PAPER BAG BOOKS at Artistic Souls

The project at our circle of friends, Artistic Souls, was to make a paper bag book -- that's right a book made from paper sacks.  Whenever I bring home a creative project hubby always asks, "What do you do with that?!!"  Many projects are created for the artistic beauty and satisfaction of making them by hand.  WELL . . . this time I actually created a project that is usable -- A COUPON BOOK.  I like to clip coupons for the craft stores and grocery store items.  Now I have a perfect little book to put in my shopping cart and will actually have the coupons with me when I shop and not sitting at home in a drawer.

I attached an elastic cord that wraps around the book to keep the contents in place.

FATHERS DAY FLEET

Today was the day to create cards for Fathers Day.  My fleet is finished and I wanted to share it with you.

 

"Each day provides its own gifts." 

MAY PROJECT - Altered Mouse Traps???

When I heard we were going to alter mouse traps at our monthly DIVAS art club, I couldn't even imagine doing such a thing.  Now I'm hooked and have finished four of them.  Below are the two using the themes I selected at club, hosted by Mindi who supplied the traps, papers and elements.  Thanks Mindi, I really had fun with your project this month.

March DIVAS Project by Barb

Paper dolls; who would have thought I'd have so much fun.  I used templates by Inka at Alteredartifacts for my two dolls.  She has collage sheets of all types and numerous doll patterns.  If you don't see them in her etsy shop, drop her a note.

Thanks, Barb.  Evidently, I'm never too old to play with paper dolls.

My Orchids are blooming!

I am not a photographer and merely take shots of pretty flowers or unusual scenes around the yard.   These photos are HUGE for me because I have been trying to get my orchids to bloom for the last 6 years.  I tired every tip given to me.  I put the plants in the bathroom where there was more light and moisture; I put them in a dark closet for a week; I fertilized them; I misted them and moved them from room to room.

Around Christmas I decided to give up and moved them upstairs to my craft area in front of an outside door facing west.  It just so happened that I keep a night light on in this area so that I can see to walk to the stairs when I turn off my computer and desk light.  LOOK WHAT HAPPENED....my orchids bloomed.    I am really happy and my orchids get a reprieve from the trash bin.

OSA Layout #260

Lots of layers for this weeks challenge.  It provided a great opportunity to use up bits and pieces from other projects.

Happy VALENTINES DAY

Love and best wishes for a very happy day filled with love and joy.