Goodies from July ATC swap

Bird Love ATC from LemanchiDesigns.etsy.com

I'm finally posting all the lovely little pieces I received in last month's Art Trading Card Swap. I'll also include links to the artists' Etsy shops. If you would like to see more of their creations, just click on the caption below each image.

Encaustic "Wild Rose" on handmade paper from LizAnnasOnTheLake.etsy.com

By the way, if you are wondering "What is an ATC?" click here for more info. Basically it is a playing card sized (2.5" x 3.5") piece of 2-d art. Art Trading Cards can be created using a variety of materials.

No.1 Beauty from Whyte.etsy.com

The artists who participated in this swap are also members of the Melange Team On Etsy, a mixed media Etsy Street Team. So for this swap, the only requirement was that the pieces be mixed media.

from MidwestieLady.etsy.com

If you haven't tried your hand at ATCs yet, I highly recommend it. But beware - both creating and collecting them can be very addicting!

from ElenaMary.etsy.com

Once you've made a few cards go find some other folks to trade with. You can find many people trading online - search around google or your favorite artsy forums. You may even find a swap-group in your own back yard. I just stumbled upon a local trading group this weekend while dropping off some drawings for a juried show.

Ornament from ElenaMary.etsy.com

Or if you are an organizer, start up your own swap. This little something extra was included in my package from the sweet Elena Mary Siff who started this fun trade. Thanks so much, Elena Mary! And thank you to everyone else - this was a blast!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey there. Hope you've all had a great day. I'm on a borrowed computer for a couple days & haven't mastered the screenshot yet (I know, pathetic). I will be back with the eye-candy this weekend at some point.

In the meantime, here is a selection of pieces by some Etsy Melange Team Members. Many thanks to Glenda of TwoCoolTexans for putting together another great slide show.

If you are shopping this weekend for something unique, think Etsy. For links to Melange member's shops, CLICK HERE.

Many Etsy Shops are participating in a Black Friday - Cyber Monday free shipping sale. Click here to go to ETSY. From there,you can search for your item. If you add either "etsyfreeshipping" or just "free shipping" to your search, you can save yourself a few bucks. Never know, you might find just the perfect art supply, jewelry or home decor item.

I'm offering Free Shipping Worldwide in all my shops thru the Nov 30th. Click Here for sale details & links to the shops

By the way, there is no Thursday Giveaway this week. Next week (12/3) I'm picking 2 random winners - each will receive a $10 gift certificate to use in my Etsy shops. (plus free shipping).To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment before 1 a.m. on Dec 3. For giveaway details Click Here.

Again, hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Cheers!

Mix It Up With Melange Challenge - Wander

Red's Walk

Little Red has found her way home from Ybor City just in time for this week's Melange challenge prompt, Wander. She'd been hanging out over at Arts On 9th but they are in the process of moving to a larger space.

Though I'm rather attached to her, I've added Red's Walk to my ArtSnark etsy shop. Just click on the photo above to visit listing.

If you were visiting here last year, you may remember this piece's early stages; here it is pre-color. I started with some torn scrapbook paper glued on to 8 x 10 canvas board. Then I cut text (printed from an 1834 copy of Red Riding Hood) for the dress & trees. The basket is woven from tiny calendar pages. Red was drawn in pencil & ink. Final colors are from markers, watercolor, colored pencils & paint pen. The final piece is sprayed with a UV resistant finish and mounted under glass. I made a thin wooden shadow box insert so that the piece does not touch the glass.

If you get a chance today, pop over to the MelangeOnEtsy blog & see what Wander-ful pieces have been added (Check the the comment section for links). This challenge is open to anyone working in mixed media so if you are feeling inspired please leave a link to your piece.

Trying Out Tags

Hello all. This week's Mix it Up with Melange Challenge is Abundance. Bitten of a bit more than I can chew this week, so I may have to pass on this one. To post your own interpretation or view others click HERE & go to comments section for links.

Last year I bought a bunch of altered Tags from the etsy shop QueenBee's Altered Needs for gift wrapping. They were so cool, I had a hard time parting with them. Each measured about 2.5" x 5" and had a fun vintage look as well as a sweet vanilla scent. I did keep a couple for myself. Here is 1:

I then picked up a few from another of my favorite etsy shops, Glimmering Prize. These are mostly vintage images stitched onto tags with text and fiber embellishments. Here's my fave of the lot:

So now I've got the bug! Carol over at QueenBee is hosting a tag swap that I managed to get in on. While I've been having fun with ACEOs, I kept meaning to play with tag. This is getting me jump started at last.

