Happy Birthday Susanna Boyd!

I so forgot how much fun working paper can be and until I started doing Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) did I remember how much I LOVE PAPER!

So, I entered a challenge that my Paper Craft Planet group was having to create a birthday card for one of the Supernovas that run the site. I had a blast and rekindle my love for doing paper projects. So, aside from the jewelry and art I do, now I have paper projects on the list.

If you like working with paper, you should definitely check out Paper Craft Planet! Hope to see you there. BTW, this is my page on Paper Craft Planet!

Leaves are Falling ATC 0008

I recently purchased a book from Jerry's Artarama on how to create artist trading cards (ATCs) and the different mediums and methods for doing so. The book is titled "artist Trading card workshop" by Bernie Berlin. This book is beautifully illustrated, has easy to understand directions with illustrations, and also provides a section on how to make ATC storage ideas.

This book has 128 pages with 250 full color illustrations. Bernie Berlin is a world renowned ATC artist and his ATCs are the rage among all types of creatives. Readers can peruse a spectrum of techniques such as collage, painting, metal working, stamping, and more for making these types of cards as well as albums for storing them. The book also has sections including Ultra-Cards, how-to for Collecting and swapping cards, as well as a gallery of ATCs done by Bernie Berlin and other ATC artists.

My "Leaves are Falling ATC 0008" was done using a technique from the book called "Painting on Paper Towel".


Materials Used:
Watercolor 90 lb Paper
Watercolors
Paper Towel
Scrapbook Paper
Modge Podge
Printed out saying

To keep up with my most recent ATCs you can visit me at Mixed Media Workshops or ATCs for All!

Hot Pink Flip Flops ATC 0007

I finally finished ATC #0007 tonight after working on it for 2 days. I am really happy with how it turned out and will be posting it for trading soon.

The following Method(s) & Media(s) were used:
90 lb. Watercolor paper
Watercolor Pencils
Permanent Markers
Soda Can Tin (Embossed over Rubber Stamp Image)
Acrylic Paint
Finish Spray

International Artist Day!

October 25th is International Artist Day! Have you thought about it? If so, what will you be doing to celebrate it? If not, would you like to know how you can promote and celebrate this holiday? The official International Artist Day website has some suggestions for those that would like to promote this holiday and also some special information regarding the holiday.

Did you know that October 25th is the birthday of, none other than, Picasso?

The following suggestion have been made as a way for artists all over the globe to come together and celebrate a very special day. Stand up and be heard with some of the following to-dos:

"1.Have the Mayor of your city proclaim this day, October 25th, as International Artist Day every year. The mayor has the right to make proclamations. So a council vote is not needed. For an example of a Proclamation click into this link:

2.For a visual exposure have your local media film an interview and do an article about the Artist(s) in your area.

3.Have businesses sponsor an Artist by purchasing a painting for their lobby, or hosting a show.

4.Treat your favorite Artist to lunch or dinner.

5.With so much up and coming new talent out there, why not help sponsor an emerging artist, through a weekend workshop or fundraiser.

6.Advertise International Artist Day by downloading our logo and using it to print posters or invitations for events.

7.As a gallery owner, host an Open House with as many of your represented Artists in attendance.

8.As an individual art lover, throw a house party featuring your Artist friend(s) and their artwork, of course!

9.Host an “Art Auction” in a restaurant with a guest speaker to talk about art appreciation, art history (briefly) and the importance art plays in our society. Charge per plate. This money can be used to help sponsor new talent in the schools.

10.Send International Artist Day greeting/post cards to all your supporters to show your appreciation and thank them for honoring Artists and supporting the arts.

11.If you have any type of website, add the International Artist Day link and feature a different artist of the month, every month with a short biography.

12.Most of us drive so why not have some magnetic decals or bumper stickers made to promote International Artist Day to display on your vehicle. This would help the awareness to develop. Please visit the gift store, click on the next tab." (International Artist Day, 2009)

My October ATCs Video

I am not really sure why I love Animoto videos, but I do. Here are the Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) that I have created for trade so far in the Month of October.

Help Publish Poorcraft!

ATC Swappers of MMW - October

This month in the ATC (Art Trading Cards) Swappers on Mixed Media Workshops we had the theme of Kamasutra! I know, I know, this sounds like something x-rated, but really it was quite interesting. The person that I got paired with is a truly talented artist whose submitted piece for the theme had only to do with the colors often often related to the idea of Kamasutra. The other cool thing is she uses "nail polish" and her work is amazing.

So, I decided to do a female in a sitting position and used glitter to semi cover the parts that I didn't want showing so it wouldn't be truly x-rated. It turned out really cool and I used Modge Podge to seal it so that the glitter wouldn't fall off.

This is the second ATC I am sending my swapping partner. It is titled "Saisons Changeantes" (French for Changing Seasons).

I am really excited to be a part of this group and I can't wait to do something for this next month's swap.

What is Happening to Handmade?

I was just over in some of my Etsy team social networks and it was kind of like walking through an empty house. Membership has plummeted and discussions are at an all time low. Is this due to the recession we are in (you know we aren't out of the water yet) or are people just loosing interest in all things handmade?

Even though I sell jewelry, which is usually the first thing people stop buying when they have no money, I still refuse to give up. I will make, market, and keep on making, no matter what and other people who make handmade should do the same.

I have currently started delving back into my artistic skills with water coloring, drawing (showing is my "Wanna Iguana" drawing), and making dolls once again and am hoping that will help boost my web presence again. I am also going to be once again writing articles here on my blog, so keep an eye out for the new and exciting here!

The Office Musical Video

Ok, I LOVE the TV show The Office and here is a cleverly put together musical video that I just had to share with more people:

Mixed Media Workshops - Monthly Challenges

For those of you who love art or are an artists this is the place for you. Mixed Media Workshops is not just your average social network. We have workshops that are free and those that aren't with very talented fellow artists as instructors.

Every month we have a monthly challenge and encourage other artists to join. There is no judgement just honest and good fun. We have a very family friendly environment and welcome all ages and walks of life.

Check out the Monthly Challenge group for more information about this month's challenge.

Monthly Challenge Group

September Art Challenge

I would like to take a moment to mention the current September Art Challenge that my Ning group "Mixed Media Workshops" is having and encourage everyone to check it out. This is a group of extremely talented individuals from all over the world that work in various types of mediums.

The wonderful thing about this group is that the talent ranges from beginners to advanced artists and there is nothing but support for each other. The challenge this month consists of 3 categories: 3D Art, Computer Manipulated, and Organic/Flat Art.

If you are an artist or have a burning desire to be one, then this is the place for you.

September Art Challenge