333 Ways

reddragonfly workshop

2009-09-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

workshop
Soul Collage
Exploring extreme self-care through SoulCollage®
Monthly SoulCollage workshop meets to collage in community for inspiration, joy and clarity. Join us at anytime and bring a friend.

Date: Sunday, June 7, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11 2009
Time: 10:30 - 12:30pm
Cost: $35/person per session
Location: A Work of Heart, San Jose, CA 95125

Extreme Self Care means making choices that honor our well being everyday. It means telling the truth to ourselves so we can express our needs more authentically to the people in our lives. We begin to make choices from a place of love, expression and generosity. We become more open and available to people in our lives. At some point caring for others is just a natural expression of our own state of being and not a burden or an obligation. Suddenly, we begin to experience that we are all connected and that our actions impact each other.

The ultimate goal of practicing extreme self care is to empower you to design your life in such a way that leaves you...

living and working in an environment that nurtures you
surrounded by beauty
spending as much time as you need in nature
participating in activities that allow you to express yourself
or your creativity.
eating well, moving your body, and being in silence as
often as you need.
surrounded by people who have integrity, are attentive and supportive
of you, committed to improving the quality of their lives.
Your needs are a priority to you and honored by those around you.
This SoulCollage session is about getting connected to your emotional truth so you can express it to another and get the things you need. OR if you are someone who is connected to your truth then this can support you in supporting others.

See a gallery of SoulCollage Cards

What is SoulCollage®
"SoulCollage® is a process through which you contact your intuition and create an incredible deck of cards which have deep personal meaning and which will help you with life's questions.

Following the simple SoulCollage directions, your hands move fragments of cut-out magazine pictures around, fitting them together in a surprising new way and gluing them down on a card. Cards containing the images you select --- or the images that select you --- come straight through your Soul, bypassing the mind.

This is a multi-leveled, creative process which anyone can do. All you need is a good pair of scissors, pre-cut mat board cards, and images you can cut out from magazines, greeting cards, personal photos, postcards, catalogues, and calendars. It is wonderful to have other people with whom to share the process." ~ SoulCollage.com

Who should attend?
This class is designed for those who would like to explore the aspects of thier personality that craves pleasure, nuturing and fun. This is a great class for "chronic givers" who want to bring thier giving into balance. All are welcome to play.

What should you bring?

Magazines to Share (optional)
Magazines will be provided for you to rip and tear. If you would like to bring magazines to share, please do!

Quest4Wholeness.com

2009-09-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

I notice that this SC facilitator is offering a sc class in Mt. Hood, OR on Oct 3.

Quest4Wholeness.com
Are you a woman in transition experiencing any of these symptoms?
Do you feel like you don’t know who you are anymore
That you’ve lost touch with an essential part of yourself
That the life you are living no longer fits
Do you feel empty even though it appears that you have the perfect life
Find yourself longing for a deeper spiritual connection
Possess a desire to live from your heart
Do you wonder about the deeper meaning of life
Long to connect and live your creative dreams
To connect to a community of women
To feel whole again
Do you long to connect to the wisdom of your soul,
to become fully yourself, and to live your unique gifts?
This website is for women in the throes of transition who feel like they’ve lost a part of themselves and don’t know who they are anymore. It is for women who are committed to healing themselves, finding their true selves, and restoring the balance of the feminine. A woman, who is undergoing multiple life transitions, will find the understanding and support she needs to find her way to wholeness and to a richer and fuller life.
A Woman Will Learn How to Nourish Her Soul and…
find her voices
stand in her power
speak her truth
connect to the wisdom of her body
recognize her intrinsic beauty
reconnect to her intuition and imagination
manifest her uniqueness and creativity
live life in a balanced way
make a difference
and create a new earth by restoring the balance of the feminine
This work is for women who are committed to living
an inspired and creative life that flows from their deepest selves.

