HI HO CHERRY-O!

Greetings, dear reader!

It just occurred to me that my blog resembles a game from childhood: Hi Ho Cherry O! Remember that game? Anyway, don't know why I thought about that...



One of THE coolest birthday cakes EVER! YUM!

I digress. I am writing to ask you, dear reader, if any of you know about a retreat...an altered art, mixed media, won't-cost-me-an-arm-and-a-leg kind of retreat? I really love sitting under the tutelage of an artist...whether it's a class or a seminar or a workshop. I am SO inspired the inspiration "fuels me" for months!

I've found a few online...many are on the east or west coast...very little seems to be happening in the middle of the U.S. (I'm not sure why that is...surely there are mixed media artists lurking about, yes? If YOU happen to be one of those artists, make yourself known! Don't be shy...)

Hope to hear from some of you soon!



XOXOXOX



Paula Clare

A New Spin On Inchies

Hi Readers! I've received lots of inquiries about "inchies" and how these tiny works of art can be incorporated into scrapbooking, collage and mixed media projects. I've created a digital layout to give you an idea of the kind of "theme" layouts that are possible with inchies. The "watchmakers tin" and toys (aren't they FAB???) are a digital creation from Kathryn Baint, one of the designers of the amazing KB and Friends.

I can see little, round, glistening works of art transforming the watchmakers tin into a "cupcake pan..." SWEET!!! I'll be interested to see what kind of ideas/designs you come up with! Try to stay true to the inchie format (making each circle 1" in diameter)...anyway, here's my take on it:

Also, I'd like to know what plans you may have for Valentine's Day? Is the holiday a big deal in your home? I've transitioned our Christmas tree into a Valentine Tree decorated with vintage valentines, bits of fabric, glittery light and vintage linens. I'll post a photo as soon as I get it finished... Meanwhile, peace in the hood!

xoxoxo

Smoochies! Paula

How To Create A Mixed Media Collage...

Check out this video of mixed media artist Claudine Hellmuth (a link to her site is in the sidebar!) I just LOVE her collage style!



DARE to do something different with your photographs!

What would YOU use in YOUR collage?

Blogging

I have found the most WONDERFUL book: Artful Blogging. In Stampington's usual fantastic style, the magazine is full of eye candy, beautiful photos, and writing found on many artistically FABULOUS blogsites.

Many of you readers know what a bird lover I am ... just look at the fabulous mixed media collages from The Red Door Studio:

The magazine is full of such beautiful images as these...but also images "in process"... like Crafty Girl Kelly Angard's site Kelly's website is photography, words and art...perhaps she processes things much like I do???

Words and art are so intertwined I can rarely separate the two...thus my love for the anything-goes AltAred Art style of collage. Oh! Speaking of AltAred Art, I am teaching a class on Saturday, October 27th from 10-2. Anyone who is even slightly intrigued with the idea, or if you just like to make a mess...join us! You can email me privately for more info. We're going to start off with basic AltAred Books...I've discovered it takes some folks a bit of time to remove their mother's voice from their heads: DON'T MARK IN THOSE BOOKS!!! DO have faith...I have managed to eradicate "the voice" and have duct taped the mouth of the "inner critic." The creative process is worship for me...thus the AltAred Art...I put all I do - all I create on the altar as an offering of thanks and grace to God.

More AMAZING websites and info from the Artful Blogging mag...and of course, my "Friday Finds"...Stay tuned!

Peace Out!