"Manifestation Map mini-series!"

Thanks to the continued snow days and the Cloth, Paper, Scissors mixed media map challenge, I was inspired to create a new mini-series!  The challenge was to create an 8"x8" mixed media map.   Most of the mixed media pieces I create are outward expressions of my inward journey.  I consider them maps of my dreams and desires or "manifestation maps."  I sometimes call them "power wish paintings" or "mixed media manifestations" as so many of them have come true.  I love creating mixed media pieces with layers of "paint, paper, and possibility!"

This challenge inspired me to think outside the box.  I decided to used 8" x 8" pieces of recycled cardboard from a box I found in the garage as I did not have an 8" x 8" canvas available and was NOT going out in the snowstorm to get one.  Painting on cardboard isn't new to me, but it has been a while since I've done it.  I had forgotten what great textures and rich colors are naturally present when using cardboard as a base.  I had fun layering tissue papers, patterned papers, newspaper, magazine clippings, old maps, and acrylic paints and adding outlines and borders with graphite pencil and oil pastel!  I enjoyed watching images emerge on the cardboard as I watched the snow fall outside my window!

The piece I chose to submit to the Cloth, Paper, Scissors challenge is "Follow your heART... it knows the way!"  This is the map I try to follow everyday as I work to create an artful life for myself and to share the joy and healing of art with others.  I hope you like it!

Here are the other maps in my mini-series ("Siren's Song," "Balance and Bloom," "Life Energy").

Enjoy!

Ocean Affirmations!

Here are some new minis I created to go with my "be a star" collage in "Cloth Paper Scissors" magazine!  Each beach inspired piece has an ocean inspired affirmation!  I am trying to practice these affirmations in my daily life..."listen to your whispers," "be open to possibility," "share your treasure," and "be a star!"  The beach has always been a source of healing and inspiration for me!  Hope you enjoy--see you at the beach!

"Cloth Paper Scissors" arrived today with MY art!!!!!

Just got the mail and the day I have been waiting for has arrived!  My painting, "be a star" is published in my favorite magazine, "Cloth Paper Scissors!"  This is a dream come true!  I  made it as a finalist in their "make mine mini" challenge several months ago and have been waiting on pins and needles ever since to see if I made the final cut into the magazine! I am pleasantly surprised and overjoyed to report that I made the cut!  I am now published and it feels great!  My artwork is on page 83 of the May/June issue.  What a way to start the week!  I am SOOO happy, excited, and thankful!

Hopes and Dreams take Flight!

I finally mailed my artwork to Cloth Paper Scissors magazine.   I stressed myself out wondering and worrying…should I decorate the box? what if it gets lost in the mail? what if it doesn't get there in time? what if they don't like it? Finally, I just packaged it up with love and care and said a little prayer. It was then that I realized, I wasn't simply holding a piece of cardboard.  This small box had become more to me.  This little box was not just holding my artwork, it was carrying my hopes and dreams.  I decided to give my box wings, set it free and let my hopes and dreams take flight!

Thank you Kelly Rae, Autumn Rose and fellow flyers for helping me find my wings.  Wish me luck!

YAY--I'm a finalist!!!

Just got the news today that I was selected as a finalist in the Cloth Paper Scissors "make mine mini" challenge!  I am soooo excited! Cloth Paper Scissors is my favorite magazine and I feel like I won the lottery!  Thank you to everyone who "viewed/liked" my pieces!  The next step is to send in the original and hope it's one of the pieces chosen for publication!  Keep your fingers crossed!  It would definitely be another dream come true!  The piece of mine that was selected is "be a star."  This was my personal favorite of the group I submitted.  The first layer of this mixed media piece is full of messages that have special meaning to me including a page torn from the Cloth Paper Scissors magazine and a newspaper headline that says "don't defer the dream."  Thanks to Cloth Paper Scissors and congrats to all the other finalists!

http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/reader-challenge/archive/2013/01/17/make-mine-mini-challenge-finalists.aspx

http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/media/9/default.aspx?PageIndex=2

Cloth Paper Scissors Challenge!

Started the new year by creating 5 new mini canvases to enter into the Cloth Paper Scissors Reader Challenge!  Each piece has a different inspirational message.  You can view my pieces and leave comments on their website http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/media/9/default.aspx?PageIndex=2.
My minis are on page two.  I also entered one of my mini 3-d cupcakes.

The finalists will be posted tomorrow.  Really hope to be one of them--wish me luck!

CREATE Mixed Media Retreat!

Just got back from the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in NJ!  Had an AWESOME time!  I enjoyed learning new techniques, playing with paint, creating art and making new friends!  I took two full-day workshops: "Storyblock Collage" with artist Jodi Ohl and "The Heart of Art" with artist Cindy Wunsch.  Both instructors were wonderful and their classes were so much fun!  They are both truly talented and amazing women!  I also ran into Jenn Mason, editor of my favorite magazine, "Cloth, Paper, Scissors!" If you are looking for a fun way to make mixed-media come to life, this is it.  I recommend this retreat to artists of all levels.  I hope to go again next year!  I love the new pieces I created: "create joy" and "Queen of heARTs!"  I can't wait to try out these new techniques at home. Thank you to all my CREATE friends!