SherresArtZone

New Digital Montage Workshop Begins in 12 Days!

2010-07-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

"Serenity at the Beach" is the theme we have been playing around with for the past week-just having some fun while we wait for the remaining few people to sign up for the workshop. If you haven't signed up yet-there is more information below and a few more spots left We are learning how to create layers of "Story Telling Montages" using blending modes in our software. The lessons are geared for the beginner to intermediate, but you must have some knowledge of how your software works. I have also shared some very basic lessons written in PSE6 with the workshop group, to help them get warmed up for the coming themes. The lessons are written in very basic step by steps, with plenty of photos, charts, color wheel, shared textures and lots of fabulous links for free downloads. Come join us!

This layout combined a texture of some beautiful turquoise peeling paint, with a new layer of baby blue, blended with a fabulous vacation photo of a sandcastle and pavilion. The lettering is from a vintage catalog of boys dress suits, but after changing all the wording around, it's now a poster advertising boys swimming suits, priced below regular London prices. :-D

For more information and to sign up for this 1st workshop in a series of 5-or sign up for all 5-go to: DigitalMontageStudios

New Workshops Being Offered!

2010-06-23T07:41:00.001-07:00

Explore Your Digital World through these 5 amazing "Montage" workshops!
July 19-30th-Workshop #1-Blending Texture & Color Layers-Blending/Overlaying for dynamic visual effects.
August 16-27th-Workshop #2-Creating & Using Distressing Tools-Create unique brushes (from found images) and learn how to use various
digital tools to create the illusion of age to your backgrounds & elements.
September 13-24th-Workshop #3-Digital Stenciling Technique-A truly unique way for using Stencils in the virtual world of digital imaging.
The results are stunning! Plus create a variety of digital stamps for your own personal collection.
October 18-29th-Workshop #4-Shadow & Light-Creating depth with Shadows, Bevels and Lighting effects + additional blending techniques.
November 15-24th-Workshop #5-Filters-Styles & Patterns-Filters can change your whole perspective, when you discover what they can do
for your art! Throw in some styles or patterns and your digital world becomes a playground for your art.
For more information, to see samples and to sign up for these great on-line workshops-visit: http://digitalmontagestudio.blogspot.com

New Workshop Being Offered!

2010-03-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Cynthia Powell is contemplating doing another year long workshop based on the art projects we featured in our latest book-Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Art-Vol. II. If you have purchased this book and would like an invitation to participate in this on-line monthly workshop-please sign up here! This workshop will take place in another yahoo group set up special just for this endeavor. Just like I did for the Mary Todd Beam and Julia Andrus book-workshops! Each month a new art project will be created by the members-each project is unique to the book-but you will be able to put your own spin on things! This workshop will start June 1st-provided I have at least 25 people signed up! I look forward to seeing you there!

You can email me at: sherresartzone@yahoo.com if you are interested.

REMEMBER- I am posting now at my new blog, alteredheartdesigns.blogspot.com!

Creating New Blog

2010-01-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

I am going to be creating a new blog called AlteredHeartDesigns at http:/alteredheartdesigns.blogspot.com, and eventually a new website called, alteredheartdesigns.com. I've become one of the exclusive designers for Hands on Digital, where we are creating digital art kits specifically geared to mixed media artists. A new venture for a new year!

Seasoned with Salt

2010-01-16T16:52:00.001-08:00

I had this little house laying around so decided to do something with it. I had gotten this photo of the couple at a yard sale, antique store or somewhere like that; they seemed to look at home here!

More Steampunk Jewelry

2010-01-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

Having fun palying with salvage yard findings to create Steampunk jewelry.

Steampunk ATP for Arttechniques Group Swap

2010-01-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

I haven't soldered this yet, but here is a Steampunk-themed Artist Trading Pin being made for the Yahoo Group Arttechniques Steampunk ATP Swap. I haven't ever soldered before, but hubby has a soldering iron I can use. Love learning new things- a great way to begin a new yar!

NEWS FLASH! VOLUME TWO OF THE LATEST TRENDS IN MIXED MEDIA ART- RECYCLED, REINSPIRED, REINVENTED IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!!!

2009-12-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

The second volume in the Latest Trends book series is now available for purchase!! The link at createspace is https://createspace.com/3363714. If I receive enough comments, I may choose a random winner of a copy of the book!

Time Flies...

2009-12-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

This month is flying by! I have been busy caring for my daughter with the two broken elbows when her hubby is at work. I am also trying to learn web design with my DreamWeaver program. Kind of like learning a foreign language! I haven't posted any new art since I haven't had time to create any. I finally updated my blog banner for December; only took me until the 17th of the month!
The third proof for our book should arrive any day and then (I hope!) be available for purchase. Check amazon.com and createspace.com/3363714. I will announce when it is finally ready and may offer a give-away in January!
May everyone have a blessed Christmas and a healthy and art-filled new year!

Published in Somerset Studio's Gallery- new issue!

