Creative ArT Play...

It's a bright cold, snow covered day here in the Northeast.

A great day for "CreAtiVe aRt pLaY".

I joined an online workshop with Tracy Bautista at

Strathmore Artist Studio and though, I had a different 

idea in mind, this is the end result.  

I will continue to play with this at our next

ArTy TeA PaRty on Feb. 2 at Kelli's house!

Lots and lots of layers!

I'll make a copy of it, cut it up and use for other projects:)

Give it a try...It's GREAT FUN!

HAPPY HERBS SOAP GIVEAWAY

Nina, of Happy Herbs Soap is hosting

 her first blog giveaway!  Visit her @ http://happyherbssoap.blogspot.com to enter 

and read all about how to fight the winter blues!

Art Journal Page

When trying to keep up with the blog and creative play, all while working and being a domestic goddess..well I found myself at 9:00pm diving right into this piece of paper.  It just took me away.
It was inspired by Roben-Marie, and what I really like about this page is, that my youngest daughter sat quietly watching me, and just said..."I'm so loving how you do this."  It made it all so special!

Hot Fun In The Summertime

Another lovely tea party at Dear Sweet Nina's Two Crow Cottage. 

                                 A creative day all around.                                          

Nina's grape arbor just whispers...

"Come, come into the garden...come see what awaits!"

 

      

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Cheer!  Nina is the BEST!

Check out more at http://artyteaparty.blogspot.com/

http://happyherbssoap.blogspot.com/

My Inspiration

Have been missing in bloggin' action lately.  Not sure why, or where I've been, but I know that I must return to my artistic side, and writing here.  College graduations, recitals, all beautiful events that make me happy and busy at the same time.  So, as a member of Roses On My Table, it was just what I needed to find inspiration in the Kindred Sprits Project for Betty.  Here are my pages for Betty's Book...

This is part of collaborative book by the members.  This is the front of my page.



And below, is the flipside.  As it turns out, so many participants in the project will make not only 1 book for Betty, but 3 books.
All unique, beautiful and full of get well wishes for our artistic friend.

Check out all the other pages, and other projects on Roses.  It's truly inspirational.
rosesonmytable.com





I am looking for inner peace and inspiration to continue on my artistic journey.  If you have any ideas or tips to help me along, please do share. I need a creative kick... Thank you!

TIME FLIES WHETHER YOU'RE HAVING FUN OR NOT...

Well, Spring has Sprung...and so much is going on!  Oldest daughter graduated from college...and I am desperately trying to get back to some form of art.  I need "ME TIME"...

Perhaps I will get out my copy of "Artistic Mother" for some inspiration.  And I can hardly wait to go to the next "Arty Tea Party" at my dear friend, Andrea's.

Yes, Spring has Sprung!!!

JOY!!!

Cabin Fever

This winter is dragging on.  Last week we had a 60 degree day and the ice mounds dwindled down to just 2 feet from about 4 or 5.  Now we are back into the deep freeze again.  I do love the snow, but the solid ice and the dirty, yucky frozen slush can just disappear!!!

POOF...BE GONE!

Enjoyed a nice long weekend off with the family.  Got absolutely nothing creative accomplished, however!  Need inspiration for a new project...

Any ideas???  Do share...

I LOVE WINTER...I REALLY DO...BUT...

I truly love the snow and all its pristine beauty.  There is nothing more peaceful than walking outside at night through the woods when the snow is falling.  There is not a sound. Something very therapeutic and cleansing about it all!!!
And since old man winter seems to want to keep dumping all this glorious white stuff all around us, I am forced to focus on my art studio space.  Purging and finding the proper homes for all the items that have been pushed aside as I search for just the right piece of fabric or the perfect button to add to a project is becoming quite the chore.  And since my altered book projects, 3 of them in progress, are at a standstill, I will share some of the ones that I have completed!  The beginnings of the "Creative Chaos" in my home!

