Created ByHand Challenge - Valentine's

I made a little promise to myself that I would make Valentine's Day "somethings" to send to my loved ones. As I previously confessed, my Christmas cards were NOT handmade. I actually think I prefer to send Valentine's Day wishes because folks aren't necessarily expecting them so they are a lovely surprise in a month that needs a few. I finished these tags on Saturday and will actually have them to my friends and family just in time. They are my entry for the Created ByHand challenge this week.

Mixed Media Monday - Romance

Yes, 'tis the week that ends with Valentine's Day. Cards, chocolates, flowers will abound to celebrate love and romance. I always think of it as a time to also celebrate all of the wonderful people that I'm blessed to have as friends....and that includes all of you in blogland who devotedly visit and leave me lovely comments. You brighten each and every day. Happy Valentine's Day. These two calendar pages are my entry for Mixed Media Monday this week.

Theme Thursday - Pink and Black

I wear a lot of black because I find it so versatile. Just by adding a dash of another colour in the form of a blouse or a wonderful necklace the whole look becomes quite striking. The same is true for artwork. In this case, pink is the primary colour but the splashes of black seem to just jump from the page. Well, obviously this little fairy is having a "moment". This is my entry for this week's Theme Thursday challenge.

Three Muses Challenge - Birds of a Feather

Our backyard is like a three-ring circus most days. There are times that I look out there and there are "packs" of sparrows, grackles, mourning doves, blue jays, a nuthatch or two. They sweep in and out stopping briefly to feed or rest. However, if a crow makes an appearance, rest assured there isn't another bird in sight. Those fellows are imposing, self-assured yet very beautiful in their own way. These journal pages were created for a round robin that I'm participating in with the obvious theme for this book of "Ravens and Crows". They are my entry for the Three Muses challenge this week.

Created ByHand Challenge - Anything but Rectangle or Square

Working on a different shaped canvas can definitely jumpstart the creativity as I found out when I had to create these circular round robin journal pages for a swap. There is always a softness and friendliness to the round shape that I find appealing. This is my entry for the Created ByHand challenge this week.

Crazy Amigo Challenge - Carnival

What would a carnival be without a clown? Don't you just love the handmade costumes on these wee ones? These atcs are my entry for this week's Crazy Amigo Challenge.

Mixed Media Monday - What was he/she thinking?

When I read the theme of this week's Mixed Media Monday challenge I immediately thought of this photo of baby and dog because the expression on the pooch's face, to me, is priceless. Perhaps he's hoping that the baby won't tug too hard on his ear or maybe he's imploring the photographer to quickly get on with the photo taking so that he can run away.

Theme Thursday - Busy

I must admit that this theme is not that difficult for me because my work tends to be quite "busy". That's because when I dig out my paints, I just want to play freely and that usually leads to a variety of colours and paint all over everything. My DH has asked me to please not use my computer during this time! This is my entry for the Theme Thursday challenge this week.

The Three Muses Challenge - Quip or Quote

I'm a real sucker for quotations stamps. I always make a beeline to the section of any store that has them and stand and read. Some make me laugh while others make me pause and think. The two above moved me when I saw them. It was like the authors read my thoughts and translated them into beautiful words. These two fabric book pieces are my entry for the Three Muses Challenge this week.

Crazy Amigo Challenge - Red

I love the colour red. To me it signifies passion, vitality and energy. In fact, it just seemed like the perfect colour to use behind this very loving looking couple. This is my entry for the Crazy Amigo Challenge this week.

One World, One Heart Event 2010

I am SO excited. The day has finally arrived and is one I've been anticipating for some time. The "One World, One Heart" Event 2010 is being launch and I am thrilled to be participating for a third year. Beginning today, you may leave a comment on this blog post and be automatically entered for a chance to win one of these two altered tins. Each one is very different. One is rambunctious and zetti-like and the other is earthy and sweet. The first features collage images from Lisa's Altered Art and the second spotlights doll images from Retro Cafe Art Gallery.

I am always grateful for this event as it comes at a time in the year that can be rather anticlimactic. The holidays are over and winter has us firmly in its grip. However, the days are brightened by the new friends that one makes and the fabulous blogs and artwork that await. If you've never participated before, I urge you to consider doing so. You won't regret it. Click on the button on the right side of my blog to learn all about this event and the wonderful woman who started it, Lisa Swifka.

I'll be drawing two names and announcing them on my blog on February 15th. Please ensure that I have some way to reach you if I happen to select your name on that day.

Mixed Media Monday - The Games People Play

This baby represents the "old fashioned" game boy....pre-computers. He'll grow up loving to play Euchre and Monopoly, Parcheesi and Scrabble. He'll deal cards and roll dice. This is my entry for the Mixed Media Monday challenge this week.