2009-11-28T15:02:00.000-08:00

I found out I was published today in the new issue (winter 2010) of Somerset Studio's Gallery magazine. Page 139, a black-and-white Stampbord hanging mailed in months ago. Woo hoo!
On a surreal note, my daughter broke both elbows ice skating last night. Casts from shoulder to fingertips on BOTH arms. My poor sweetie!

Holiday Musings

2009-11-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

How is it the holidays arrive faster every year? Time seems to be whizzing by! Cindy and I were able to order the second proof for our upcoming book (pictured below). that has taken so many full days to correct and put together- creating a book is very challenging to say the least!
Now that the pressure of the new book is off, I am now putting together a class for our women's fellowship group where we will create art journals on the topic of the Fruit of the Spirit.
Organizing my neglected art and sewing rooms is also high on the agenda. Christmas is at my house this year, so the rooms need to be somewhat presentable. "A working artist is a messy artist" is my motto, unfortunately!
Wishing everyone a blessed and truly thank-filled Thanksgiving!

NEW BOOK SOON TO BE RELEASED!

2009-11-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek at our new book cover. We are in the final editing process and the book will be available in a few weeks! Just in time for Christmas!

Back From Vacation and other notes

2009-11-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

Just returned from our vacation and getting ready for a Winery Art Show at Gary Farrell Winery with Susan Chong (check out photos at www.artfulmama.blogspot.com). I will post some of our pictures- the weather was great at Yosemite and the coast!
I received the first proof of our second volume of The Latest Trends series! Have to fix a few things, but this book should be ready after the next proof (keeping my fingers crossed!)
Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful fall of 2009!

Autumn in Digital for Arttechniques October MAT

2009-10-17T18:54:00.001-07:00

Susan has been posting some photos to alter and play around with for our October MAT (Monthly Art Technique) for the Yahoo art group, Arttechniques. I loved this painting of this woman, so chose to play around with her in Photoshop. Thanks to Scrapper's Guide (www.scrappersguide.com) for the fun digital graphic goodies!

Back to business!

2009-09-27T12:05:00.001-07:00

Here is my offering for this year's Harvest fair. I have to turn it in tomorrow for judging. I used a plaster-over-burlap background (on a canvas support). Lots of glazes, handpainted tissue with a hand-carved stamp and a purchased stamp. Other goodies also.
I am working on some paintings for a winery show for November that will be held at Gary Farrell's winery. Susan Chong asked me to join her in the show.
Recuperating from shoulder surgery three weeks ago; swinging my golf club and doing PT!

Another Pin

2009-08-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

I started this as my swap pin then wasn't sure if I really had an idea or not. I finished this in the evening. another famous painting makes up the eye; I am drawn to keyholes and eyes, although I would find it totally creepy to have one staring at me!

FAll ATP for Arttechniques Swap

2009-08-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here is my pin for the arttechniques Fall ATP (Artist Trading Pin) swap. Can anyone tell me which famous painting the face image is from?

I used trinkets from the Tim Holtz Ideaology line to create the pin.

JEWELRY BEYOND TIME NOW AVAILABLE!!

2009-08-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Our book Jewelry Beyond Time is now available for purchase! You can buy it from createspace.com or from Amazon.com. The site on createspace is: https://createspace.com/3363721. For a short time you can get a $5 discount with this code on createspace: 95PJX7CX.
Lots of great jewelry projects!

Chance to Play

2009-07-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

I got to play a bit this afternoon with some brushes from annikavanholdt.com. Really different and fun to play around with.

Musings

2009-07-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Have been busy with the layouts for the second volume of the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts book series. What with sore ribs and a sore shoulder, I haven't had a lot of art time lately. what I am looking forward to experimenting with are metal pieces from TenTwo Studios, amd metal etching from Stephanie Lee's book, Semiprecious Salvage. It is amazing how pain drains you of all extra energy and inspiration. I will be having shoulder surgery September 3, and I hope that will take care of the problem and I can get back to the active life I so enjoy. Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

Alexander Valley Wine Country

2009-07-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am posting more of my photos on Facebook now. Here are soem from our "local tourist" outing to an Alexander Valley Summer Open House Wine event. these were taken Saturday before my ribs went haywire again....

Visions from Mendocino, Little River

2009-06-29T19:56:00.001-07:00

We had a great time this past weekend in Mendocino. The weather was HOT inland, so the coast was beautiful! Mendocino is a very artsy town; lots of fun things to photograph!

The little hummingbird shot was taken through the window at the Cafe Beaujolais restaurant. He would land on the branch and rest, fly away and come back again and again. Hubby couldn't see him, so I took this photo. When the little bird turned his head or ruffled his featers, they were a bright ornagey-red underneath. Lovely!

Sarah's Shower

2009-06-24T13:53:00.001-07:00

After having an uncle pass away this past week and dealing with all of his arrangements, etc., I wanted to go back and visit the photos taken on June 13 for my niece Sarah's bridal shower. My sister Nancy and I had such a fun time decorating this table. Nancy makes the absoulutely BEST cupcakes I have ever tasted!! We gave out the lavendar wands to each guest. Lavendar means "love and devotion" and Lane is certainly devoted and in love with my niece Sarah! Just one plant of lavendar gives you at least 20-30 lavendar wands. I found easy instructions online, of course!

