Here's the story of my CHA (Craft and Hobby Association Show) journey thus far. I got to spend about ten hours at the airport. So... ...I got a pedicure. And sat in a massaging chair for about an hour-and-a-half. And since it was my birthday... ...I splurged on a caviar, foie gras, and salmon dinner. At the airport! It's amazing what lurks inside JFK! Never been so happy to see baggage claim in my whole life! Of course it was a little after 5am. I was pretty punchy. We flew along the darkened highway. I fell into a happy sleep... Read more →

Hey! It's almost February 1! That means a brand new linky list for those of you who wish to participate in Art Journal Every Day! February only has 28 days, so this should be super easy! Remember it's a low pressure, non-competitive challenge to yourself to try and make a little art. Just ten minutes of nuturing your creative self. It's not about finishing a page. It's about taking the journey. Visit this link for all the info on what this challenge is and how you can play along! We're getting a little bit fancy today. I have a thumbnail... Read more →

Hello! Hello! It's almost February! Can you believe that we've been on this journey for twenty-eight days? Wow! Thank you to everyone who has decided to come along for the Art Journal Every Day journey! Remember, all you need is ten minutes a day, a notebook, and somewhere you can leave that book out. I've gotten so many questions and comments about getting motivated to create every single day. I know that some of you are off and running and there are some others who have fallen off the wagon or haven't managed to start yet. And you know what?... Read more →

That's a layout from the last time I went to CHA. Seems appropriate since today I'm on a jet plane and headed to L.A. for the show. Delayed about twelve hours by the snow, of course. We have been walloped this year! But it is so pretty, isn't it? Today is also my birthday. Leaping into my mid-thirties, which is so weird because I haven't turned into a grown-up yet. I kind of always thought that there was a magical moment when I'd be a grown-up. Maybe when I turned thirty? And yet it didn't happen. Maybe it's living on... Read more →

Are you a fan of Scrapbook Memories TV? It's a scrapbooking show on PBS and it has been around for (I think) 15 years and is seen in over 70 million households! Pretty amazing, right? I've been lucky enough to be a guest for the past few seasons and just this last season I started hosting the "Artist to Artist" segment. Julie and Beth are the two hosts and they have always made me feel so welcome and at ease on set. Well, Scrapbook Memories TV has taped its last season. But wait, before you get too sad, let me... Read more →

I have stumbled upon some posts that never got published in the chaos of the end of 2010. So here is one from the archives, but it should be new to you! :) Continuing in my quest to figure out how to create with a more restrained use of paint (no particular reason, just because I like to push myself to try potentially difficult things) is this layout: I feel like it's kind of a different look for me and I really like it. I'm also loving Prima's new journaling cards and I've used them all over this layout! Behind... Read more →

I'm really excited to share some big news with you! I'm about to embark on a brand new art adventure! It's not a secret or anything, but I've been nervous to say anything because what if I fall flat on my face? But hey, I figure, nothing ventured nothing gained. I'm entering the world of art licensing! What is art licensing? Basically, it's licensing your artwork for use on everything from pajama pants to shower curtains to cereal boxes. If you look around your house I'll bet you'll be amazed by how much stuff you own with licensed art printed... Read more →

Hello! Hello! Can you believe we're already three weeks into January! It seems impossible, doesn't it? So, how did you do this week? I'm rather proud of myself. I managed to work in my art journal every single day (even just to do two minutes of scribbled journaling). It's not easy to get to it every day. Especially when there is so much on the ol' "to do" list. But I figure I have time to brush my teeth twice a day. I have time to check my e-mail sixteen times a day. So I make time to art journal... Read more →

I'm delighted to share that I've joined the team over at the Creative Therapy challenge blog. If you've never visited Creative Therapy here's the deal: The blog has been around since 2008. To date there have been 125 catalysts! A catalyst is a question or a thought to get your creative juices flowing. You can see all the past catalysts here. From serious to silly you are encouraged to create a piece of art (a scrapbook page, a quilt, an illustration, an entry in your art journal, etc.) based on the catalyst. Each catalyst comes with a fabulous guest! From... Read more →

I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for your warm and wonderful wishes on yesterday's post. I feel buoyed by your support! Now on to the main event.... No one uses tissue paper and kraft cardstock like Miss Louise. I decided to channel my inner Louise and play with some dress patterns to create texture on the background of this layout: Boy was it a good time! I'm definitely going to be doing it a lot more. A peek at the texture. Yum! I stitched the letters down (pesky self-adhesive letters that don't stick) and the... Read more →