Autumn Enchantment Postcards

I have been feeling the Halloween spirit in my bones lately. I really enjoyed making these autumn postcards to mail out when October draws near. With the images I am proud to use from Moonlight Journey, these adorable postcards are a cinch to make. Thank you Becky for creating these 3-1/2" X 5" Post Office Regulation Size postcards. The colors are so rich and wonderful! Who would not want to receive these lovelies?

CREDITS: "AUTUMN ENCHANTMENT" AND "WITCH POSTCARDS" CREATED BY BECKY LOYALL OF WHYMSICAL MUSINGS AND MOONLIGHT JOURNEY.

Barogue Art Tags

I have been creating new and improved art tags for a future swap. In fact, here are some highly decorated women images from the Barogue Era. Each tag has been embellished with fibers in rusty orange and brown shades, then further decorated with a dangle of crystal beads, pearls, or metallic beads. A tiny amount of diamond glitter sparkles on each tag.

These lovely ladies can be ordered from Moonlight Journey. All images are on one sheet entitled "Barogue Art Tags."

I can imagine them on that special gift package during the holiday season.

Mysterious Halloween Cards

My candle was nearly burnt out,

When, by the glimmer of the half-

extinguished light, I saw the dull

yellow eye of the creature open...

~ Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

When the latest collage sheet was posted from Moonlight Journey, I just knew I had to make something special with these. The miniature digital designs are just so detailed, that a person can become mesmerized by their beauty.

Here are a few of my favorite Halloween greeting cards using these beautiful images. They truly can be easily created in an evening. I have included some of my favorite eerie quotes in the inside of each card.

Have fun making these!

Halloween Dreams

"Deep into the darkness

peering, long I stood there,

wondering, fearing, doubting,

dreaming dreams no mortal

ever dared to dream before."

~ Edgar Allen Poe, The Raven

As the night comes sooner, and the days become shorter, I suddenly get into the Halloween spirit once again. This two page spread is for an art journal that I have been focusing on lately. There is something very magical about creating artwork when the moon laughs and whispers, "Tis near Halloween."

Got Cake?

There never was a cake I didn't like, especially chocolate fudge cake. I am fond of banana cake, the stately coconut layer cake and there's the magnificent Italian cream cake in all it's glory. And how about old-fashioned pound cake with strawberries? Or even give me a piece of angel food cake. The list goes on and on. I love that some people just have a knack for whipping up high and handsome cakes. These labors of love grace both elegant sideboards and kitchen tables as symbols of a good cook. There's a definite skill involved in measuring and mixing. You can even make a cupcake and feel proud of your accomplishment!

The results are sure worth the effort, even with paper, glue, and glitter. I made these artist trading cards to share with Becky Loyall of Whymsical Musings, and Wendy Aspinall from Bliss Angels. Like my grand daughter Lauren says, "I love cake!"

And, now for the unbelievably gorgeous artist trading cards I received from my friends, Becky and Wendy. I was completely blown away!

Artwork by Becky Loyall, Whymsical Musings

Artwork by Wendy Aspinall, Bliss Angels

Thanks you SO MUCH......these cards are amazing!

Art Tag Swap

Artwork by Nan and Pam

On the third Wednesday of each month, I meet with a bunch of gals to exchange artistic gift tags at Artful Studio. With all my other commitments, I finally decided it was time to relax somewhat and join a fun art group. Plus, you get some fresh ideas, laugh, share family stories, meet new faces, and do what you like most.

Artwork by Elise, Mary, and Jo Ellen

Artwork by Linda, Sherry, and Carole

These are the gift tags I received. Some of them are real beauties! Thank you so much Pam, Jo Ellen, Carole, Sherry, Mary, Nan, Theo, Elise, Vivi Anne, Linda, Diane, and Betty. I probably will not want to use them for the reason they were intended.

Artwork by Vive Anne, Diane, and Betty

Artwork by Theo and myself.

Thanks again, Ladies!

Mermaids in the Mist

I have quite a few projects to get done again! These mermaid cards were created with the inspiration of having a dose of The Fishnet House while visiting my mom and sister on vacation about a week ago. I am especially fond of the ocean, sea breezes, and creatures along the shore. These cards came easy for me and were just plain fun to make!

The Fishnet House is located in a small weather-beaten home off McMillan Street in downtown Grand Marais, Michigan. As soon as I walked in, it called to me. I didn't know where to start, because everywhere I turned one more fabulous thing was beckoning me to look closer and touch.

The store is best known for Kim's (the owner) mermaid paintings, furniture, and signs all with somewhat of a vintage beach style. Even though I mostly observed, I became somewhat "mermaid frenzied." The shop is an eclectic mix of art, jewelry, paintings, and locally made items with a mermaid theme. Unfortunately, she does not host a blog or web-site.

I wish I could have seen how she creates her art and how she painted some of her furniture. She sure inspired my ocean sense!

CREDITS: Seashore Elements Collage Sheet from Moonlight Journey, PHOTOS: Taken August, 2010 in Grand Marais, MI "The Fishnet House"

Tube Socks with Style

These light-weight tube socks have no heel, no bend, no thinking about those complicated short gusset rows--just mindless knitting! I came across this fabulous yarn in Petoskey, Michigan at their local craft store. I was visiting my sister and mom in the upper peninsula again and rejuvinated my knitting passion while making the long trek home.

This yarn is "Soles & More" by Sensations, and the colors somehow transform into this intricate pattern with absolutely no stressful brain work. I love them!

If only I had picked up more yarn. . .

CREDITS: "The Big Book of Socks," by Kathleen Taylor, pg. 21.