Also offering a 3 day retreat at Scotia House retreat center in Newport, WA: $179 limit to 12 ... including lodging and meals Fri 5pm to Sun 4pm

Soul Collage: Mercy Center

2009-09-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Mercycenter.org Healing of Grief and Loss... Soul Collage:
A Journey Inward
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Facilitator: Sister Margaret Ann Walsh, RSM
Come to the peaceful atmosphere of Mercy Center for a day of self-discovery and renewal of spirit. Mercy Center is a Retreat and Conference Center Located in Northern California's Sierra Nevada Foothills Come and be renewed in spirit mind and body. Soul Collage is a process through which one contacts your intuition, through creating a design by prayerfully placing images on a blank card. This is an amazing process for getting in touch with the inner you. The experience honors and explores the many aspects of your whole life. Throughout the day, we will have time for prayer, journaling, quiet reflection and sharing. You don’t need to be an artist to attend!
TIMES: 9:15 am - 3:00 pm
COST: $35 materials wil be supplied

Sunshine Coast SoulCollage

2009-09-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

sunshinecoastsoulcollage with Heather...SoulCollage: the perfect synthesis

I felt immediately drawn to SoulCollage® after seeing card images in Seena Frost’s book SoulCollage – An Intuitive Process for Individuals and Groups at a Women of Wisdom conference in Seattle. I bought the book and made a few dozen cards on my own, but felt that I wanted to connect with others using this process.

During a four-month work stint in San Francisco in 2008, I took a SoulCollage facilitator’s workshop with Seena Frost at a retreat center in Los Gatos, California. It was fabulous to share cards and inspirations with women from across the U.S.

Now I host SoulCollage workshops in the Pacific Northwest while continuing to relish the pleasures of creating cards and introducing others to this fun and revealing art form. SoulCollage is the perfect synthesis of my passion for image making, creativity, and self-actualization.

As a long-time professional writer, freelance photographer, and writing instructor, I find ongoing parallels between SoulCollage and my favorite creative forms. For several decades, I have had a passion for Jungian symbology, dream work, mandalas, and archetypal forms, using them as a path of inner exploration. SoulCollage integrates these interests and my spirituality in a truly fulfilling way. I love that these cards connect the Divine to one’s inner exploration and celebration of Self.

Suzanne Falter-Barnes Video

2009-09-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

video by Suzanne Falter-Barnes displaying a nice way to do a video that talks about an event. It is her later video and voice over and music attached to video shots from the event. Nice. Also on that page is "5 Reasons Your video isn't working for you" (another video)

Patience and Wisdom

2009-09-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

2009-08-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

link to Miami Soul Collage Facilitator who does workshops for cancer patients.

Library Books Out

2009-08-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

FVRL
- Inside the kingdom:my life in Saudi Arabia, Bin Ladin, Carmen.vDue: 8/21
- Deep play, Ackerman, Diane, Due 8/21

Cabin Door Idea

2009-08-09T09:19:00.001-07:00

2009-08-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

sillyhat
sweater
baby hat

SameDay Gift Ideas

2009-07-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Starbucks has gift cards you can order online. The Bday card says "Lattes are the new birthday cake" Inside: Happy Birthday Plus your personalized greeting on the inside. $15 min. value + $1.95 keychain + $4 greeting card = $20.95... but darn, only shipping, no pickup at store same day.... booooo

Dunn County Pottery

2009-07-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

website here. I found this while on the chase for the idea of "Same Day Gifts", inspired by the fact that tomorrow is Jim's Bday, and the day after that is Jack's and two days later is Matt's. I noodle on the idea of setting up same day gifts, you pick idea on the web, pay via credit card on the web, and the recipient goes to pick up the gift at the store. Dunn County Pottery is one such idea with a list of gifts. (I also like the red door with white edge ... would look nice on the cabin ... and such a pretty porch filled with fun things.
The site includes links to:
Accola Gallery in Durand, WI.
Aquarian Gardens in Menomonie
Bullfrog Fish Farm has an e-store
The Creamery Restaurant & Inn
Discover Downsville
Dunn County Artist Tour
Dunn County Historical Society
Mabel Tainter Theatre
Menomonie Market has a deli menu online.
Menomonie Chamber of Commerce
Natural Communities Magazine
Pin Cherry Inn
Red Cedar State Trail
Robert Giede Designs
Volume One Magazine

flowers

2009-07-21T11:16:00.001-07:00

Photos by Steph. A Hall here. I like his names for flowers... poetic ... and the black framing is stunning