Framed Image Journal page

2009-06-16T19:58:00.001-07:00

Here is another sample of one of the journal pages we made during the 32 Flavors class at Art & Soul, Asilomar. I love this photo taken of a very cool nest found in a gallery on Canyon Road in santa Fe, NM, in spring of 2008. The text surrounded the photo is taken from an antique poetry book and is suited to the photo. This was a fun exercise.

A Journal Page from Misty Mawn 32 Flavors Workshop

2009-06-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

This magazine photo was of a woman kneeling with short hair from an old Victoria magazine. We were to change a magazine image up a bit using paint, stamps, whatever. This page isn't really finished, but, wanted to capture it as is for right now.

Transfer journal page

2009-06-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

I did a transfer using a photo of a really cool door I saw in Santa Fe, NM, in spring of 2008. Loved the red chile peppers hanging on the green door. This page was fun to do in Misty Mawn's 32 Flavors Workshop. We did gel medium transfers. Worked pretty well this time!

Collage Page form Misty Mawn Class "32 Flavors"

2009-06-16T19:42:00.001-07:00

Finally getting a collage on here from the "32 Flavors" class I took with Misty Mawn at Asilomar Art & Soul. The one problem is that I liked this magazine collage so much that I don't want to cover it with white paint and just highlight an item or two. Oh well, it was fun to make anyway! I can always print it out and then try the painting additions. We were to choose one color as dominant and then add a few splashes of another color for accent.

2009-06-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample painted piece of white art tissue paper ala Anne Bagby. I just watched her DVD on collage and decided to use some of my hand-carved stamps to make some white on black pages. I am also going to do some black on white pages. These papers can then be printed out in different sizes on a laser printer plus getting to use the original paper as well. A fun project to do when you want to just paint without any stress.

SNEAK PEEK AT OUR NEW JEWELRY BOOK COVER!!

2009-05-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to be unveiling the cover of our newest book, scheduled to be released Summer 2009. This book is published by some wonderfully talented ladies: 3 Authors & 9 Contributing Jewelry Designers have created unique projects exclusively for this book! An amazing variety of styles with over 40 projects from the very simple (Quick N' Easy) to the very elaborate, all in one book! Easy to follow instructions with lots of step by step photos!

First Thoughts of Asilomar

2009-05-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

Just returned home yesterday afternoon after spending 4 delightful days at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, CA, for the Art & Soul retreat. Getting to spend all day watching demos and playing with paint, paper and canvas was a true joy! Also getting to spend it with a dear creative friend from WA was even better! Although most of the days were foggy, it was sunshine in our souls as we created art and met new friends. I will post some pictures in a day or so. Still catching up, and you know how it goes- reality hits with a vengeance once home!
Roberta Schmidt told me about an Antiques Mall in Monterey (Cannery Row). Mary Beth and I stopped there yesterday on our way back to Santa Rosa. Wow! What a find!! I could have poked around there all day! Great antiques! My favorite find was a large photo from 1918 showing a group of young girls all holding embroidery samplers. They were part of a class taught by the Salvation Army in Chicago to slum girls. Can't wait to scan it and reproduce it in smaller form to be used for projects.
I took Misty Mawn's "32 Flavors" class- lots of fun journal techniques were shown to us. Although I didn't have time to actually complete any of the demo ideas, I will be able to incorporate the ideas into other projects and journals.
I also took Stephanie Lee's "Crack It" class. What messy fun!! Really loved this class a lot. I will be writing an article for the Latest Trends July newsletter and go into more detail.

ASILOMAR ART & SOUL!

2009-05-22T12:49:00.001-07:00

Heading to Asilomar for Art & Soul on Sunday. My first art retreat! I get to attend with a good friend who lives in Washington state; one I don't get to see too often and so it will be wonderful to catch up on our friendship and enjoy the arty experience!
My computer is slowly getting back into sync. Just got it back last week; that's why no new scans of art work. Will post about my retreat expereince when I return! And hopefully have some projects to show!

Tags for a Retreat

2009-05-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have started working on some tags to be swapped at the Art & Soul retreat in Asilomar later this month. I plan on making 50 at least, and will have some goodies attached to them as well. These six feature stamps from Layers of Color, http://www.layersofcolor.com.

Latest Trends May Newsletter

2009-05-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

The May newsletter from Latest Trends is now up and available for your viewing pleasure! We are featuring a favorite friend of mine as our guest artist, Mary Beth Person. She does beautiful calligraphy!! If you are going to Asilomar the end of this month you can meet her there. She will be my roomie!
www.TheLatestTrendsInMixedMediaArt.com

Ideaology and Grunge Book Classes with Tim Holtz

2009-04-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Susan and I took two Tim Holtz classes at Scrapbook Territory in Berkeley yesterday to celebrate our April birthdays. The classes were filled with lots of fun, great projects, freebies, give-aways, and even cotton candy for a sugar boost! We had a fabulous time! Here are pictures showing my Ideaology jewelry projects and some taken in class. I didn't finish my grunge board book yet, so will have to post the pics of that later! The picture of me having fun working, and the cotton candy machine were taken by Susan!

