Art Journaling Fun

I tend to alternate between quilting and mixed media.  Both satisfy my need for a creative outlet, but I approach the two art forms very differently.  I find quilting to be very precise - I'm an even-stitches, point-matcher-upper kinda gal (at least I aim to be)... :)  While my mixed media style on the other hand, is very loose and free-flowing.  The balance I find between the two just seems to work for me.

I've really been enjoying the online class 21 Secrets.  21 mixed media artists share their favorite art journaling techniques in video format, and there is an online community where participates can share their interpretation of the various techniques shown.  

I was exposed to the Derwent Inktense pencils through the class, and they are quickly becoming one of my new favorite art supplies!  The colors are just so vibrant and intense - love it!!

The background on these pages was created with the Inktense pencils.

I also picked up a 5.5"x 8" Strathmore Mixed Media journal recently.  The journal I usually work in is 9"x 12". I'm really enjoying the smaller format.  The initial blank page is somehow not so intimidating and I feel more productive when I'm able to complete each page so quickly.  The paper in this journal is great too - smooth surface, but also durable enough to stand up to lots of layers.  And we all know layering is key. :)

Have you tried any fun new art supplies lately?  If so, I'd love to hear about them.  Much to the dismay of my wallet, I'm always looking to try something new. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Summer Paper Piecing

This amazing summer weather has inspired me to sew something bright and colorful.  I've had this pattern on my "to do" list for awhile now and decided it was about time to get started :)

Brights are not usually my normal color palette, and I haven't paper pieced in AGES, but I'm really enjoying the change of pace!

I have about half of the blocks completed, so stay tuned, more color coming up! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Summertime

We've been soaking up the sun here in the Pacific Northwest...

Lots of visits here:

To pick

And

A girl could get used to this :)

Love you summertime...



Thanks for stopping by!

Happy July 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone!  We're definitely in celebration mode around here...  The weather is BEAUTIFUL and we have family in visiting from out of town.

Our day will go something like this -

Parade in the morning + cookout in the afternoon + fireworks at dusk = the PERFECT way to celebrate :)

Then on to enjoy the nice long weekend, with hopefully some time spent in the studio!

Have a safe and happy holiday everyone :)

Thanks for stopping by!

View From My Art Journal

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!  We're having a heat wave here in the pacific northwest... got to 90 today!  As long as it's sunny, I'm good :)  

Spent some time in the studio this weekend (when I wasn't outside soaking up the sun), so thought I'd pop in to share a few pages from my art journal.  I really like how this color scheme turned out! 

We've been tackling some house projects recently, so I haven't had much creative time, but it sure felt good to be back in the studio today :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Vintage Love

Happy Weekend Everyone!  We're expecting company tomorrow, so I've been busy getting the house in order around here.  The weather is BEAUTIFUL, 75 degrees and sunny, whoo hoo!  Summer, now that you're finally here, you're more than welcome to stick around for a loooong while :)

After the house is in order, I'll be playing in the studio :)  I recently found this vintage embroidery sample and was also lucky enough to find a coordinating piece of vintage fabric.  Can't wait to see what they turn into!

Have a great weekend everyone :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Fresh Picked

I just love summertime :)

Been making a lot of these lately - my "go to" smoothie recipe...

Strawberry Smoothie
(makes 1 large or 2 small smoothies)

1 - 6 oz container Strawberry Yogurt
1/2 cup Milk
1/2 teas Vanilla
2-3 tbsp Sugar
1-1/2 cups Ice
8-10 Strawberries
(if using frozen strawberries, omit the ice)

Mix all ingredients together in a blender or food processor, and enjoy!

Hope your summer is off to a great start :)

Thanks for stopping by!