2009-07-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Flower Ideas

2009-07-21T07:57:00.001-07:00

maxi dress

2009-07-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Simp 3503

Empire Waist tops

2009-07-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

More here

Photo Frame Ideas

2009-07-19T09:15:00.001-07:00

Quilts

2009-07-16T17:16:00.001-07:00

note cards

2009-07-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

Note cards

2009-07-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

101 Ways To Use a Note Card
by The Creative Mom on August 31, 2008

101 ways you can use a simple note card to enrich your life and the lives of those you care about…

Send a thank you note for a gift received. Your mother always said to send thank you cards. Your mother was right. Everyone appreciates being appreciated.
A friend is recovering after surgery, send her a little note to say you are thinking of her. Suggest dinner at their favorite restaurant when they recover.
After you return from a dinner party send the hostess a little note saying how much you enjoyed her efforts. Let her know your favorite part of the evening.
When you’re making lunches for your kids stick a note in to say how proud you are of them or wish them luck on a test or a game. Tape a small pack of m&ms or a Hershey’s kiss to the envelope.
If someone who works for you is doing a good job, let them know with a quick informal handwritten letter. You just need a couple of sentences and a minute or two to let them know you appreciate the job they are doing. Leave the note on their keyboard or in their box.
Instead of just handing your babysitter a check, put it in a pretty card and envelope.
Your husband or your wife has an important meeting or presentation at work, leave them an encouraging note to find before they leave. Put it in their briefcase, in the car or on the bathroom mirror.
Write a letter of appreciation to a solider, sailor or marine. Let the men and women who fight for us know we appreciate them. Write to someone you know, or send it to one of many organizations who help give our service men and women a piece of home.
Change of address cards. A fun and personal way to let your friends and family know your new address. Also include your email address as well.
Write a letter to yourself. Include what you want for yourself and your family for the future, give yourself some encouragement and remind yourself to change the batteries in the smoke detector. Seal the envelope and write the date for one year from today. Put it away and open it next year.
The out of the blue letter. Have you been thinking of someone you haven’t talked to in a while, like your quirky great-aunt Sally or your old roommate from college? Send them a short letter in a card that reminds you of them. You only need a few sentences to say you miss them, and it could brighten up their whole day. After all, everyone loves to get mail.
Write a letter to your congressman. Just because the subject of your letter is serious and a matter pertaining to the stability of the nation doesn’t mean it can’t be in a lovely card or on stylish letterhead. It might even have a better chance of getting read.
Write to your mother on Mother’s day. There are some things that are easier to write than to say. Yes, you still have to call her too.
Send a card with your gifts. A box of assorted candy is nice, but a box of assorted candy and a personal note saying how great you are as a friend is even better.
Send Christmas cards. Who doesn’t love to get Christmas cards? And, it is a wonderful way to let your friends and family know how you are doing.
Use a blank card that you like as a bookmark. It can keep your place just as easy as a dog ear, and you can make notes as you read about passages you liked or what friends you might recommend the book too.
A friend of yours has moved to a new house. Send them a card congratulating them and wishing them luck in their new place, or better yet send them a box of personalized stationery or address labels with their new address printed on them.
Someone you know has lost a loved one. Send them a card to let them know you care about them. Sometimes people don’t need casseroles, or attention or lots of people hugging them, they just need to know they are cared for and loved.