Amazing Concert

2009-04-10T08:01:00.001-07:00

Got to see an amazing concert last night featuring Michael W. Smith and Stephen Curtis Chapman. Our local arts center was grooving and also giving praise to God with the wonderful songs by both artists. Truly awesome! A great start to the Easter weekend.

Fisherman's Festival Weekend in Bodega Bay, CA

2009-04-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos taken this past weekend at the Fisherman's festival in Bodega Bay, CA. The weather was incredible! The festival was lots of fun- craft booths, great fish n' chips; wacky handmade boat races; coastguard demonstrations; wine tasting, and all for a good cause! Not to mention the fun 9 holes we palyed at Bodega Harbor's golf course-beautiful morning!!

Egg-shaped ATCs

2009-04-01T09:55:00.001-07:00

Here are a few samples of egg-shaped ATCs. We are having an ATC swap on the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Art Yahoo group this month. It is a fun shape to decorate. Floral stamps are from Layers of Color stamp company.

Guest Artist on StampersQuest

2009-03-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share that I am the guest artist this month on www.stampersquest.com. Thank you Bea and Stephanie!! I am sharing one of my projects from the book, Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media, Volume I.

All Decked Out for a Party!

2009-03-18T19:08:00.001-07:00

Here is a funny photo taken at my husband's cousin's 50th birthday party. They had us all have our photos taken as we entered the restaurant wearing silly party stuff. Who knew 50-year-olds could have so much fun?????

Arttechniques Spring Skinny Book Swap

2009-03-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Here are samples of the cover for our Spring Skinny Book Swap, plus the more elaborate version of my page fronts (using the butterlfy punch and sequins) and the "I am getting tired of all these steps" version using a strip of decorative-edge paper. I took the photo on the cover page three years ago when I got to go to the Skagit Valley in Washington state to see the tulips in bloom. This was at one of the tulip farms where they also had some indoor exhibits. Seeing fields of colorful tulips all in bloom is a spring sight to behold!!

Playing with Photoshop

2009-03-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo I took as Dan and I were driving to Eureka over a week ago. I played with my Wacom tablet to add a signature to the piece. I wanted to make a brushed edge, but, with the gradient layer I couldn't quite figure it out. I will keep working on this. I posterized the tree shape and added a drop shadow and an embossed edge. I took a few more photos I will play with and post in the next day or so.

Off to watch House or Gossip Girl- love having a DVR!!

More of the Last ATCs

2009-03-15T16:59:00.001-07:00

Here are two distinctly different ATCS for two of the last Arttechniquesatcs swaps. The one on the left uses Fred Mullett stamps. The fish are painted with Twinkling H2Os whose company is sadly going out of business. Hopefully a buyer will step up! www.luminarte.com.

The one on the right was for a house/home swap. It has a magazine photo that has been gessoed and stamped over. Molding paste was added to the top with a layer of Pearlized Mica Flakes (a Golden Medium). The little twig is from my lemon verbena. The reflective little bird was sent to me as a hostess gift. This ATC is called, "Home is for Nesting."

I am busy putting together the second volume of the Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Art book series; Recycled, Reinvented, Reinspired. Should be available in early fall!

Last Swaps at Arttechniquesatcs

2009-03-02T15:47:00.001-08:00

Here is a sample of one of the last ATCS I am making for the Arttechniquesatcs group. Due to an increasingly busy schedule, I have chosen to close the group as of April 1. It was also frustrating to have over 400 members but only a few participating in the swaps. We will perhaps do one swap a month at the mother group, Arttechniques. There's a time for all good things to come to an end.

A Second Winner!

2009-02-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

I had my hubby choose another number for the blog party drawing. Linda Greiss is now the winner of the Serendipity Heart pin. Congratulations, Linda!

Blog Banner

2009-02-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

A new blog banner! The butterflies are from www.cottagearts.net. The image is one I have had on my computer, not sure of the origin.

SASKIA- WINNER OF SERENDIPITY HEART!

2009-02-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

I hope Saskia looks to see if she won. I don't have her email addy, so, if I don't hear from her I will draw another name. One of my Serendipity hearts may be making its way to Belgium! Congratulations Saskia!

Free Vintage Images for Valentine's Day and a Random Drawing!! Welcome to the Blog Party!!

2009-02-13T13:44:00.003-08:00

Here are two images from my own collection for you to download for use in your art. I will also be doing a random drawing for a Serendipity Heart pin from those who leave a comment on Valentine's Day. Spread the love around!

Valentines 2009

2009-02-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

Here is my Valentine design for this year's cards. I used one of Laura's Layer of Colors stamps for the flourish, and then used my Sizzix die-cutting machine for the heart and the mat behind the heart. A text stamp was used on the mat. I figured I needed to get some use out of my die-cut machine!

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

2009-02-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

The Latest Trends February Newsletter is now available for your reading pleasure. Check out my fun Valentine project of Serendipity Hearts!

http://www.thelatesttrendsinmixedmediaart.com/. Click on "February"

Book Review

2009-02-03T10:03:00.001-08:00

www.scrapfriends.com did a review of our book, Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Art, Volume I. Check it out!

