Inspirations -Obsessions and Compulsions

Needless to say these are inspirations -- Some of these were from a rubber stamp show
and others are from a special shop that no longer exists .
It made me very sad , for just as I found it , within a short period of time
it closed it's doors .. They moved to that location and I think got
in over their heads -too sad , so much talent . They were one of the few in the
greater Atlanta , Ga area to have anything catering to paper , mixed media
artists with altered art , plus classes , supplies and as you see here
inspiration.
This first group was taken at a rubber stamp show --this is where the obsession
comes in , I never met a rubber stamp I didn't like and desperately need .
Not quite that bad , but i have - oops ,Hub < close your eyes about 500-
to 600 not including alphabets - the artist who so graciously lets you take photos -
is Patricia DiBona - she has a sight you can go to - a wonderful artist
when her studio was an hour away I went occasionally -- it was located in a great area
but had to go through the worst traffic to get there . now moved farther away and
near the -- did I say FAbulous - KrisHurst@blogspot.com- of banner fame and the cutest creations ever seen -- her blog showcases some , but the things she creates for shops
amazing .




These two are Patricia's - she does have adds in somerset now I think

This sweet vignette was taken three years ago at the shop

no longer in business -- notice the decorated bottles --

still a current fav of mine and others , and vintage pictures and

postcards are some of my favorite colectibles . I have some very sweet letters I found at an antique shop in Charleston . They were from a young girl to her Dad , around the time of

the civil war . Just to touch the paper , the quality of it , the beauty of the handwriting in one so young , transports me back to the charm and wonder that is Charleston .

Well blogger loved this so much we have it twice lol

this was in the cute shop . And of course I had to buy the heart -

Her touches were wonderful - there was lavender in the heart

and I have some stamps she designed herself that say

"Flutterby "- "Waiting heart "and "fairy dust "--in

beautiful script . Too Too sweet ! Now alas when i need a sentiment

i have to use the computer a lot . Only two stamp shops

left ,and none close at all, and a somewhat different than my vintage heart

. The best rubber stamp store - alas gone as well - was one an

hour away called "Angel Art" a very large store . with the latest stamps

from many designers -- Beautiful art stamps as well as fun bunnies , santas

snowmen etc . Words and sayings are my downfall . I love things that tell a story

When you choose a picture and the words and the elements are right , It tells a story,

paints a beautiful vision that can speak to your heart .

Archivers is also an hour away -- and is somewhat limited as to art stamps -

although -yikes - I am on a first name basis with the girls there lol . HUB are your eyes still

covered ? oops somehow deleted the last picture -- it was an altered MOna Lisa

she is kinda tricky -- ok will post later . Thanks for reading , and indulging me ,as this is

a long post . WEll going to one of two stamp shows that come each year here .

One of the biggest cities in the south and somewhat limited -- I am a tactile person like to see the size of the font so ordering online is not my fav -- do that with graphics tho -

Have a great day !!!-- Go tell a story -- let me know your blog -to see

your creations

Winterbella Fun

Well ,I have been having so much fun doing
all the Winterbella creating that I haven't posted
in a while . Between - swaps - the Bella - and everyday
life -- time just gets away from me . This first pic is of sachets
using a download from Teresa, printed on fabric sewn
and add embellishes -- I love
this idea . I also made a paper cone -- and the lavendar
inside smells yummy .




This layering idea is a great one - takes collage to a new level
-your collage random bits of paper on cardstock , paint several colors on
and add graphics , words , stamping .and a focal point
as well as my fav thing - stickles and bling with the little
pink crystal stickers and the antique crystal tied on top .
This candle had a top which I decorated also .
Sorry there are not pics of the sides and back . Since this
was a large candle - I punched holes in the 12 X12
cardstock and tied it on with satin cord
This is done on a candle in a glass jar . I do
love angel graphics , and of course the
antique crystal is a fav of mine . So now I want
to decorate all my candle jars .




This last is a sign we made for a door , while you
can use a frame as a basis . I used this and will hang
this on my studio door . We each chose our own
buzzword - welcome , create , bliss etc . I didn't have
the width ribbon I wanted to use for my hanger so
will show that when finished . I will look for a small
decorative crystal knob etc -- to screw into the door
to hang it from , will be the perfect touch -- also I made a pink tag
-says art - and a circle tag that says fairy dust with pink
sparkle crystals on it -- you know "Fairy Dust " that is the
magical ingredient I use to create - Doesn't everyone ???
It is a beautiful cool but sunny day here, so off to shop and
mail packages , Have a great day and "GO and
Create "