My favorite things...books...I suppose that is why I work in a library!  The used book store has so many possibilities.  And I know the books I have chosen to alter, enjoy the new journey they have embarked upon!   Several are now on display at  a 1759 Revolutionary War Farmhouse for a Valentine's Day Open House.  They invite the visitors to touch and become immersed in their new journey.  Once I get "my space"organized, I shall get back to the true passion of my artistic side!

THINKING SPRING!!!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful!  Those of you in the northeast know what I'm talking about! 
Enough said about that!

And since we have no place to go...we sew, we sew, we sew:)  Made some cutesy valentines today!
Tomorrow's another day!  Hope we have no place to go again so I can play some more in the studio!

Did you check out Nina's cute little crows?  http://www.etsy.com/shop/happyherbssoap LOVE THEM!

WINTERSPELL...

More snow today...and my woodstove is doing its job! And you all must go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/happyherbssoap and get some of Nina's WinterSpell incense...It is so enchanting!  I need a new batch already, as it has been burning nonstop.  SWEET!  Too bad I have to leave it soon to go out into the cold!

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

Ok, here is my favorite impromptu journal page, from last spring.  This came about by a book I received from my children for Mother's Day, The Artistic Mother.  It is made from an old bookcover, with gesso, acrylics and water soluble crayons; topped off with some rubber stamps, paper scraps, vintage trim and an old family vacation photo with a hanging heart that tells it all!

Here is:  MY FAMILY: FOREVER BONDED!

I decided to post it after following the Journal Journey on Roses On My Table.  And since my art journal has some experiments gone wrong that are not really post-worthy, this is a better choice.  Also, Betty's last post/giveaway from her blog jumpstarted me. 

Visit Betty at http://bloubell-alteredexpressions.blogspot.com/

And you can find Shona Cole's book, The Artistic Mother on Amazon...

Let It Snow...Man

Well, it's a good thing we love the snow here:)  Another 7 inches or so, no school, no work...a wonderful day to play in the art studio!

The wood stove is burning hot~and so is Nina's incense.  Candles are lit all over the house as the wind picks up.  IT'S ALL GOOD!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

Winter In The Big Woods, Again...

YAY! SNOW DAY!...No school, no work (means no pay), but a day in pj's drinking hot chocolate and making peanut butter/kiss cookies and sitting by the fire watching Nina's "Rebecca" dvd...well, nothing could be finer!  Perhaps I can even persuade the little darlings to make a snowman named, Just Bob!

Had a wonderful day at Nina's soapmaking studio yesterday at Two Crow Cottage.  I got to grind up all those lovely roots, and herbs and flowers and such that she uses in her all natural soaps and incense.  Then the sifting process, which is much more tedious, as the grind must be a fine powder for incense blends.  I even got to mix my own blend.  I made a batch of it up last night and my cones are drying nicely on my shelf making me smile:)

OH, TO LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST!  COULDN'T LIVE ANY PLACE ELSE ON EARTH!

Here's wishing everyone a "Great Creative Day"!

Affectionately posted by:
Vicki, who is outofhand today with papers, fabric, and lots of ribbons and lace.

Winter Wonderland...

Oh, to live in the Northeast!  The remains of the blizzard are melting away. It's a brand new year... Putt putt in the foreground has a new driver...and me, well I have a few new gray hairs as a result.  It has been so comforting to have everyone home all at the same time.  Yet, the time has passed too quickly and we must all reconvene back to schools and work, etc...
The crafting corner has been in full swing over the holiday season in preparation for an upcoming Valentine's Day event.  This year will be full of new milestones.  May they all be positive and uplifting and bring everyone great joy!
I want to thank all of my friends for their continued support of my "artistic" endeavors.  It gives me inner peace to be able to use my hands, envision in my mind, and draw from my heart and soul that which becomes my art.  I am an Artistic Mother, and you can join my friends and I on our journey.

http://happyherbssoap.blogspot.com
http://artyteaparty.blogspot.com

I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
(And as I burn Nina's "Prosperity" incense, I wish everyone a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!)