2009 Fat Book Swap for Arttechniques

2009-01-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

Here are two individual pictures and a group sampling (30) of my 2009 fat book pages. I made a total of 124 (4 extra) for this swap. Arttechniques has the best fat book swaps! I used my own technique- Magazine Scrunchy Technique. I revised it a bit for this swap. I added some gessoed bubble-wrap markings and left off the metallic embossing powders. This is great for backgrounds and great to scan to use as backgrounds where you want the background flat rather than textured. No two pages are ever the same. Pretty fun!

Playing

2009-01-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

I took a few minutes to play with a huge box of ephemera, etc that is in my art room and came up with this card. The flower stamp is from www.layersofcolor.com. Love Laura's stamps!

Susan and I had an art day today. I was working on my fat book pages. Why is it that I always choose a technique with so many steps to it????? I am doing my own Magazine Scrunchy Technique and forgot it has so many steps!!

A Valentine

2009-01-25T20:34:00.001-08:00

I made this Valentine using a leftover skinny page background (serendipity paper technique), one of the lovely Layers of Color Stamps (www.layersofcolor.com), some antique lace, a cute little boy image, a couple of confetti hearts, and some magazine text. The wings were from a hostess gift.

VALENTINE BLOG PARTY!

2009-01-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

Don't miss out on the Valentine Blog Party! Check www.flatwoodsfolkart.com and join the fun! Flatwoodsfolkart is Lesley Venable's site; she is one of my co-authors of The Latest Trends in Mixed Media Art books. We will be giving away freebie images and other fun stuff in February. Be sure to check back!

Book I am Reading

2009-01-19T14:12:00.001-08:00

I am reading the most interesting book right now. I had bought it for my daughter for Christmas and she has lent it to me. It is called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society." It is about The Island of Guernsey during the German Occupation in WWII. I highly recommend it!

2009-01-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a sample of 4 of my Winter Skinny Pages. Each one has a different background, and arrangement of the haiku and the snowflakes. Still completing most of them.

Arttechniques Skinny Books

2009-01-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

I have been working on my skinny book pages with the theme of Winter. I should be able to post pictures in a day or so. I decided I had to join all 3 groups, so have 75 pages to make. I know, I am crazy, but I love to get a sample of everyone's work!
I have done a serendipity paper background, am adding punched snowflakes, a haiku I wrote myself, and the backs are embossed and distressed. Whoever invented serendipity paper did a good thing! I love to make it.
As soon as I finish the Skinny pages, I need to start my 120 pages for the 2009 Technique Fat Book. I will be making my Magazine Scrunchy technique. I'm happy I have a stack of magazines in my art room; I will need them for those 120 pages!! After this swap, I will have 240 pages of different techniques! Then it's finding the time to incorporate them into my art!
Hope your January is filled with warmth and fun projects!

Journal Backgrounds

2009-01-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of journal backgrounds using our painting prompts for weeks 1 and 2 (Arttechniques yahoo group). The lines are done with corrugated cardboard and liquid acrylic paint; the mask/stencils are cut out from a magazine and Color Mist sprays from www.outsidethemargins.com, Ranger, and a couple fo soft pastels. I will now write on the lines and inside some of the images. This week's writing prompt is about realtionships.

Journal 2009 with Arttechniques

2009-01-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

We at Arttechniques are doing another journal. Taking ideas from several different sources, we are doing weekly prompts. We began with a self-portrait the first week of January. This week we are journalling about our relationships. Journals are a great way to vent and to uninhibitively write about your emotions, life circumstances, prayer concerns, etc.

I find doing a "gluebook" type of journal to be the least stressful and time-consuming for me. I usually add some hand-written words but enjoy finding magazine words and phrases that say what I am thinking.

76 Degrees in January??

2009-01-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

We are having really weird weather today. It is 76 degrees and climbing with a warm wind. If I didn't know better, I would think I was living in southern CA. Crazy weather for winter!! Don't need to go to Hawaii- it's probably warmer here.

Hearts Project Coming Soon!

2009-01-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

I will be demonstrating a fun heart project in the February newsletter for the Latest Trends. http://www.thelatesttrendsinmixedmediaart.com/. I will also be giving a few of the hearts away for our Valentine Blog party hosted by Lesley Venable at http://www.flatwoodsfolkart.com/.

If you like making Valentines, here are few I made for the Latest Trends group. We are having a Valentine Postcard swap.

Latest Trends Newsletter

2009-01-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

We have added a new feature to our website- a monthly newsletter. Check out www.thelatesttrendsinmixedmediaart.com for January's edition.

VALENTINE BLOG PARTY

2009-01-05T12:22:00.001-08:00

Join Lesley Venable at www.flatwoodsfolkart.typedpad.com for a Valentine Blog Party! Create a Valentine collage sheet, a heart pendant, a charm, something with which to celebrate. You can email Lesley at flatwoodsfolkart@aol.com to be added to the party line-up. Everyone needs a little romance in their lives, so have fun and party on!

