SNOW ALERT!!!

I took this BEFORE it snowed, or shall I say, sleeted, twice today. Trying to cover up the hostas and things that will now like the frost.
Especially the buds on the Japanese Maple that just made it out...they were lost last year.

These are my adorable boots and garden clogs that daughter Michelle's family got me for my birthday. I WORE the boots today. Very nice, and warm....LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them both....and the kids, too! Thanks guys!

Then this is a picture of Brittany(on the left) my granddaughter that was is the musical Cabaret. Her friend's name, I'm sorry to say, escapes me. Everyone was crying and laughing and giving flowers. Terrific show.

A Daytrip - Galena and Moline!

I saw something again yesterday I don't see very often....the sunrise!!! We were off to Galena to see Jess and the girls at Galena Beads. I had 4 journals and hoped that they would like them....I believe they were pleased! They ordered more, gave some reviews, a few more baubles and off we went! There were literally THOUSANDS of Boy Scouts in town! Had to visit Sue's Ink and Stamp, of course, before going...love her shop....and talk art with a terrific shop owner, Sue! EVERYONE needs to visit Galena at some point.

This is the latest journal, it's a bound book, made by hand, and embellished with Vintaj findings and charms. And of course the Paper Whimsy image draws your eye to the center.

Then off to the production of Cabaret that my oldest GD, Brittany Janelle, was in. FABULOUS show...extremely well done! Hard to believe they were HS kids...and the 2 male leads are just Freshmen!! And Salley Bowles...niece to my old HS friend...will knock you out! BRAVO! Kudos to all! A few pics to follow later....
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Enjoy what's left of the weekend....and CREATE something. I, for one, had a terrific Saturday.
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The Latest Attempt with Vintaj

Worked for a couple of days on this one....is it a bit haunting? The images from Paper Whimsy are vintage, and NO one smiled back then. I guess it was a forbidden thing during those times. WHY? I don't know. But this book idea came with the help of Frannie, who suggested the beads in the trim. They are on silver wire. More beads in the dangley from the ribbon, but they didn't show up too well!

Setting up the dates for another trip to see my new bff's in St. Louis! Does anyone have anything on their wish list to work on? Come on, come out of the woodwork and make some noise!!! How about my Rebels from the Corner in the Queen's Court?
Thinking embossed metal and maybe some of these great pieces from Vintaj......hmmmmmmm.....

A New Adventure

I have been asked to design some journals for a fabulous group of women in Galena, Illinois. I have known Jan and Jess for several years, since my Altered Book beginnings. They hosted an open house at Galena Beads where the books were beautifully displayed.

Now Jess is branching out and is working with her sister and friends on a venture called Vintaj Earth. It will open May 1st in Galena. I will design journals for the store using their wonderful "natural" brass findings. If you want some terrific eye candy....go to the site Vintaj for these products.


Still working on ideas, but I thought I would load the 1st journal from the stash Jess sent me yesterday. If you love dragonflies, medallions, and charms, go to this site. You won't be disappointed!
Linda

Beaded Birthday Beauty

I promised you I'd upload the BEAUTIFUL birthday present my extremely talented friend Fran Elliott made for me...and after working all day in the garden...and being out of shape...and older now..ha...I nearly forgot!!! But HERE IT IS!!!! This is all beads! Even the little square silver ones. Isn't is special?!?!?
I love it to pieces.

She is a special kind of friend who is always there for you, and drags you along in good times to share the experience. Check out her beautiful work on her blog the Artistic Spirit.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S. My photo does not do this piece justice...much bluer stones in the beads.

Rachel Greig's Products!!!

Earlier I told you the great and talented Rachel Greig had asked me to use some of her stamps and papers to design a few things to show on her site Darkroom Door. I showed you the stamp of the ancient door before, but here I used her key stamps on Grundgeboard and her beautiful papers San Marco and Rialto. They have wonderful border strips throughout the sheets that are terrific to use as edging around the top and bottom of the tin box. A piece of chipboard, a couple of black brads, some rusty wire, a layered-up word, and a rusty piece on top hopefully pull it all together. The paper in the background is Esplori. Some VERY cool products and great fun to work with them.

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Visit Rachel's terrific site for some brand new things you will definitely need!

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Tomorrow......I'll show you my birthday gift from Fran, the talented beader! Way too cool!

And I've been asked to make some books using another talented artist's beautiful brass findings.....more to follow.....we're still working on the book to use, but I'll let you see as soon as we decide. I hate surprises and don't wait well, so I won't tease you!!!!

One thing I forgot, the back sides that are showing of the little keys are dabbed with gold and copper paint dabbers from Ranger. REALLY fun colors that I just opened!!! Gotta try them!

AND I would really like to know what you think of the top piece...I like the eclectic look of it...kinda of "t!m." But DH thinks it is a bit much....let me know....found it at Jeffrey Alan's in the sale isle...ha!

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Home again, home again...

Happy Birthday to me!!! I get to sleep in my own bed.....didn't stay along the way, decided to drive the 15 hours straight home to beat the storms coming tonight!......it's 1030pm and I'm beat.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Linda

Last Entry for 9 days or so....

I am soooo proud to announce that the wonderfully talented Rachel Greig from Australia has invited me to be a Designer for her new line of fabulous products!!!! She is as sweet as she is talented, and her things are to "dye" for. I have been blessed with 2 sets of stamps, some wonderful papers, and Montage photos that she has put on great papers for collage. This is the only ones I have had a few moments to play with...it's just on a tag with distress inks and white pen accents! Is it a COOL stamp or WHAT???? The little door knocker at the top is the only other stamp on here.

Check out her terrific store and her blog....you will NOT be sorry!!!! http://www.darkroomdoor.com/ The music alone is worth the trip..... a haunting melody.

Be back with lots of stories and pics on April 10th....good night, and good luck!

Linda

A Couple Of Pictures!

My husband has no idea what we do, so this great shot from Sue of me teaching really made my day. Sue, you take great pictures....I love it!








I have heard from so many of you. It makes it all worthwhile! I am so grateful that you all had a good time, and loved you terrific works of art. Don't forget to sign them!!!!

Missy sent a picture of Wendy and me, and for a change both of us look somewhat good....eyes open, no lettuce in out teeth, buttons all buttoned....you know the feeling! So, since I'm not creating today, but getting ready for our trip to the Old South, I will just put it up, and say, it will all be downhill after you guys....we loved you all!

Your new bff.....Linda