Crafty Update (lots to talk about!)

Lots of things to share with you! I have been busy.
I particpated in 3 swaps over the winter. I try not to over schedule the swaps and typically do not sign up for one until the previous one is done and mailed out.
Here is a picture of some of the Scripture rolodex cards that I received. These are fun to make because of their size and I invested in the "address card" die from Stampin' Up. Made it much easier.
These are pictures of the altered dominos that I made into pins for another swap. These took me about 2 months to make and although I love altered dominoes, they were a real challenge. Not sure if I will do that one again!

Back at the end of November I participated in an Advent Journaling challenge. Each day we had an advent devotional and "thoughts to ponder" I was able to keep up with the devotional but am still embellishing the pages! I created my journal using manila folders. The devotional/study is on the left page and then my notes, prayers etc are on the right page that is embellished.

Here is the Advent cover

My latest (and greatest!) craze is Junque Journals. Google that one and tell me you can't get addicted! Crunchy, chunky, touchy, feely journals. This one is made from a composition notebook and what fun these are. I have used junk mail, envelopes, postcards, gift wrap, candy wrappers (not mine of course!) Water color crayons, stamps, stickers, you name it.

And I made a "trinket" out of found items.
And here is my first piece of mail art. No reason why mail has to be boring.....

This piece has a tea bag holder, calendar page, old sheet music, stickers,and a Suzi Blu stamp.


Hm, let's see..... Oh, books read this year so far:

Girl With The Dragon Tattoo-Steig Larrson very good story, just a bit "gritty"
Tried to read the second one but found it again too rough.

Shadows on the Coast Of Maine. Lea Wait. Easy mystery with an "antique hunting" theme

Labyrinth-Kate Mosse. Interesting twist on the Grail theme.

Fall Of Giants-Ken Follett. His first book in a trilogy. Cannot wait for books 2 & 3!


The Help-Kathryn Stockett- Gotta read it! Couldn't put it down!

So, now you know why you haven't seen me in a while!
Happy Crafting!

Art Journaling

As if there are not enough ways to create, I have now stumbled upon the world of Art Journals & Junque Journals.Don't go there unless you want to see the most amazing expressions of art in all it's forms & of journaling! Trust me, just Google it, YouTube it, get comfortable and enjoy.
Here is my very first Art Journal page. (Using materials that I already had on hand no less!)
This is a very different act of creating, not as structured as my sewing or my crochet & knitting and a new process for me.
If I don't draw or paint ("realistically") am I still an artist?
Absolutely!
There are many types of books you can use as your journal. I'm using a composition note-book. I found that idea when looking at Junque Journals. Large sketchbooks seem to be the fave but i like the sturdiness of the comp. so am good with that for my first book. I've gone through and gesso's many pages prior to creating a page, other pages have scrapbook papers adhered to them. This adds some weight to the pages. This particular page has a cut up Manila folder with a tab on it.That is the base. (Oh, and that "doodle thingy" in the middle? That's a Zentangle.(Google that one too!) Another page has a paper bag on it. No idea how that one will evolve but I have no doubt that inspiration will hit! (probably at 2 in the morning!)