For All Those Survivors Out There

When I first created this arrangement of images, I thought, "Gee, looks like someone is laughing at the desert." Yes. A survivor can laugh at the hardships they have gone through. It may take years, but it is definitely something to look back at, only to say, 

"I made it!"

So for all our surviving friends, I want to say, you are an amazing person. You are strong, resilient and poweful...you are a Survivor!

I used my Marble Magic Paper Pack to create the background layer. It's a JPG.

I then layered the cactus, hat and skull from the Southwest Garden stamp set. They are all png's so they can be resized and layered, since they have no background. The set comes with color and black and white images, so by using the color ones, my card comes together quickly.

Here is the tutorial...enjoy!

Be sure to visit my shop, TheArtsystamperShop on Etsy. Right now everything is 20% off with an order of only $10. Happy 4th!

(sale ends July 8, 2019)

The Earth Laughs in Flowers

Hi! Welcome to my Studio. I have designed a new stamp set called, Field Flower Silhouettes. 

Years ago we lived in Upstate New York, north of Lake George. I took some pictures of the wild flowers in Chestertown, and now they are the essence of this set.

I love vintage. This card is the subject of the following video, along with another card which will follow this blogpost.

Here's the tutorial video...enjoy!

I have entered the following challenges:

Lil patch of Crafty Friends - Anything goes

Love to Create Challenge - Anything Goes Mixed Media/Creative

Crafter's Castle Challenge  - anything goes #18

My Time to Craft - Let's Get Krafty (use kraft)

Daisy Chain Challenges - monochromatic

The Happy Craft Challenge - June Link Up

Using Magazines in Collage

Magazines seem to be something that eventually get thrown out or (if we are lucky) get passed on. As an avid yard-saler, I find magazines for practically nothing. I love paper, so magazines that are downloads, or paper free don't interest me much.

There's just something about holding that page-filled periodical that feels special...like you are taking a tiny vacation...a little time for yourself.

Then there is the tearing or cutting!

Talk about therapy! I can tear, make a mess, then organize my colorful pages while I keep my husband company in front of the T.V. 

I can use the colors, textures, words and images in collage, mixed media and cards. It's a seemingly endless source of supplies as well as 

INSPIRATION.

I love collage. It's fun, relaxing and fulfilling.

See how magazines fit into this amazing art form.

If you like this video, please do me a favor and SUBSCRIBE and SHARE it with other paper lovers you know. More videos are on the way!

Enjoy the journey,