She is Inspired

"She is Inspired" is an original, one of a kind, mixed media collage that I made by layering a 8" X 10" canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture.  This is a collage made using Tim Holtz Layering Stencils, a Dylusions stamp, vintage ephemera and vibrant oranges, reds, yellows, blues and greens.  

After layering the canvas with vintage papers and adding texture using modeling paste and the Tim Holtz Alphabet stencil, I went to my fabulous, fabulous Dylusions Stamps stash and chose Curious Corin to add a bold statement to the canvas.  She's colored in using vibrant and shimmery Smooch ink.  When I look in her eyes, I see strength and positive energy which I find to be quite inspirational!!  Do what you love....    

Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

I Am Free

"I Am Free" is an original, one of a kind, mixed media collage that I made by layering a 4" X 12" canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture.  This is a collage made using Tim Holtz Layering Stencils, a stencil from Retro Cafe Art, vintage ephemera and vibrant oranges, reds, yellows and greens.  

After layering the canvas with vintage papers and adding texture using modeling paste and the Tim Holtz Numbers stencil, I went to my stash of whimsical Retro Cafe Art stencils.  Where else can you find such a cool set of versatile and fun stencils??  I've used the dinosaur stencils in the past (again, too cool) but this background called for something more groovy...and so, I introduce you to 'Boogie'.  She is Free to dance the night away...and you know what....I might just join her!!  

Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Dare to be Yourself

"Dare to be Yourself" is an original, one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 4" X 12" canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture.  This is a collage made using Tim Holtz Layering Stencils, Stampotique Stamps, vintage ephemera and vibrant blues, oranges an purples. 

Earlier in the day and while I was cleaning up my studio, I had been choosing random stamps to stamp on plain paper.  These two were in my random selection and they happen to be the catalyst for my projects.  Yippee!!...Aren't Minkeygirl and Gibi the absolute coolest??  I used shimmery Smooch ink to highlight the girls here and there, such as Gibi's rocking pocketbook or Minkeygirl's heart.  I love these stamps!  

What better message for these girls to spread but to Dare to be Yourself?  Many of us need a little reminder now and then to be true to ourselves.  Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

She is Brave

"She is Brave" is an original, one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 4" X 12" canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture. This is a collage made using Tim Holtz Stencils, a Dylusions Stamp, vintage ephemera and vibrant purples, yellows and blues.    

I went into the studio with a blank canvas (pun...intended?...lol) and I started layering scraps of paper I had collected with no specific plan in mind.  What a great experience!!  The next piece that came to mind for me was the Tim Holtz layering stencil Numbered because I love numbers - and I happen to have this fabulous stencil nearby, cool, right!?!  From there I wanted to stay light in my focus and let the layers build themselves.  And to finish this collage, I chose Dependable Dotty from Dylusions colored with shimmery Smooch ink.  

She Shines, She Dreams, She Creates, She is Brave and she wants to share her positive message with you! Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxo

I Choose You This Day and Every Day

"I Choose You This Day and Every Day" is a custom collage I was commissioned to make as wedding gift this past summer.  I knew that the couple was married on the beach and the bride loved shades of Tiffany blue, reds and golds.  I wanted this collage to be relaxed, young, happy and non-traditional.  I also wanted it to be beach inspired with my twist so they're standing on colorful circles of sand....with a beautiful and bold sun shining on them.  

One of the first comments people make when they see a picture of this collage is that the bride isn't wearing shoes and I absolutely love that!!  But then they begin to see the hidden messages, such as 'This makes me happy' or "Remember This' or the ampersand in the lower right corner that the bride is leaning against.      

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to create this collage.  I wish them heartfelt joy and happiness in their marriage!  Thanks for visiting!!...xoxoxoxo....

  

Loved Her Right Back

"Loved Her Right Back" is an original, one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 10" X 10" wide edge canvas with scrapbook paper and blue, red and yellow acrylic paints. I used a bit of cardboard, a bit of fabric, and a metal pin along with some modeling paste for texture and variation. Then I add more layers and visual interest with ink, stamps, rub ons.  It's just the right size to fill a nook on your wall or site on your table with a family photo.   

I'm really pleased with how this collage turned out.  I wanted to create something out of an every day item and the nearby cardboard box was just perfect!  I balanced the weight of the cardboard with the shimmery softness of a lime green fabric bow.  I fastened the bow to the hear with a decorative metal pin.  

I truly believe we need to love ourselves first and I will pass this message on in every collage so that you can share in this positive vibe!  Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxo

Fall in Love with Yourself First

"Fall in Love with Yourself First" is an original one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 12" X 12" deep edge canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture. This is a collage of a bold orange/yellow asymmetrical heart surrounded by vibrant turquoise and red with touches of black, yellow, blue and green.  

The deep edge of the canvas makes it the perfect width to stand on a bookshelf or sit on your desk with family photo.  And it's the perfect size to fill a nook on your wall.    

I believe that we live fuller, richer lives when we love and respect ourselves first.  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxo

Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy

"Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy" is an original one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 12" X 12" deep edge canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture. Then I add more layers and visual interest with acrylic paint, ink, stamps, rub ons and embellishments.  I love to see the scrapbook paper showing through the paint, adding more visual interest.  

