Serendipity Squares

http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Techniques/Serendipity/35.php

I end up with all kinds of leftover scraps of scrapbooking paper. This is a fun way of using it up and being creative in a painless sort of way. I don't even follow this "formal" way of going about it. i usually just grab a piece of cardstock or other sturdy background and randomly place scraps on it as they occur. Over time, I'm usually surprised to see a pretty cool "look" emerging. Then it's fun to use it as a background for collage or in the ways suggested in this article.

I also like to do this with paint. When I've used a few colors on a project, I hate to just wash away the leftover paint on my craft palette so I use it to paint swirlies and stars and circles and random shapes on a sturdy paper. Sometimes I just press the paper right onto the palette and lift and let dry. I really like to cut these into squares for Artist Trading Cards. They are great for backgrounds.

http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Techniques/Serendipity/35.php

Wreaths!

I love the look of this radish wreath. How quaint, old-fashioned and homey! We're having company next weekend so i think I'll try whipping one of these up.

http://www.sunset.com/home/decorating/how-to-make-radish-wreath-00400000041407/

Third time's the charm?!

Starting a full-time job in ministry in August 2009 derailed my juicy artful pursuits! But now I'm back and looking forward to sharing ideas with you for fun*color*fun*color*fun!

Blogger has not been kind to me. . .

Sorry to have disappeared, everybody! I haven't been able to post to Blogger for some odd reason. As I type this, I'm not even sure that this time is going to work. So if you are reading this, cheer along with me!

We're in the middle of summer already. I love the togetherness of summer -- the schedules seem lighter; the deadlines less stringent. . . or maybe it's my attitude that changes. But at the same time, your kids might be getting bored about now.

So here is a challenging project for you all to work on together, depending upon the ages of your kids. It's messy but fun and there's so many options for your creation. Enjoy! And if you get this stuff all over your hands, arms, etc -- go outside and spray each other down with the hose. It'll feel great!

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/makeapinata/How_to_Make_a_Pinata.htm

It's a color-full afternoon!

Lots of things to do around the house today but i have to take breaks for bursts of color in-between those jobs I have to do.    There is a sketch to be colored-in. . .  No sense in sticking with what I see every day!   I'm creating violet vines (i like the way that sounds!) and there are  stars of lime and sparkly torquoise.   The scattered bubbles are periWINKle -- I love when colors 'wink' at me ;-)

i must dream of colors for the flowers that i never see in the real world.. .

3rd Saturday of every month. . .

Visit the Blue Line Gallery on Vernon Street in Roseville!    Free hands-on activities for children held every 3rd Saturday from 1:00-4:00.  

You can follow up that creative explosion afternoon with a quick dinner in the area and then go on to participate in Roseville's monthly 3rd Saturday Art Walk.   

A fun day every month for everyone in the family!

Mothers Day candleholder

May 10 is the big day!   Here's an idea for you to create for Mom:

supplies:  baby food jar, plastic gems (flat back), craft glue, votive candle, ribbon, sparkle glue

Once the jar is washed and dry, glue your plastic gems in a pleasing pattern onto the jar.  Let dry.  Add decorative squiggles with sparkle glue and let dry thoroughly.  Tie a thin ribbon around the neck of the jar (be sure it won't be anywhere near the flame of the candle).   Voila!