Woo Hoo - Finished my 1st tag! This is front & back of a mermaid tag. Need to add some string & I'm afraid I didn't leave much room on the back for anyone to write ....

Decided to tea stain 5 of the blank tags. I like the old look.

Left more room on the back of this 1 but didn't realize the ink would leak through once I sprayed a protective coating.

This is the last 1 I played with before bed last night. Same ink problem on back...harumph. I also need to decide if I'm going to embellish these with any fibers & sparkly bits too....

That's about it today. Day 2 of Kindergarten for the little guy. Now that I've some extra time on my hands, I'm trying to catch up on all of the tasks left unfinished this summer. After that & a deep studio clean I hope to schedule a bit more art time in this fall.

By the way, here is your last chance to enter tomorrow's noon (EST) random drawing for 1 of Felicia Kramer's Liquid prints! Just leave a comment before then to enter. To view some of Felicia's colorful artwork & read her interview CLICK HERE. If you'd like a virtual tour of her Studio, click HERE.

Also over at her blog, Felicia Kramer has another bright idea, Felicia is holding a random giveaway of my original drawing/painting Idle Hours. Winner will also be picked at noon tomorrow from those who comment on her blog before then. CLICK HERE to view this one of a kind prize & enter her contest

Archetype art challenge + free stuff

Archetype: Primordial image, character, or pattern of circumstances that recurs throughout literature and thought consistently enough to be considered universal.

I really like this definition of Archetype from The Encyclopedia Britannica. It was last Wednesday's Mix It Up With Melange challenge prompt. Here's my response.

This piece has been a long time coming. About 10 years ago a dream influenced this sketch. It's been tacked to my wall since.

Today's variation measures 36" H & is made with a mix of materials on matboard. There's lithocoal, chromacoal, pastel, watercolors, marker, ink and metallic paints. The gator's & girl's eyes are painted a reflective green over faux gold leaf. Makes for a cool flash when you change your line of sight.


Unfortunately I couldn't get the photos right. I've included a few close ups here but none of them really came out. It is funny, shortly after I drew the newsprint sketch we had some ghost hunters (DH secretly called them the "Ghost Dusters") poking around. One of them was convinced that the woman in the portrait was an angry ghost hanging around my studio. Maybe that's why she won't be photographed (insert spooky music here).

I think it might not be finished yet, but I'm at that walk-away point. Needs to simmer a bit more before I oversalt it or something....

To see more interpretations of Archetype visit the the Melange blog HERE & check out the links in the comment section.

Now for the free stuff:

Thursday's Giveaway this week is the matted artwork Alice With Tulips. Just leave a comment before noon (EST 8/13) to enter the random drawing. CLICK HERE to view prize.

Totus Mel's Wunderkammer has a fabulous giveaway going on. Great prizes donated from some amazing steampunk artists. CLICK HERE for pics of prizes & contest rules

Visit January Wish when you have a moment. She is hosting a giveaway of cute items from krize.etsy.com

Ewian keeps adding more & more art supplies to her giveaway stash! Here are details By the way she got 1st worldwide dibs at the new IKEA 2010 catalog. Really. You can read about it here.

A final freebie today. Since we're talking archetypes, here's 1 of my beasts up for grabs. Sorry about the bad photo - the border is refective silver paper. Plus 1 of my photos embellished with mica & glitter and a tiny swarovski crystal

Ego ATC

1st person who would like this ATC, just speak up in the comment section. 1st come 1st serve. Just make sure your contact info is in your profile or leave your email. I'm off to bed but I'll be in touch for your address. I just ask that you Pay It Forward. Other than that, no strings...

Things slowly come together

It was not like the beginning of a journey; it was like the beginning of a dream

I'm so happy to have come across this line in The First Men On The Moon by H.G.Wells tonight. After 30 years, I've returned to his wonderful stories in search of a catalyst for his author's box. As soon as I read that line, things finally clicked.

