Altered Mail Box from Germany

Oh my gosh....I was expecting an envelope for a swap with Valerie, and she mailed me a box filled with absolutely stunning art -- all her creations.  Valerie is known as the QUEEN OF TAGS and she included three of her newest ones along with a stunning altered tin, a key ring filled with seven collaged holders (both sides) containing the most precious tags.  There is also an altered bag and notebook.  Just yesterday I pulled out a stack of blank books thinking our small stamp club might like to do something with them.  Now I'm really inspired after seeing what Valerie did with hers. 

AND, Valerie knows I like oriental themed art so she wrapped each piece in an Asian themed napkin which I will save for a special project.  Just look at all the inspiration contained in her box. 

I am truly honored to receive a collection of Valerie's art.  I hope you will visit her blog.  She is an artist who produces art almost every day, all different and creative.

Thank you so much, Valerie.  How lovely of you to included items in my style along with all of your hand made pieces.

Happy 4th of July America

I always wanted a flag in our front yard and this year, Jim managed to put a flag up for the 4th.

Sweet Blog Award

Thank you,Valerie, who nominated me for this award.  I feel honored; however, I am not always as sweet as it states.  The award conditions require that I share seven things about me and pass the award on to eight others.  So many of my blogger friends don't have the time to participate in awards so unfortunately, the sweetness stops here.

1)  I hate to file or dust
2)  I dislike gossip
3)  I am obsessed with digital art and continue to love oriental art
4)  I love my internet and blogger friends
5)  I lack patience for those who are unwilling to help themselves
6)  I love chocolate, coffee and beer
7)  I dislike being on a gluten free diet

AND, MY FAMILY IS MY MOST PRECIOUS ASSET.  I LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH.

Link to the Oriental Stamp Art Web Page

Heather mentioned that I neglected to provide the link to the OSA BLOG.  Now you have it.

Thanks to all for your very kind comments.

Altered Frames Oriental Style

During the month of June, I spent a good amount of time trying to come up with a project to present to the members of the Yahoo Oriental Stamp Art Group.  I had been nominated to represent the group for the month of July as SAM (Stamp Artist of the Month).  I was nominated for this honour several years ago and felt we had a lot of new members who deserved a turn as SAM.  I could not talk the SAM Moderator out of a project for July.

I sent her photos of three completed frames and my main project was the cherry blossom and geisha frame but she elected another to feature on the home page.

Here are photos of the three frames: 

Or, you can check them out on the group's Flickr site.

The friends I have met through art clubs, groups, blogs and through the internet are very dear to me.  They inspire me, support me and their input is what pushes me to try new things.  The Yahoo Oriental Stamp Art Group was the first one I joined back in 2001 and I have never regretted it.  They are a wonderful group of caring, sharing and friendly members.  I adore them.  THANK YOU for nominating me for your July SAM.

Grungy Monday - Adirondak Alcohol Inks

From the original release of Ranger's alcohol inks, I became addicted.  The results have never disappointed me  and it is so fun to experiment with them.  This week Linda at Studio L3 selected a Tim Holtz video from many on the Ranger web site for the Grungy Monday challenge.  Yes....Adirondak alcohol inks.  I hope you will check out the video and visit Studio L3 to see the other submissions.

Grungy Monday - June 20th

To read all about the challenge for this week visit Tim's blog.  And, to view all of the submissions for this week's challenge visit Linda's blog at Studio L3.   It is always fun to see what others create using the same basic supplies.