Lesley is one of the authors of Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media, Volume 1, which can be found at www.createspace.com/3346325, or on Amazon.com.

Putting it all Away

2009-01-03T16:46:00.001-08:00

Fighting a cold so I spent today putting away all of my Christmas decorations except for the big tree, which needs its own put-away day. Whew! I always wonder while I put the decorations away, what my life and our world will be like when I pull them out at the end of this new year. It always makes me feel a bit nostalgic. The house seems so cleaned out when all of the decos are gone. I am pulling out ivory items to decorate with, along with some touches of light green. The weather here is clear but cold. I hope you are all enjoying these last quiet days of vacation.

Getting Ready for the New Year

2008-12-27T14:16:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for 2009 which looks to be an exciting year for art and my art groups! Look for exciting things happening in the Latest Trends and Arttechniques!
Working on our second volume of the Latest Trends book series is keeping me busy.
I hope to have some time to play with more of my Layers of Colors stamps also.
In Arttechniques, I need to make 75 Winter-themed Skinny Book pages. Of course I had to sign up for all 3 groups of 25!! I may use this quote from Albert Camus (one of my favorite quotes):
"In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."
Albert Camus
And 120 pages for our second mammoth fat Book swap on techniques- this time with a recycled emphasis.
Wishing you and yours a blessed New Year filled with good things!

Ready for Christmas??

2008-12-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

Hope you all are nearly ready for Christmas. Did a lot of wrapping today; raking leaves before another rain storm comes in, and working off Christmas goodie calories by doing cardio and weights at the gym. If any of you are contemplating joining a gym in the new year, I highly recommend it. The endorphins that flow when you exercise really make you feel energetic and happy!! I also recommend working out with a personal trainer who will hold you accountable and keep you progressing. Off of my soapbox now..... :)
We are planning on lots of great activities and swaps in the Latest Trends and Arttechniques yahoo groups. There is also an ATC group connected to Arttechniques that always needs more ATC swappers! If you haven't joined them, do so, and be a part of great camaraderie and encouragement for your artistic journey. Links are on the side bar of this blog. Be sure to also check out, http://www.thelatesttrendsinmixedmediaart.com/. We will be starting a monthly newsletter in January.
I am currently working on page layouts for the second volume of the Latest Trends book series. Lots more fun projects from Cindy, Lesley and I, along with fantastic projects from contributing artists as well.

Thanks Michi for the Blog Award!

2008-12-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

Michi (rhymes with peachy!), nominated me for the Marie Antoinette Real Person Award, so I am going to award some fellow bloggers the same award. Michi is a FANTASTIC stamp artist in southern CA, and a genuinely nice person! Check out her blog at: www.michirhymeswithpeachy.blogspot.com.
My nominees are:
www.cynthiapowell.blogspot.com
www.flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com
www.mystoryart.com
www.stephaniechavez.com
www.breadandcircuses.typepad.com
www.theartfulmama.blogspot.com
www.thelastdoordownthehall.blogspot.com

Holiday Banner

2008-12-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say I used the December Premiere digital graphics from www.scrappersguide.com for my Christmas banner. I am still practicing on my Photoshop program so that I can make Volume 2 of The Latest Trends in Mixed Media Art even more fantastic than the first volume! Digital graphics are such fun to play around with. Will post more practice pieces as I get the time to create them.

DON'T FORGET TO PUT THE LATEST TRENDS BOOK ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST!

Visons of Christmas

2008-12-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

Visions of Christmas

2008-12-07T13:14:00.001-08:00

Sharing some photos from my tree this year. Enjoy!

Fred Mullett Play Day

2008-12-02T18:18:00.001-08:00

Susan and I had a Fred Mullett (brand name of stamp line) Day today. Susan had taken a workshop from him and she showed me how to do a couple of his techniques. (The butterfly tag is NOT a FM stamp). We struggled a bit with the bleaching, because my bleach was a gel bleach, and it must have been several years old and had lost some of its oomph! I had better luck with the watercolor and over-stamping technique, but, I still need to practice and practice! Susan made some beautiful pieces. She has a really cool shrimp stamp of Fred's and her page of shrimp turned out wonderfully! Susan and I always have fun together, yet, she is getting to be an expensive friend! :) She told me that Fred was having a blow-out sale on his unmounted stamps, and to go to his site right away and order before they all sold out! (http://www.fredmullett.com/). I ended up ordering all of the sets he had left (won't say how many!) His stamps are based on his own nature prints, mostly plants and fish.

Thanks, Susan, for a fun, albeit expensive day!!

Christmas Ornaments

2008-11-28T18:41:00.000-08:00

Here a few ornaments made with Layers of color stamps. (www.layersofcolor.com) These were such fun! I got the idea from Patty S's blog, the Magpie's Nest. I stamped onto ivory cardstock with Black Staz-On ink, and then colored with colored pencils. I ran a 20 guage wire through holes made with a Japanese screw punch, and added some beads. I smashed the coiled wire with a hammer on a metal block. I have added glitter to the ornaments, but, not sure if the pics show it up too well. It's time to get into the Christmas spirit!