Write a letter to a child. Send a note to a niece, nephew, grandchild, godchild or neighbor who is just learning how to read. Print large and use words they will know. It will make them even more excited about learning to read. Make sure you address the envelope to them and encourage them to write back.
Write to a pen pal.
Send Valentines to all your friends and family. They don’t need to be fancy, just a little note filled with love will do.
A friend has loaned you a book, when you return it slip a note in the pages thanking them.
Send a note you your child’s teacher. You can thank them for all that they do, or let them know some information that would help them.
Graduation cards. Someone you know has graduated from high school or college. Send them a note of congratulations and encouragement. Include an inspirational quote or two, and they could probably use some money as well.
Send a card to all your friends, Irish or not, and remind them to wear green on St. Patrick’s day. Include a paper four leaf clover for luck.
No party is a real party without stylish and creative invitations. Even if it is a small group everyone will feel special receiving an invitation. Have the cards reflect the theme or the feel of the party.
New years cards. Did you forget to send Christmas cards this year? Do you want to send a card that won’t get lost among the throngs of other holiday cards? Start sending New Years cards. Everyone will be happy to get that one last card, and you can get the last word in.
Don’t forget Birthday cards! Instead of just a regular birthday card, send them a personal note thanking them for being a great friend and wishing them a wonderful year.
You’ve found an old photo of you and a friend or family member, send them a copy in a note card.
Birth Announcements. One of the best things to get in the mail is the announcement of a new baby. You might want to get these ready before hand so all you have to do afterwards is fill in the information and send them off. Don’t forget the photo!
So he finally gave you that diamond ring, now you need invitations! Wedding invitations and announcements can be fancy booklets full of velum and calligraphy or simple handmade cards. Let your invitations reflect who you are, and have some fun with them.
Someone you know has gotten a promotion, a new job or opened their own business, send them a note of congratulations. They deserve it!
Send cards on the 4th of July. Everyone expects cards during December, surprise them with fun and festive patriotic cards for our nation’s birthday.
Letters from your travels. Instead of just sending a postcard or two on your vacations, send a letter telling about the places you have seen and the people you have met. Include a photo or a small memento. Send these to yourself if you like, that way when you return home you will get to relive a little of your adventure and have a journal of events to keep.
Send a message in a bottle. Write a little note and put it in a bottle. Include your name and address (or email address) toss it off a pier or a cruise ship or a sailboat or the beach as the tide is going out.
Give a box of blank cards with unique designs as hostess gifts. It is an easy and thoughtful gift, and she can use them for whatever she likes. Including invitations to her next party!
Place cards. Want fancy place cards but can’t find any and don’t have time to make them? Use small note cards, and write the names along the bottom or top edges.
If you are hosting a bridal shower, have all of the guests print their names and addresses on envelopes. When the shower is over give the envelopes and the cards to the bride. Now she is saved from addressing the envelopes for all the thank you cards.
At the end of the school year give your kids’ teachers a box of cute stationery along with a note of thanks of your own. It is more creative than a apple and more useful than a ‘world’s greatest teacher’ trophy.
A charity, church group or service organization has done something for your community that you are grateful for. Send them a card and let them know that their efforts are appreciated. Most volunteers that work to better their community get little thanks for their efforts.
You have succeeded in one of your goals in life, graduated from college, medical school or law school, published a novel, run a marathon, defeated cancer or run for president of the United States. Send thank you notes to everyone who helped you along the way.

