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

Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart

"Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart" is an original one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 12" X 12" deep edge 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. 

This collage was a complete joy to create.  There are a couple spots with text hidden in the layers.  'It's a good day' and 'thank you' are visible in the upper right corner, but 'simplify' is layered into this piece as well.  Can you find it?  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxo....

Springtime Awakening

Claudine Hellmuth is teaching her fabulous Composition Class at Big Picture Classes and the assignment for week one is to complete an asymmetrical collage.  I started "Springtime Awakening" five or so years ago with the turquoise painterly background, the music paper and her image. I loved how she looked against the turquoise, but I just wasn't sure what to do next. 

Once I'd reviewed the class materials, I thought back to this piece I'd started so long ago and decided that this was the ideal time to finish her.  I immediately thought of a really cool butterfly stencil called 'Flutter' that I got from Retro Cafe Art, and I also knew I wanted to add red.  Next, I used yellow to bring the attention back to her face and hat.  I'm so excited to say that I received a passing 'Asymmetrical' grade!  This is Claudine's feedback: "I love the way the butterflies lead the eye into the piece and bring us to the focal point! this is a wonderful asymmetrical!" 

A very exciting moment for me indeed!  Thanks so much for visiting...xoxoxoxo.....

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