ATC using Layers of Color Stamps

2008-11-22T20:38:00.001-08:00

I am having such a fun time using the Layers of Color stamps to create some projects. This ATC was made with a leftover piece of bristol board that was made from Susan Chong's saran wrap technique done with acrylic paint and spray mists. (Check out the Arttechniques Yahoo group or Susan's blog; Artsymama for details). The vintage image is from one of many vintage image CDs I have; found the scalloped border and thought it was perfect for the word, "Fleur." I thought it needed a little sparkle so added a small rhinestone to her hair. Love those tiny rhinestones!

Sorry for mistake

2008-11-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

I had put a song on my playlist that I thought was one thing, but turned out to be something awful. My apologies if anyone heard it. I was shocked!

Arttechniques Fall Skinny Book

2008-11-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of the next swap that has gone on at Arttechniques Yahoo group. This is our Fall Skinny Book. 25 members participated; 1 page is missing (still in the mail!). After finishing the huge fat book swap with 120 participants, 25 was a piece of cake! I was able to sort the pages in my sewing room and leave the envelopes in there, so the living area of my house is swap-free! Now to tackle the Winter skinny book with 50 swappers! But, it isn't due until the end of January. Whew!!

Wallhanging Using Layers of Color Stamps

2008-11-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a wallhanging I have made using Layers of Colors Stamps. I started with a canvas board, which I covered with an altered magazine page someone had sent me. I used Golden liquid acrylics in Transparent Yellow Oxide and Quinacridone Crimson for glazes. I also used stamps on the background and gesso. I was sent some pages from an antique Latin Bible, so used those to add interest to the background, and also as a background for the 4 Stampbord focal pieces. I used Ranger Antique Linen distress ink (one of my absolutely favorite inks), on the page pieces. I finished the project by adding a strip of vintage lace, and attaching two metal pieces for hanging. Using copper chain-by-the-foot (found at a local bead shop) for the hanger, I added copper wire with a few beads and other findings for the finishing touch. For stamping on the antique pages, I found that brayering Golden's Carbon Black liquid acrylic onto a printing block worked best. I then dipped the stamp into the paint, did some practice stamping so as to know exactly how much paint to have on the stamp, and stamped. Susan Chong gave me that tip because Staz-on ink pulled the paper off when I tried to lift the stamp off of the stampbord piece. I am not a rubber stamper of great experience, but this was a fun project to make. Thanks Laura, for the fun stamp designs from Layers of Color (www.layersofcolor.com).

Fall Skinny Book Pages

2008-11-01T13:03:00.001-07:00

Here are pictures of the pages I made for the Fall Skinny Book for Arttechniques. The top picture also shows some of the backs. No matter how I load pictures, the ones I want at the bottom are always at the top! Grrr.....

Fat Book Craziness!

2008-10-27T13:59:00.001-07:00

As you can see from the pictures below, my house has been a crazy place the last couple of weeks! Boxes and envelopes are everywhere, but we have 118 of the 120 pages in, and the last two in the mail. We needed a few angel swappers to fill in at the last minute, but, for the most part, this swap has had amazingly great participation! The theme is "Art Techniques", and it is for the Arttechniques yahoo group. From as far away as Cyprus, and New Zealand, pages represent almost every corner of the globe. It has been an overwhelmingly incredible project to be a part of. My husband hasn't gone too nuts over living in what seems to be a PO station, but I am sure we will both be happy when all of the boxes hit the mail! At least until I have to organize the 25 member Fall Skinny Book pages! 25 will seem simple! Thanks to all who are a part of Arttechniques. You all make it one of the best mixed media groups on the web!

120 Page Fat Book Sorting Day #1

2008-10-14T18:16:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos taken on day #1 of sorting the 120 pages for the Arttechniques Fat Book swap. The pictures were to have been in the opposite order, but you get the idea! Roberta and Susan made the day a lot of fun! Thanks to both of you!

Layers of Color Design Team

2008-10-07T11:43:00.001-07:00

I am excited! I was just approved as a new member of the Layers of Color Mixed Media/Fiber Arts Design Team! Check out http://www.layersofcolor.com/. We will be collaborating on mixed media art pieces using the fun rubber stamps from Layers of Color. Thanks, Laura, for the invite!

Harvest Fair Entry for 2008

2008-09-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for this year's Harvest Fair Art Show. It is a mixed media piece entitled, "Grapes Aglow." There are some hot foil accents as well as some foil under the painted grapes. I also used cheesecloth, Cran D'Ache, and acrylic paints. The painting is 16" x 16". I WON A 4TH PLACE RIBBON FOR THIS PIECE!

Full Moon Over Avila Beach

2008-09-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed watching the full moon for several nights while in Avila Beach. The light upon the waves was beautiful!

Avila Beach, CA

2008-09-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of several photos I will post from my recent vacation. Avila Beach is a small town south of San Luis Obispo. We love it here!

Book Available on Amazon!!

