to do so.

For full credits to this layout, see my main gallery here.