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For free BLOGGING SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS, click the tabs below. I am sorry, but I am not available for personal blogging questions as I am writing full-time and my work takes precedence.

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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

For a Friend



I just created these 2 ATCs for my Kathy at Creative Home Expressions. She has a new granddaughter and each card is in honor of her family’s “new arrival.” The first one was created on burlap with an image from the Graphics Fairy and it includes a story of a little bird and how her mother is teaching her to fly...



The second is a “girly-girl” purse and the title of it is “Tickled Pink!”
(Kathy' style is so chic that this seemed to fit her like a glove.)

May your granddaughter’s life be filled with happiness, Kathy. Congratulations!

Monday, August 30, 2010

A Surprise in Store



Hi Everyone--
Here is an ATC that I just completed this weekend for a friend of mine named Anna at Frosted Petunias. We happened to meet because we were involved in the Dress Up 2010 Challenge, so I thought I needed to have a "Dress" theme for someone who makes such beautiful creations! (It is merely sitting on the lime green paper, so it is not part of the card.) If you'd like to "oooh" and "ahhh" over some dresses, go visit her blog--it is pure delight!

I thought I'd show you part of what I've been up to...more to come!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

New Surprise Day

Hi Everyone:

Today I am surprising 3 friends who are quite lively and full of fun! So, a hot pink and black combo seemed appropriate to surprise these blogging buddies--They are Marsha at: http://sassyminidolls.blogspot.com, Leticia of http://www.msbinglesvintagechristmas.com and Carol of http://answerischocolate.blogspot.com.

Here is Marsha's:



Here are Carol and Leticia's:

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Alter It Monthly--"Remnants of Katrina"





I have just completed a piece for the “Rust” challenge on Alter It Monthly. Although the challenge does not begin until September 1,
I am posting it early. There is a reason: This piece is in honor of all of those impacted by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005 and was created to commemorate the 5 Year Anniversary of the event.

I moved here right after the hurricane. My husband and I rebuilt a house that had been under 10 feet of water...Several homes in my neighborhood floated away. The one we purchased did not have walls, floors, windows, or doors when we bought it...It took 9 months to rebuild.




Here is the piece before I did anything to it. It was created from part of a trailer hitch that brought in a pre-fab home to friends of ours, Parker and Cathy after the storm. It has rusted in the last few years and when I went out in search of something rusted, they found it for me--such good friends!

This piece is replete with symbolism. There is a cross dangling from the piece as it was people’s faith that pulled them through. The cross is hanging from fishing tackle as many people in this area make their living from the sea. But, there’s more...We are still living with the reality of the Gulf Oil Spill that affected our water and beaches. There is a little bottle of sand to connote that. There is a rusted nail left over from the reconstruction.



And last but not least is the fleur de lis, the symbol of New Orleans in addition to a metal token that says “Forevermore.” Simply put, people who live here have deep ties and are here to stay. Of course, New Orleans is perhaps best known for jazz, so the music had to be part of this piece because music is always the backdrop to so many happy times that transpire here.

Lastly, when all of the rebuilding was done, the thing that was missing was grass and flowers...So, when we planted them, it looked like life had returned! These pictures are in honor of the rebirth of this area.

P.S. You can't tell from the picture, but this piece is really, really heavy!

A Wonderful Surprise!



Hi Everyone--
Today I received a wonderful surprise in the mail from Patti! It
was so unexpected! Her son creates these pens with wood from
South America...It's so beautiful...I took a picture to show all of you. And it arrived with this card and a small card for my wallet...
Patti, thank you so much!!!

If you click on Patti's name up above, it will take you to her blog. It
is called "Fill My Cup With Beauty." She just had it created by a special designer and it is one of the most beautiful blogs I have ever seen! Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

Hugs,
Cindy

Blog Guidebook



Hi Everyone--
I have just joined the Blog Guidebook so that I will be able to have new visitors to my blog and also let people know about the Link Party--Creative Spirit Challenge that is on the 8-15 of every month!

I hope you will scroll down to see my latest piece for "Surprise Day!"
Hugs,
Cindy

Soar!





Hi Everyone,

Today is another "Surprise Day" and I have made something special for Jan of Bobbypins Boardwalk. This mixed media piece is entitled "Soar." It was created with commercial embellishments and papers. (If you remember, Jan is the person who made that beautiful black and white damask fan.)

In the past, I had "Surprise Day" without telling a person in advance, however, the problem was, sometimes I was not able to get their addresses, so I changed how I do it now because I wanted to make sure that when I create something I can reach the person in advance...so, Jan already received her new art piece this week. I just wanted to share a picture of it with all of you so that you could see what arrived in her mailbox.

Also, if you go to Jan's page, you can see it when I personalized it with the initial of her last name. Try to go take a look!

This is being linked to Dezinaworld's "Black & White Challenge"

Also linking this up to the French Cupboard Blogspot Challenge.

And Frenchy's French Obsession Party!



Have a happy day!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Brag Monday & Tag Tuesday



This tag was created for Tag Tuesday and Brag Monday. The message is simple--
”When I grow up, I want to be like you...”