2008-09-09T11:34:00.001-07:00

Our book is now available on Amazon.com. It lists Elizabeth Dawson as the author (I guess they choose by alphabet!). Go to www.amazon.com and type in the book title, Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts.

NEW RELEASE AND SNEAK PEEK AT A PROJECT!

2008-09-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

The new release: "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts-Projects & Techniques" has 47 projects including never before seen assemblages, collages, jewelry, unique embellishments, sandbags and wearables. There are 28 techniques that teach you with easy to followstep by step instructions, how to create: fused paper fabric, stamping with molding paste, using inks with decoupage medium, alternative stamping ideas, wicking, acrylic paper mache', laminating & tumbled glass to name but a few. This 91 page, full-color book is crammed full of ideas, tips, alternatives and basic instructions. It is availableon-line at: http;//createspace.com/3346325A wonderful addition to your private library!

The photo is of

my assemblage, entitled- "Windows on the Past."

My Book Is Finally Available to Buy!! Yippee!!!

2008-08-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

I want to announce (finally!) that our book is available for purchase. You can go to: www.createspace.com/3346325 to order your copy. We are excited for this first volume in what we hope to be a series of books. We are currently working on Volume 2 which we hope to have published by late spring of '09.
I haven't posted a lot of art lately since my book projects need to be kept under wraps. I am also working on a jewelry book and really enjoying coming up with unique jewelry designs.

Life's a Journey

2008-07-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Another collage made on Photoshop. This woman just looked like she was ready for an adventure on the road less travelled. The graphics are from www.cottagearts.com. They have great graphics at reasonable prices.

Proof is Here!

2008-07-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Cindy received the proof for our book today! Just needs a couple of edits and then we will be selling it. So exciting! Who knew my art journey would take me down this road??

Enjoying a Lovely Summer Day

2008-07-21T14:52:00.001-07:00

Foggy until around noon today. Living only about 30-40 minutes from the coast gives us some foggy mornings. But this afternoon is beautiful, not hot or cold- just right! I took a few photos in my garden. Too cool to read in the hammock today, though! The hammock hangs between two tall redwood trees in one of my yard's corners.

More Experimenting with Photoshop

2008-07-20T14:37:00.001-07:00

Played around with Photoshop again today. Used a dover image and some more Cottage Arts digital graphics.

Red ATC Swap

2008-07-13T21:36:00.001-07:00

We are doing a color series in Arttechniquesatcs. This month's color is RED. Here are the four ATCs I made for the swap.

More Photoshop Experiments

2008-07-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

I took a few photos in my garden today and played around with a couple of the photos that I took. The rose is a 4th of July Rose, and the purple is a Clematis.

Color Principles Workshop

2008-07-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Using exercises learned when I took a Color class at our local JC by Lisa Beerntsen, I am conducting a two-month Color Principles Workshop for Arttechniques and The Artists Circle yahoo art groups. I found the class I took to be so very beneficial. Hope the participants feel the same when they are done!

Adobe Photoshop Digital Collage Practice

2008-06-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

My goal this summer is to gain a better understanding and ability in using Adobe Photoshop. Here is a collage I put together using lots of different elements and brushes. Fun to do! And with Adobe Illustrator, I was able to copy my font for the tag and make the capital F & S much more ornate with Illustrator's "glyphs" palette.
Celebrating 32 years of marriage today! Went and had a pedicure at the Coldwater Creek Spa; true luxury! Dan is going to have his first session with my trainer at 24 Hour Fitness. What better way to celebrate 32 years but with a commitment to get in shape and hopefully stay healthy for another 32!!

Simple Treasures

2008-06-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have sent a few pieces to Simple Treasures in Jefferson City, TN. These are my first consignment art pieces, so we will see how well they do. Jill Lester is part of a community renovating their old downtown. You can find out more at: http://simpletreasures.faithweb.com.

A Call for Art

2008-06-17T10:20:00.001-07:00

“A Call for Art”

Whether you are a professional artist or a new emerging artist, we would like to invite you to submit one or more jewelry projects to be considered for a future publication! You must live in the USA and be over 18. Please contact me at: sherresartzone@yahoo.com for more information. Thanks!

Adobe Photoshop Exercise

2008-06-10T19:03:00.001-07:00

I have been practicing with Adobe Photoshop using The Scrapper's Guide DVD. Her instructions are real easy to follow. This was fun to create. I used a vintage photo I accumulated from somewhere, and then used the great graphics that Cottage Arts has for download. There is so much to learn with Photoshop. So many secrets of manipulation! The DVD I am using is very helpful.

Doors of Santa Fe

2008-05-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the door images that I took pictures of while in Santa Fe.

The city was very charming and the Canyon Road galleries were such fun!

More to Come

2008-05-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

I need to edit some of my Santa Fe doorway pictures before I can post them. I will hopefully get to that this week!
Also, more fun gallery photos from Canyon Road.

Cafe Pasqual

2008-05-12T19:21:00.001-07:00

This funky cafe was noted for "the best breakfasts in America" in one of my guidebooks. This cafe had people waiting outside to have breakfast even on a Thursday morning and it wasn't even peak tourist season yet. Good food and fun atmosphere!