On the aside, I can't remember the last time I've enjoyed reading this much. While exploring the Island of Dr. Moreau, The Invisible Man & The Time Machine, I've been returned to an earlier time in my life when everything was fresh & new. I was probably about 10 when I first read Wells' books. Some of my earliest TV memories are of Claude Rains as The Invisible Man, Charles Laughton & Bela Lugosi in 1933 The Island of Lost Souls and other early adaptations of his works. I remember how thrilled I was to find there were books that came first... in my local library - woohoo! One thing that strikes me years later is how accessible the stories are. Unlike other pieces written in the 1800s, the language is clean yet riveting - with just enough adventure to keep a kid's interest.

At last I have a line to focus on. Now the box can slowly form itself in the back of my mind while I find the time to build it....

On another note, I haven't had much free time this week. Still playing with the Melange prompt Archetype when I get a few minutes here & there. The pic at the top is a sneak peek. Here's a another one:


If you want to see some cool interpretations by other artists, click HERE & check out the links in the comments section. Or add your own if you want.

I finally got a grip on Illustration Friday's prompt, Impatience, tonight. Another fun challenge, but I've been struggling with it. Finally came together in my head but only had time to lay out a few lines on canvas. Sorry about the bad lighting.

I hope to finish these before the challenges roll over (Wed & Fri.) but who knows what, ehem, distractions (work, family, sleep) will have to come first.... Wish me luck!

Just a couple notes:

15% off sale in all 3 of my Etsy Shops this weekend. If you're into art & jewelry start at ArtSnark's Artifacts. There's also free shipping on ACEOs & books. In my shop's "announcements" you will find links to my 2 supplies shops, as well as a list of Melange Team Members who are also having a 15% off sale all weekend.

Plus if you would like to be entered in this Thursday's random drawing, just leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) 8/13. 1 lucky winner gets this piece of art, Alice with Tulips. Contest is open worldwide with free shipping.

WEEKEND DEALS / MELANGE TEAM SALE

The ETSY street team "Melange" is having a WEEKEND DEAL of 15% off everything, excluding shipping. Melange is a group of Mixed Media Artists, many of who have been published. Each shop may also have additional sales of their own. The following is a list of active, participating Melange members who are participating in the WEEKEND DEAL from August 7th, through the 9th.
After the item is purchased and paid for, a refund will be issued for the total discount via Pay Pal or other methods in which the payment was made. It is currently not possible to make the adjustments at payment time. Every shop has their own set of policies in place, so please make yourself familiar with each new shop.
We hope you enjoy "Melange" as much we do!"

MaureenTillman.etsy.com
twocooltexans.etsy.com
vanessevaDesigns.etsy.com
Vintagesnapsandscrap.etsy.com
FauveBohemian.etsy.com
Collageartgirl.etsy.com
Whyte.etsy.com
Artsnark.etsy.com
Studio27.etsy.com
WindandHoney.etsy.com
LDPhotography.etsy.com
MidwestieLady.etsy.com
Loudlife.etsy.com
Paperdreamer.etsy.com
Thebagladysart.etsy.com
Mamapainter.etsy.com
prettylittlependant.etsy.com
glimmeringprize.etsy.com

Additionally, I am running a 15% off sale in my etsy shops. ArtSnark has art & jewelry;  and SteamDreams is my gadget & assemblage supplies shop. I'll gladly combine shipping from any of my shops.

Final Note: The prize for next Thursday's Giveaway is a piece of my art, Alice with Tulips. To enter this random drawing simply leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) on 8/13. 1 lucky winner will be chosen. Contest is open worldwide with free shipping. To view the prize, CLICK HERE & scroll to bottom of the post

Serendipity

... the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely. - Wikipedia

The Kiss

It is present at all times, you just have to be open to possibilities. A key ingredient of art, life & love, serendipity can lead you to the most interesting people & places.

Often at the unlikeliest moments, when it seems all is lost.

Ship of Fools

I found this wonderful quote on wiki from John Barth's The Last Voyage of Somebody the Sailor, "--- you don't reach Serendib by plotting a course for it. You have to set out in good faith for elsewhere and lose your bearings… serendipitously." Sounds like a fun read.

One of my favorite words, Serendipity is also this week's Mix It Up With Melange challenge prompt. You can add your own piece or see what others have created by following the link & checking the comment section.

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Speaking of serendipity, perhaps you came here today looking for art or some capricious thoughts. You've also stumbled onto a chance to enter tomorrow's random drawing. Tomorrow's prize is a $20 gift certificate to Will Oaks Studio online jewelry shops. Just leave a comment before noon (EST) on 6/18 to enter. Click HERE for details as well as an interview with the jewelry designer, Karen Stahlecker. There are also photos of her gorgeous pieces and links to her online shops.