I’m from the South where young girls still want to be brides when they grow up. This tag celebrates the longings of the heart and dreaming and wishes coming true.

The little flower girl is from Mind Wide Open. The bride is from the Graphics Fairy. It also includes commercial embellishments and hand-quilled roses (by me!)

Monday, August 23, 2010

Happy Time!



Hi Everyone--
It's Happy Time! I had been busy all weekend working on my new collection...(it's below.) That's when I received the sweet note from Karen at the Graphics Fairy that my brand-new Creative Spirit Bracelet was being featured on Brag Monday--I was so excited! Thank you so much Karen!

But, there's more--September 8th is the Creative Spirit Challenge...It runs for one week and when it is finished someone will be randomly picked to be "Miss Creative Spirit." They will also receive the bracelet...so, the winner will receive a winning bracelet--how fun is that?



I've got one more bit of news--The winner of my
Little Treasures necklace was randomly chosen and
it is Cheryl from the U.K.!
Congratulations Cheryl!

Hugs,
Cindy
xo

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Additions to My Newest Collection




"Believe in Your Own Song" 5 x 7 Mixed Media on Canvas



"Bird Song"--Mixed Media on Mini-Canvas
Image from the Graphics Fairy.


Created with commercial papers and embellishments...also
burlap, cheese cloth, lace, dry bark, and twigs from a bird's
nest. Bird image from the Graphics Fairy. Also includes
American moss, grunge board and hand-quilled roses
and a faux egg.



Each piece comes in its own burlap coverlet which has tattered
edges with a tag made with an image from the Graphics Fairy.



"Sweetie Pie" 5 x 7 mixed media on Canvas


Created with commercial papers and embellishments...also
burlap, cheese cloth, dry bark, and twigs from a bird's nest.
Image from Magic Moonlight. Also includes grunge board,
American moss, and hand-quilled roses.



"Journey" mini stretched canvas. This piece was created
for friends who collect modern art. A little funky, a
little earthy--I think it works...lol



And here it is on an easel.


Linking this up to Brag Monday--Hugs to Karen!

Also, linking this up to "Alter It Monthly"--hugs to Louise, Gillian, and Carol!


Their sponsor this month is The Altered Element--they have amazing stuff!!!!

Hi Everyone--
I wanted to show you the newest additions to my latest
collection...To see more, just scroll down...and I hope
you'll join my giveaway drawing for the silver-toned
necklace--scroll down to see it!

Hugs,
Cindy

Giveaway Scout

Hi Everyone...
There is a site called Giveaway Scout and they have giveaways from various sites every day. If you'd like to check it out, just go to: http://giveawayscout.com

I also hope that you will scroll down and see my new collection (new pics will be added very soon.) And also, my current give-away drawing is listed in the post after that.

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Start of a New Collection


"Altered Art" Tag






"Nature" 5 x 7 on canvas



"Nature" close up



"Cherish" mini stretched canvas



"Cherish" mini stretched canvas


Hi Everyone--
Here is a tag, 5 x 7 piece on canvas, and a mini stretched canvas piece which all include burlap, cheese cloth, lace, natural roots, twigs from a bird's nest, twine, and commercial papers. They have been gessoed and the tag and smaller piece have been inked. The "Cherish" piece includes hand-quilled roses and a bronze-toned embellishment.

The metal piece from Tim Holtz on the tag says "Altered" and so this little tag became my tribute to Altered Art. (And yes, I know it is mixed media.) It also includes buttons made from shells.
I am linking to Tag Tuesday for the Not On Paper Challenge--hugs to Louise!

Also, please join my drawing for a silver-toned necklace in the next post down!

Hugs,
Cindy
xox

Thursday, August 19, 2010

New Drawing for "Little Treasures" Necklace



Hi Everyone--
I have a new drawing for this latest creation from my "Little Treasures" collection that was made using a silver-toned faux bottle cap. If you would like to be entered in a drawing to win this dainty necklace, just let me know by leaving a comment under this post and I will enter your name.

THIS DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED.

Hugs,
Cindy

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Please vote!



Hi Everyone...
Jan over at Bobbypins Boardwalk is a finalist in the DIY contest and she needs votes...Could you please hop over to her blog and that will take you to the page to vote? It would be awesome if you would!

She created this ceiling fan makeover and when you get to the voting page, it is one up from the bottom.

Here's the link to Jan's page: http://wwwbobbypinsboardwalk.blogspot.com

Or to go directly to the voting, just go here.

Thanks so much!
Hugs,
Cindy
xo

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Fairy Garden CD





Hi Everyone--

A blank CD became the makings of a magical fairy garden with a
bird, fairies, butterflies, and bird’s nest. (Created with all commercial embellishments and papers.)

The winner of this Fairy Garden CD is Peggy Gatto! Congratulations!

This will be entered into the Fairy challenge at Dezinaworld.