This is a pretty and bright melon, blue and green collage with a heartfelt message.  'Live with Intention' is hiding in there as well!  The deep edge of the canvas makes it the perfect width to stand on a bookshelf or sit on your desk with a family photo.  And it's the perfect size to fill a nook on your wall.  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxo....

Do What You Love

"Do What You Love" is an original one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 9" X 11" deep edge canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture.  Then I add more layers and visual interest with acrylic paint, ink, stamps, rub ons and embellishments. This collage is made of vibrant pinks and greens in contrast to the grey asymmetrical star.  It has a lively energy when you see it in person.  The deep edge of the canvas makes it the perfect width to stand on a bookshelf or sit on your desk with a family photo.  And it's the perfect size to fill a nook on your wall.  

This collage was made using paper by Glitz Design. I was in the mood for a star!  Often times when someone sees one of my collages they apologize for wanting to touch the surface.  This is the greatest compliment!  The surface has so many textures and layers and this is my goal.  I love that they're looking below the surface and noticing the layers of paper and paint and hidden messages.  My parting thought...'Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart'.  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxo....

Summer!

I've been so busy this summer!  The warm weather and long days don't last in New England so I've been taking advantage of the outdoors.  And now it's nearly August!!

I have two new collages that I made using Dylusions stamps and stencils by Dyan Reaveley and Ranger.  If you haven't heard of Dylusions or had a chance to check out her product line, please take a look.  I love, love, love working with her collection.  Not only are they begging to be filled in with bright, vibrant colors but the collection is easily interchangable.  A lot of her products are made for journaling and her line includes a gorgeous line of Dylusions Ink Sprays that blend beautifully on canvas, paper, etc. (Check out the Dylusions Journals as well - wonderful paper!)  Dyan's style is a great deal of fun and I'm so thankful Ranger produced her stamps and ink sprays and stencils and journals!!  

I think Dylusions are made for sharing becasue they're just too cool so I released them from their journal! "Beautiful" and "Embrace" are original one of a kind mixed media collages that I made by layering 8" X 10" canvas with paper and modeling paste for texture.  Then I add more layers and visual interest with acrylic paint, ink, stamps, rub ons and embellishments.  The Dylusions are stamped on vintage papers and colored with Smooch by Clearsnap.  Smooch comes in 32 pearlized colors and adds a jazzy accent! 

I believe in sending positive thoughts out to the world so you'll find that my canvases often have positive phrases hidden here and there.  It's even better when really cool artsy stores like Red Lead Rubber Stamps & Paper Arts feel the exact same and create positive, cool stencils.  'Embrace the special moments in your life' and 'she is Joyful' came from Red Lead.  Check out their fabulous site as well!!  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxoxo....

"Beautiful" by Danene Elise Designs

 

"Embrace" by Danene Elise Designs

A Dog Wags Its Tail With Its Heart

I'm the proud mom of a 11-year old long-haired tweenie dachshund who's name is Shamrock.  He is full of love and personality and I can't imagine a day without him!  He is always thrilled to see me when I get home and he loves, loves, loves his treats and belly rubs.  I realized that I hadn't made any dachshund-related mixed-media collages....until now!  Life is good!...thanks for visiting...xoxoxo...

You Make My Heart Sing

"You Make My Heart Sing" is an original one of a kind 8" X 8" mixed media collage that I made using paper, stencils, mod podge, acrylic paints, alcohol ink, American Crafts Dear Lizzy Collection, Prima Marketing Printery Stamp set, modeling paste and rub-ons from 7 Gypsies.  The fabulous vintage pic printed on metal is courtesy of 'Industrial Chic'. 

I love working with the various mediums, stamps, stencils, paints, papers and inks that are available today. There happens to be a little birdie peeking through this canvas - can you find her? I love the serious expressions you find in the vintage pics - I wonder if they were ever truly happy!?! Thanks for visiting...xoxoxoxoxo

Shine Bright

"Shine Bright" is an original one of a kind 11" X 14" mixed media collage that I made using paper, Christy Tomlinson's She Art 6x6 Mask Vintage Lace, mod podge, acrylic paints, alcohol ink, stamps, modeling paste and Christy Tomlinson's She Art Rubons Doilies and Doodle Flowers and 7 Gypsies rubons.  

A friend of mine says that this stencil reminds her of a pizzelle. Do you agree??...lol

This is My Happy Place

"This is My Happy Place" is an original one of a kind 11" X 14" mixed media collage that I made using strips of scrapbook paper, stencils, mod podge, acrylic paints, alcohol ink, stamps, modeling paste and rub-ons from Kaisercraft.   

I love adding houses to bright colored backgrounds.  And I might share a few happy thoughts along the way...

Cherish Everyday Life

It was so nice to see my family this weekend and celebrate Mother's Day. It was such a busy weekend that I'm surprised I completed two mixed media collage canvases - but I did just that!

 

Cherish Everyday Life is an original one of a kind 11" X 14" mixed media collage that I made using paper, Balzar Designs stencil 'Flowers' TCW327, Dina Wakley's 'Messy Circles' stencil TCW310, Prima Marketing's 'Stencil Bicycle', mod podge, acrylic paints, alcohol ink, stamps, modeling paste and rub-ons from Basic Grey, Kaisercraft and 7 Gypsies.