She also sent some cool pics that didn't make it into last Thursday's post. Been meaning to share them for days - sorry about that. It has been an especially challenging week

Here is her studio.

Will Oaks Studio (where real the magic happens)

I don't know know about you, but I always get a kick out of seeing people's work spaces. Feels like taking a little peek into their brains. Wow, if that were true then my brain looks like a hurricane just passed through!

I just love this next photo!

Karen and Dakota out on a photo shoot

If you get a moment, pop on over to the Will Oaks Studio blog. In addition to her lovely jewelry, she is always posting the most amazing nature photos.

Monday's Muse, Musical Monday & Melange Challenge

Today is just MM MM M good!

Night Sky Diver

It all started with the latest Melange art challenge. The prompt is FLY. That has me all over it. I have been obsessed with flight as far back as I can remember. If I wasn't up a tree, I was hiding in plain site on the roof. You'd be amazed how rarely adults look up. Or making kites. Or designing wings. Or ...you get the idea...

A Blustery Day

Al Stewart's Flying Sorcery (The Rhymes with Rooms version) has been stuck in my head for days. I tried to find a listen for you but couldn't locate anything longer than 30 seconds on Amazon. He covers all folks airborne from Icarus & DaVinci to Amy Johnson & The Red Baron. Click on the song title if you want to read the lyrics

Icarus Who?

Had a bazillion ideas in my head & half of them are actually doable. But the ole nemesis, Time, has been messing with my reality again. The challenge will be updated soon & I just can't let this one get away. So I'm just going to post some pieces you may have already seen here before. Sorry for the repetition.

Red's Escape

Basically, I've raided my etsy shop, ArtSnark, for this post.

Penny Farthing Dream

If you want a closer look just click on any pic

Spiral Diver

A little extra treat for Musical Monday, here's the opening sequence of The Last Exile. Song is Cloud Age Symphony by Shuntaro Okino. It has a really intriguing beginning.

It's a great story, by the way. Left me obsessed with the Immelmann Turn for a while. All I ever managed was this doodle though. I know it will be popping up again sometime soon.

Immelmann Turn

Final Thought:
Monday's Muse today addresses change. I firmly believe that change is good. My latest change has been the addition of Thursday Giveaways to this blog. It is just so much fun giving stuff away & the excitement the winners have is definitely contagious. This week's prize is Alisa Burke's Book Canvas Remix. Simply leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) Thursday 6/11 to be entered in the random drawing. For details click HERE

ABC...Lr...M? Must be Random Thoughts Tuesday

My blogging groove has slipped a bit the last couple of weeks. So it's a Quick & Linky drive-by posting today.....What is with all that life stuff, trying to get in the way ??

A is for ..... Art Students (Happy Birthday Robert Doisneau - where would all those dorm room walls be without your famous Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville or photos of Picasso??)

Also see some fun student pieces at Artsonia. Their blurb states: "Artsonia is the largest student art museum in the world! Our dream is that every child will have an online art gallery, preserving their masterpieces for all time!" I've only just peeked in but it looks like a cool place

B is for..... Books. Been playing with some more altered journal covers a bit but nothing finished yet. In the meantime, TotusMel's Wonderkammer has featured some very cool books today. Many of my Melange teammates have been creating stunning journals too - these are mostly blank books with fantastically altered covers. Type "Melange team Books " into Etsy.com search or just click HERE.

C is for....C'mon! It isn't Friday yet?! (or cop-out depending on your mood)

Lr (formerly Lw) is for.... Lawrencium (man made element 103) produced in the US in 1961 today. I have no idea what I'm talking about but you can read all kinds of wacky smarty-pants stuff at Today in Science History

LR is also the multi-talented artist & costume designer Lorraine Reynolds. Visit her awesome etsy shop, glimmeringprize & her blog to see what she's up to next

M is for.... Man, I Missed Monday's Muse (again).My excuse: I got sucked into Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book last night - fun read! As a kid, I loved Edward Gorey & Alfred Hitchcock. This would have found a place on my bookshelf, probably beside my well worn copy of Bradbury's The Halloween Tree

For Tuesday posts more far interesting than mine, pop over The Un Mom to see what she & her loyal followers have been up to lately.