It's been too long...

I've been out of town for almost two weeks and it seems forever since I posted on the blog! I went to visit my mother who celebrated her 80th birthday on June 15th. We are blessed that she is in remarkable health and an extraordinarily active woman. We call her the energizer bunny! I find it hard to keep up with her.

I returned this morning and have spent the day regrouping - wading through snail mail and e-mails, doing laundry and just trying to get back in the swing of things here.

About a year and a half ago I was involved in 2 collaborative "chunky book" art projects to be sold with proceeds going to a fellow artist, Robin Whittemore, who was battling breast cancer. You can read about her journey at http://www.fightforherlife.org. Both books were recently listed on etsy - you can check them out at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12451734 and http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12452035. The tea book has already sold but the nature book is still available. Unfortunately, Robin died before this effort was completed, but the proceeds will now be used to help benefit other patients.

More artwork

I should be cleaning house - my local stamp group is coming this week. But, it's so much more fun to play!

This is a "scrunchie" background technique I've been playing with. Sherre on the Art Techniques Yahoo group came up with this and it's loads of fun. (Check out her blog - sherresartmusings.blogspot.com) Basically, you take a magazine photo or page larger than the cardstock you are using and wad it up. Run the cardstock through the Xyron machine. Open the magazine page and flatten on the sticky side of the cardstock, smooshing it down with your fingers. Then brayer it and cut off excess. Apply inks directly to the paper - as much or as little as you like. You can also emboss with metallics. I love all the texture you get. This one started as a photo of grapes and leaves and I haven't decided what to do next. I kinda like it just as it is.

This one is a finished "nature chunky book" page - 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" - for an e-bay auction to benefit Robin Whittemore of Easley, SC, who is fighting both cancer and astronomical medical bills. I added a torn flower from a napkin, some micro beads and letter stickers.

This is another finished page for a second chunky book auction, also for Robin, with a "tea" theme. I used gesso and inks randomly applied over patterned paper, stamping and my first ink jet transfer using gel medium. Actually, it's the second transfer as the first one didn't work and I sanded it off and applied a second one!