I am so excited (and spoiled!) because I received a new Silhouette Cameo as a gift this past week! I've barely had a chance to use it but I think it's amazing. This is my first electronic cutter and now I can see why it seems everyone is obsessed with these things. I have only cut out a few test items - a gift bag with scrolling heart handles and a Peter Rabbit print-and-cut... both of which I neglected to photograph before giving them away. And the third thing I cut were these amazing chinese dragons! These ATCs are for another swap on our Paper Traders group. Look at the intricate details in the cutting! I love it.
The backgrounds on these cards were inspired by Dina Wakely's "warm ups" which she talked about in Nathalie's Creative JumpStart Summit this month. I dipped vintage asian text into black & red alcohol inks and then spread on some gold acrylic paint using a palette knife. So simple and I love the look.
As an added bonus, these cards fit the theme of the current Paper Traders Blog Challenge as well. Anyone can join the blog challenge and you might be recognized as the "Trader Treasure" of the month!
Sometimes we feel stuck and that we can't create anything because our muse is gone. But the author here shares five easy ways to spark your imagination instead of wasting time waiting around for an idea to develop. Worth a read =)
I'm hosting another banner swap on Paper Traders. This one is for Winter and is the last in a series of four banners - one for each season. It has been a lot of fun having these hang in my studio throughout the year... I think they're just so pretty!
Below is a close-up of my banner, showing the detail of one pennant. (Sorry for the grainy cell phone photos.) The blue Plasticfoil background paper was a fabulous garage sale find earlier this year - I love how it looks frosty. I added some extra shine to the chipboard letters by painting over them with some Gleams and then misting them with Starburst Stains. I added some shiny metallic touches by threading gold cord through the lace and adding some glitter glue embellishments.
I think the end result is gorgeous, if I do say so myself =)
It's time for another fun blog challenge over at Paper Traders! The theme this time is "Chinese New Year." As many of you know, I am a big fan of asian culture and art so this is a fun one for me.
Hop on over to the Paper Traders blog to participate in these challenges - Anyone can join in and they're easy and fun.
I made these paper ornaments for our 12 Days of Christmas swap on Paper Traders. It's hard to tell from the scan, but I hand painted a pearlescent top coat to highlight specific elements before layering on the chipboard and paper punched pieces.
I also made some ornaments for friends and family... these were done by gluing vintage sheet music to wooden forms and then layering the bird images from napkins. I got the idea for these cute button berries from Sassy & Sweet Notes - aren't they cute?
This week I've received several letters and emails from friends and family - annual updates in the tradition of the Holiday Letter. I've never been very good about writing those, much less getting them sent out and I suppose this year is no different. I think it's because my life seems quite simple and, well, somewhat boring. I don't have any exciting news to share or poignant photos to show off. Mostly, I'm just glad to have made it through another year in relatively safe and sane fashion. But, to bow to tradition and to appease those who complain that I don't share enough about my life, here's an update for the past year...
After my scary auto accident last winter, I purchased a new vehicle in late December 2010. I am grateful to have a reliable car that gets good mileage and runs in perfect condition... it's also nice to have a few extra bells and whistles - automatic windows and door locks are an appreciated luxury!
My health hasn't been the greatest this year - I've struggled with my weight and a pervasive tiredness that had my doctor concerned. After several blood tests, we discovered my Vitamin D levels were "dangerously low" (to quote my doctor) and the supplements that followed have gone a long way to helping me feel less like a walking zombie. I recently joined back up on Weight Watchers and am hoping, once again, to find some success at the scales (after the holiday treats are finished off, of course!).
Work has been extremely busy for me. I'm still working for State Farm (almost 16 years now) but splitting my time between two offices. I'm grateful for the job and benefits - especially in this struggling economy - but working part time at each location makes me feel perpetually behind the game, always trying to catch up, never quite getting there, and feeling stressed out most of the time. Thankfully, I work for two wonderful women whom I love and respect and who genuinely appreciate the effort I put into my work.
In May, I took a trip to Wyoming and South Dakota. I was blessed to attend my oldest nephew's high school graduation as well as visit with my aging grandparents. I often wish I had the time and money to travel to see them more often. I am truly blessed with a wonderful and loving family. In November, I flew to Cody WY to spend Thanksgiving with my parents, sisters, and their families. They have such amazing and beautiful children and I'm a very proud aunt!
Christmas this year is spent here in San Diego, home alone... and appreciatively so. I was lucky enough to get a four day weekend and it's been wonderfully relaxing - a welcome change to my normally hectic pace. I've barely made a dent in my "to-do" list and am already thinking about when I can plan a little "stay-cation" in the near future to finally spend some real productive time at home for some cleaning and organizing that's long overdue.
When I'm not working and sleeping, I'm usually doing art or planning art projects for our Paper Traders group. Moderating takes a lot of time and effort... even more so this past year as our membership has expanded and we took on the challenge of creating a group blog as well. If you follow my posts here, you've seen some of the projects we've done this year. I just wish I had more time to spend on the creative aspects as it's a nice counterbalance to my normal OCD tendencies =)
In July, I was invited to be a guest artist on the popular Gingersnap Creations blog. I was very honored by the recognition. I was asked to create four original pieces - each one based on a different challenge. It was a growing experience for me as an artist and I hope that I can continue to expand creatively.
I am really looking forward to the New Year - even though I know it's just another mark on the calendar, it always feels like a fresh start. I am truly grateful for my wonderful friends and family and am blessed to have their influence in my life. I wish each of you the very best this Christmas Day and I hope the year to come brings you many wonderful blessings!
With love,
Beckie
P.S. Here's a favorite Christmas short I'd like to share with you:
Plagiarism: The use or close imitation of another artist's work and the representation of them as one's own original design.
The works shown here are my own creations. By sharing them here publicly, I hope to create an opportunity to connect with other artists and share ideas and inspiration. Please do not steal my art!