Affectionately posted by:
Vicki, hula-la

Cold Night ~ Warm Hearts

Christmas Caroling is the most rewarding and selfless acts of random kindness around town!
Last night, with my family and many old friends, some new friends, some complete strangers, a group of over 30 people gathered to walk the streets of our small town and sing of the joys of Christmas...

Starting out at the Pine Bush House Bed and Breakfast was true inspiration as Barbara and Mark's house party guests were all out on that big front porch singing and dancing right along.  It was the perfect start for our venture, and a great way to kick off their Christmas Party.

Proceeding along through the neighborhood, with candles in hand (battery operated, though the flame of real ones would have been welcomed in the 26 degree temp),  we sang to those who were sick, and to a dear old woman who had just lost a loved one.  All alone in her house, she joined us outside (in 26 degree weather) with tears in her eyes as she sang along.   One of our carolers, a sweet and selfless young lady of 18 years,  returned to this house later with cookies and stayed with this dear old friend for the evening listening and telling tales of Christmases past. 

Oh, and not to forget Mike and Jillian's stop...cookies and drinks were brought out on trays for everyone!  (Advance notice is not required when going caroling, but it sure was a nice treat to have them expecting us with warm shots, wine and cookies).  And little Ronan wih his Jingle Bells in hand shaking along.  Sweet stop!

Finishing up at everyone's favorite HS English teacher's house, (oughta be worth extra credit for some of the students with us) they, too came out on their front porch that was all decked out with white lights and festive decorations. 

To our extended family for hosting the event...you continue to touch the hearts of so many people.  We are very thankful this holiday season for all that you do...always!

CHEERS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

Affectionately posted by Vicki...who is in the Christmas Spirit!  FINALLY:)

Holiday Open House

Join us for some Holiday Cheer!

Dec. 9 - 11, 9 - 5

542 Lattintown Road

Marlboro, NY

1753 Revolutionary War Farm House

Check out Nina's new Lavender/Patchouli Soap and

view my Altered Books. 

Lots of Handmade Gift items and much more. 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO CAROL FOR THE INVITATION AND PEGGY FOR THE GREAT PHOTOS! 

Autumn Art Tour

It was a LOVELY DAY in the neighborhood for the

Autumn Art Tour!

Great friends all around!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the

Happy Herbs Soap/Arty Tea Party stop!

Look for Nina at http://happyherbssoap.blogspot.com/

http://happyherbssoap.etsy.com/

http://artyteaparty.blogspot.com/

Grahamsville Little World's Fair

NINA is the BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD!

While my busy schedule that is "Motherhood" is really crazy of late, she manages

somehow to keep me grounded and in touch with my artistic side...

this for my own sanity!

Thank you for inviting me to attend the Grahamsville Little World's Fair! GREAT FUN!

And if you are an "Artistic Mother" trying to find time for your passion...

check out this book on Amazon, ON SALE NOW!  It is my sanctuary when I need inspiration!

Artistic Mother

I have been blessed as a mother!  I had a fabulous mother...and having my children recognize my passion for creativity in artistic ways, well, is just icing on the cake.  I received this book for Mother's Day.  It has been a soulful journey savoring the pages from day to day, and not rushing through it.  I create on a daily basis for my own well being.  If others enjoy my creations, it sure does make me smile:)  It gives me inner peace to know that  my heart, my soul, my mind and my hands can connect without much effort.  I am an Artistic Mother and I am happy!

A Brand New (HOT) Day

All is quiet and extremely hot on the homefront. Busy, busy family are we, going in 5 different directions today. I, am not going in the direction I prefer, but my time will come. My time to create on a whim, to divert my direction to follow art, or time to just sit and dream! Today, however, is for work, needs of others and in all of this, sending good karma to my Arty Tea Party Friends, Nina of Happy Herbs Soap, and Rosebud Sandy who are at the ART WALK IN PORT JERVIS. I also wish I had tickets for Santana up at BETHEL...ooooweee...Mary and her family and Rose are in for a fab time! ENJOY!