WOMEN OF THE HEART

I don't think I have talked about my love of old things .
Things from a gentler time, with a slower pace . Although the
work then was strenuous , life did not go by at warp speed . There was time for afternoon walks , not just getting your afternoon workout at the gym . With the
click of a mouse , we can visit half way around the world
or view events a continent away as they are taking place .
I collect many different things . This old pottery bowl is
stained and lovely from use , The wooden spools of thread ,
now being replaced by styrofoam . Old buttons in a jar ,saved out of necessity for hand made clothes . In a time where style changes according to u-tube and the Runway shows on tv.
BUt in this blog world I think something unusual has happened , Women are connecting
in ways unavailable to most before blogs . Many meet each other every
morning with their coffee or tea in hand . To see new creations
or to comment about that persons art creations , illness , struggles, or the joy of a new family pet.
I am sure there are as many blog groups as there are stars -- But in this handmade art
world , , not in a glorified art gallery , but displayed in their homes in such an artful way .
or in their online shop are creations and ideas of women of amazing talent and substance . It never occured to me , that there would be a woman's
magazine dedicated to the women's world of blogging . But some I have followed for several
years -as a lurker myself , those looking ,but not commenting and having no blog
to present to the others , are within the pages of this new magazine . These women are smart with talent , some are part of the everyday work force , some are stay at home moms , juggling
car pools , soccer games and using their talents in the community . WE make friends easily . Join art swaps and create for each other -- many give so freely when there are needs -- Some have had losses to which many responded , with cards of well wishes and small gifts to brighten their day , Yes you are women of the heart . What a joy it is to see . the world can say what they want , women do care for each other . Every arena is not a competition . I feel very
blessed to be a small new part of this world . There is a room in the book "Where Women Create " that has these words on the wall --- " Thru a woman's eyes , from a woman's heart .
by a woman's hand ". I think that says so much about the things I see in this fascinating
world of blogging . So I will take time to slow down, to make a comment about a new pet ,
to encourage a new mother , to smell the roses and the lavendar , to listen to someones new favorite song selection , To try a new art form , learn a new skill , share a new technique with open hands . I first entitled this post I love old things , old places , remembered times ,
familiar faces -- but changed it to encompass the new friends I have met --- T his blog started out with a picture of my creations and it was posted first , then browsing my pics to share I came upon this one with the buttons and thereby this came pouring forth , It is long , maybe a little sappy but straight from my heart to yours - Blessings --- Kathy p.s. excuse the typos
it is about 5 a.m. here
not been to bed yet .



What fun today , making todays Winterbella idea .


These are sachets filled with lavendar . Oh I wish


you could smell the loveliness of it .. Too wonderful .


Especially as tonight here in the south we had snow .


BIg white fluffy flakes , a dusting of snow , that turned


everything into a winter wonderland . Snow is such a


rare thing . WE get ice and sleet sometimes very messy


and dangerous too . We are not equipped and so it results


in car accidents etc . Of course you with lots of snow have


problems too . Be safe , stay warm . Create !




Love the K& Co. hearts -- I do also love me some


of the inks that Tim Holtz uses .. this was a deep red


spray but diluted becomes this lovely pink


I stamped the tag , I use shipping tags , love the


weight of them and the strings dye also , an added


bonus .
**********************************************

A Wonderful Surprise

How wonderful . a sweet surprise !

a n award from my sweet friend Teri.

She is so kind and one of my first

blog friends .

Check out her blog -primtiques.blogspot.com

Artsy Mama Valentine Swap sneak peek

This is a sneak peek at my heart for the Artsy
Mama swap , Can't give it all away !! I am
all about the pink and red, and embellishments
are my faves . Love to dye the shipping tags from
Staples . When they are finished , they do not look
like those plain old tags . I like using them because
they are so sturdy . Just gives a different look
than cutting out of cardstock and they are much sturdier .
Hope my swap partner will like hers . She lives in California .



as you can see sparkle and glitter are my faves

T he tag dyeing goes quickly but need I mention gloves ,

my nails are such a pleasing pink -- now to get this

pink off my hands . That is another challenge .

Used Adirondack Ink Spray by Tim Holtz ;

Check out his blog -- especially the 12 tags of C hristmas

very nice .

This is another version of Teresa Mc Faydens

magic pocket card -- starts out as a12 x 12

cardstock paper -- it is folded three times and makes a

wonderful small pocket to store a treat a little challenge to

to understand at first . You punch the sides ,

add ribbon to close and embellish . In an earlier post I

showed the inside of the card , there is a pocket on the front

to slip the card in and one at the top for goodies . I

will use this idea over and over . is great for a gift card etc .

Working on my Valentine swaps -- Oh how I love red !!

and bling !!!

I love Teresa Mc Fayden's --Winter - Zine
it is fun -- I participated in her 12 days also
this was suoppose to be a picture of myself -- and while
sometimes , i have made angel cake -- it was not a very angelic
picture in my jammies -- with a bad hair day -- not a day to take a picture ,
while I love pics . of others , hate to have mine made .
Just wanted to share the fun ,. My sweet friend Margaret gifted me with some
games -that were missing pieces -- scrabble and monopoly
who knew getting game pieces with missing parts could delight a bling girl like me !!!
I am all about the stickles on my projects -- had to use restraint here
tho . Trying to spread my art wings -- take the road less traveled --
O> K> cold here today our temp last night 21- way to cold for me .
My hats are off to all you girls with the snow and ice -- true
women of grit and stamina and you raise children , have b-day parties ,
shop etc. We are so unprepared here it closes everything down .
Stay warm , and have a great day !!!