Hugs,
Cindy
xo

"Wander" Tag







This bohemian-style, multi-layered tag was created on grunge
board for Louise’s wonderful Tag Tuesday. It includes batik fabric, fibers, Osnaberg, cheese cloth, tulle, corrugated board, moss, and
twine. Also features a butterfly made from feathers and a glass bottle with miniature beads. And last but not least, there is a shell that I
saved from the beach in Panama City when my husband and I celebrated our 1st anniversary.

Why a butterfly in a beach scene? Because there were butterflies on
the beach when we were there!

The cheese cloth was rolled and glued to simulate the foam of ocean waves (although a little difficult to see here.)

And, of course, I am such a life explorer that the "Wander" metal tag
is indicative of my own spirit of adventure.


Hugs,
Cindy
xo

Wish Box






Hi Everyone--
I just completed a "Wish Box" for some friends of ours...It is shaped
like a book and when it is opened up, there is a key inside that says "dreams." Fun and fanciful! Includes commercial papers and embellishments, as well as images from the Graphics Fairy.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Surprise Day!



Hi Everyone--
Well, once again I am having "Surprise Day!" and I made a grungeboard tag and decorated clothespins for Maria of Bubblegum and Duct Tape. They were created with commercial papers and embellishments and were made to match Maria's decor. If you notice, the message on the clothespins says "Happily Ever After"--that's my wish for Maria!

Linked up to A Glimpse of Beautiful--Hugs to Renee!

Don't forget--I am still having a drawing, so scoot down the page to enter! It's a yellow piece that says "Dream" on it!!
Just put your name in and you will be in the drawing.
Hugs,
Cindy
xox

Thank you so much!!!

Hi Everyone--
Look at the surprises that were in my mailbox!!! Woo hoo!

I received these incredible art supplies from Jennie at the Artistic Stamper! I won them from Alter It Monthly! (This is an amazing challenge!) Jennie made this beautiful tag and surprised me with it! I couldn't believe it! Thank you so much, Jennie! If any of you need art supplies, just go to her blog--she has amazing items.







And, feast your eyes--look at the gorgeous linens that Wanda sent me!! I was in awe!! Eight napkins, all embroidered or cross-stitched, and 3 lovely embroidered hankies!! Thank you so much, Wanda!
If you have not had a chance to view it, go see Wanda's amazing stained glass pieces--she is so talented!!!



Thank you both SOOO much!
Hugs,
Cindy

P.S. PLEASE scroll down to see my give-away! It is for a Fairy Garden altered art CD.

Creative Spirit Winner!





Hi Everyone,
First, let me thank ALL of you who participated in the Creative Spirit Challenge--a monthly challenge that begins each month on the 8th! The next one will be on September 8-15. Your creative spirit is amazing and your work is beautiful!

This is a very relaxed challenge in that you can submit anything that shows your creativity AND it can be a post that you have posted on your blog in the past..easy, peasy!

Our winner for the very first challenge is.....Karen from Some Days Are Diamonds!
Congratulations Karen...and imagine, you almost didn't enter it!
So, for August, Karen "wears" the crown....You can grab the button that shows you have worn the Creative Spirit Crown...the blog button is yours to keep!

Also, I made a tag and pin pictured here...(above) that will be sent to Karen of Some Days are Diamonds.

But, there's more news....For the September challenge, I have made a silver-toned bracelet (pictured below) and one person who enters and whose name is chosen randomly at the end of the challenge will win it....Again, thank you everyone and please come back and show us your beautiful work next month. (Graphics for this bracelet created with images from the Graphics Fairy, in addition to commercial papers.



Also, please scroll down to the next post (below) as I have a new giveaway drawing going on currently! Just put in your name for a chance to win!

I'm linking this up to the Graphics Fairy--Hugs to Karen!!!

Hugs,
Cindy

Saturday, August 14, 2010

My Newest Drawing--Fairy Garden Delights!



A blank CD became the makings of a magical fairy garden with a bird, fairies, butterflies, and bird’s nest. If you would like to be entered into my drawing to win this, just leave your name under this post. The drawing will be within a week--I just haven’t determined when it will be yet! (Created with all commercial embellishments and papers.) I should mention that in person the colors are much deeper and the entire piece appears to be very vintage looking.

Oops, this drawing is now closed.

Friday, August 13, 2010

"Joan of Arc" Altered Art--For Dezinaworld





Hi Everyone--

I have just completed this piece for Dezinaworld's "Bronze" challenge. Through working on this, I came across an amazing quote from Joan of Arc (who is also the patron saint of New Orleans.) She said, "I am not afraid...I was born to do this." This statement as been resonating within me for 2 days...I think it is so powerful, especially the part the says, "I was born to do this." It makes me wonder, what were we all born to do? When all is said and done, I think I was born to be a mom. Everything else is icing on the cake.


Hugs,
Cindy

Monday, August 9, 2010

Some Exciting News and Challenge Update!






Hi Everyone--
The Creative Spirit Challenge is still in full-swing--I'm loving all your contributions to this link party! Please scroll down to join the fun and find the link...Also, if you check the next post down, you will see what the randomly-picked winner will win!

I have some exciting news today--I am featured in Crescendoh!

If you click the magazine title, it will take you to the article.
Hugs,
Cindy
xox