Creating with Instant Memories

Scrapbooking is another special way I document the holidays, celebrations, and family history. But this month, I had to design a page for one of my art group members. She loves anything Victorian. In another book entitled "Instant Memories, Babies," written by Sandra Evertson I was able to choose from hundreds of rare, vintage inages on a CD that is included with this publication. They are perfect for paper crafting, and will inspire you to explore new roads of creativity. I put names to the photos I printed from my own personal collection.

French Victorian Maidens

One of my favorite sources for inspiration seems to be books and copyright free images designed by Sandra Evertson. In "Fanciful Paper Projects," she gives you copies of the actual papers she used to assemble each doll. All you have to do is photocopy the pages in color and follow the directions. When I saw the chapter with these French-inspired Victorian dolls, it seemed like the perfect solution for my October art journal swap. Then all I had to do is add my own embellishments, and voila! I was happier than I had envisioned them. If you would like to see some of the amazing October swap contributions in my art group, go to "Group Art Journals" in my "Eye Candy and Inspiration" link section.

Exploring Polyvore

Here is my very first attempt playing with the site called Polyvore. I sure can appreciate the patience that is involved to create some of the beautiful digital art treasures that my friend, Terri, designed the other day. I have many more hours of determination (and a little frustration) to go. There are an endless supply of images for inspriation. The "ideas" are clicking right now. Check out www.polyvore.com and dip your fingers into the digital art world! It is definitely addicting.

Thinking About The Game

It would be fair to say that my daughter, Amy, loves to play card games. She was visiting us this past week from up north near Traverse City. Her favorite pastime is playing cards with her dad. It starts out friendly, but tends to get somewhat competitive when they start playing "Hand and Foot." In a few minutes, I can hear her complaining that she is not getting the right cards. Besides her father's typical words are "I'm only trying to teach you to be the best." Of course, I hear her groan. She was carrying around an old score journal and we decided it would be fun to make a new one on her last day here. I think she was quite proud of herself for making this unusual record keeper!

My Postcard Dolls

As a little girl, I always loved to play with paper dolls. I can remember waiting for my Mom's BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS magazine to arrive so I could take out the paper doll page. I would sit on the floor for hours....cutting out the dolls and carefully folding over the white tabs on the clothing. Years later, the love affair with pretty little girl dolls did not end, but just kind of faded over time. Lately, I have been using paper dolls in my artwork and I am infatuated all over again. Once you start playing with paper dolls again, it seems like they will become a newfound passion. In an article in SOMERSET LIFE, Nancy Gene Armstrong made some adorable little three dimensional "Well-Wishers" as she referred to them. She used full body images from cabinet cards attached to wooden blocks. I have always loved the Paper Whimsy images, and have thus incorporated one of Gale's girls into my Victorian Doll creations above. They can even travel to keep you company at the office or as a perfect place card idea for settting a festive holiday table, women's luncheon, bridal shower, or even a birthday party!

Dreamy Witch Journal

With the thought of Halloween just around the corner, I began dreaming of making some art to celebrate the fall season. First I glued this beautiful image from a previous "Mind Wide Open" challenge to the front and back of my composition book. The inner covers are lined with old dictionary pages, and a black lace pocket is attached to the front inside cover. I used black glitter glue to delicately line some the the webs that surround this lovely lady. Then I attached some black vintage lace, a sequined butterfly, autumn colored velvet leaves, and a rust velvet flower. The grey gossamer ribbon is twisted along the binding. It is almost too pretty to use.

Whimsical Paper Dolls

After receiving a recent post featuring Jackie Peters from Oklahoma City, OK we became so inspired from her images that we spend a few hours yesterday making these whimsical paper dolls. My very talented friends Terri Gauthier and Deb Abel, and myself used Character Construction paper doll parts with tags, greeting cards, with lots of trim, ribbon, silk flowers, and other elements to create these charming little dolls. We had so much fun, and I think our little dolls captured that spirit!


Artwork by Nancy Van Hoose

Future Artist

Here he is! My sweet little grandson, Ethan, loves to do "crafts" (as he calls it). We were painting beach rocks. He does everything with such enthusiasm, it just makes you want to laugh. Since this session of rock painting, his room now holds about a dozen of his works of art. Since we live more than three hours away, those creations will definitely be displayed here in the future. He is just a cutie pie!