2009-07-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Spencerian

2009-07-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

link

Copperplate

2009-07-16T14:42:00.001-07:00

link ... Copperplate, also called Script, Engrossers Script and Roundhand in the 19th century, is elegant, beautiful and expressive. The technique is different from other calligraphy styles by using an oblique pen holder. Participants experimented with pressure using a pointed flexible nib and they covered both minuscule and majuscule letters. Instruction provided beginners with a strong basis for future development as well as stylistic refinement for intermediates and flourishing for the advanced participants. Copperplate can be a modern hand and is in much use today. It is ideal for wedding invitations and envelopes. Lots of handouts and advice were given, and we all had a great time exploring this elegant hand.

sympathy cards

2009-07-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

link

Fiber ARts

2009-07-06T16:02:00.001-07:00

1000 Journals

2009-07-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

link

Red Doors

2009-07-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

Surfing for an example of how to faux paint the cabin door red

Red Door: Peter Vey

2009-07-05T17:55:00.001-07:00

This is soooo beautiful. Click the small pic to see MUCH bigger with all the brush strokes!

Blue

2009-07-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

I like the shade of blue in the dresser. The owners kindly included the color formula here, saying "We have received so many questions about the paint colors in our place that we thought we would share some of them with you. most of our colors are custom mixed and we keep track of them by painting a small piece of wood and adding the formula on the back. light blue (walls, swing & faux bois): colorant 0Z 48 96, D thalo green 0 19 1, E thalo blue 0 16 0, L raw umber 1 45 1. darker blue (bedroom furniture & faux bois): colorant 0Z 48 96, B lamp black 0 24 0, D thalo green 0 24 0, E thalo blue 0 5 0, KX white 0 28 0."

BlueBook

2009-07-04T18:24:00.001-07:00

Handmade book, pages from manila folders, binding is long stitch, cover paper is my paste paper from a while back.

Chapin Porch & Details

2009-07-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

MiniBooks

2009-07-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the 10 little books I made for a swap

Science and Non-Belief

2009-07-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

I'm having trouble finding this book for the book group next Wednesday

Blue Benches

2009-07-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

Painted Birdhouses

2009-07-04T12:34:00.001-07:00

Chevron striped dress

2009-07-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Mosaic birdhouses etc

2009-07-04T12:24:00.001-07:00

Garden Makeover

2009-07-04T07:50:00.001-07:00

I love this lovelygarden from the UK. These ceramic sculptures were done by the gardener.
This is a door to a garage. I like the idea for the door to the cabin with a heart on it and faux paint vertical lines...
She really loves blue benches ... 3 of them.

and notice the bamboo feature...
and she just piled up all her old pots and made a lovely setting

Cayuga Park, San Fran

2009-07-04T07:36:00.003-07:00

6 neat things

2009-07-04T07:36:00.001-07:00

Painted Benches

2009-07-04T07:33:00.001-07:00

My Pattern Stash

2009-07-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

My Pattern stash
here. I just re-uploaded it to aretevision (thanks so much to Jack for the space)

Collage Diva

2009-07-03T09:59:00.001-07:00

CollageDiva

link

Red Door

2009-07-03T09:35:00.001-07:00

Love This idea. Blog here

Cottage Red

2009-07-03T09:27:00.001-07:00

Dog Costume

2009-07-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

Cute idea for Daisy when we visit nursing homes. I wonder if she'd put up with it?

daybed

2009-07-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

One more idea... if I use bright white as a skirt, tailored like a skirt on a slipcover...

Doors

2009-07-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

Looking for inspiration for Studio Door

Maeve Binchy Books

2009-07-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

Sticks.com

2009-07-03T08:09:00.001-07:00

Ideas for Studio Door display. Yesterday we gathered some sticks that will work. Now where to find wooden eggs?

Urban Farmhouse

2009-07-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

Urban Farm house vintage post cards back ground for product photos

Five Cool Things

2009-07-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

Such a pretty palette
So cute!
Lovely idea and lovely palette

Claygirl.com

2009-07-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

This is clay. Love it!

African Wallhanging

2009-07-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

Lao Tzu

2009-07-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage. ~ Lao Tzu

Daybeds

2009-07-02T16:25:00.001-07:00

I'm looking for ideas to cover the daybed in the studio... found these pics and a neat blog here

Daisy

2009-07-01T16:58:00.001-07:00

April 9, 2009

WW Kite Prep

2009-07-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Sunset Beach, Tarpon Springs, FL. March 14, 2009

Knot for Zebra Marimba

2009-07-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

so we remember how to retie after we trace the pattern

Dumpster Diving

2009-07-01T16:46:00.001-07:00

my fav hobby

REtreat Innsbruck CA

2009-07-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

March 2009

Venice Beach

2009-07-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Teesha of JOurnalFest

2009-07-01T16:27:00.001-07:00

here ... and check out her blog... w/ marimba-like music

Traci Bautista

2009-07-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

Collage Unleashed

2009-07-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Tote Bag

2009-07-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

by hrt2art at collage unleashed... from back in 2006

Quotes

2009-07-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
Life is sexually transmitted.
Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

JambaMarimba Printed Music Online

2009-06-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've been scanning all the printed music and putting it on our website. Plus, I've created a grid of all our music to keep as an agenda for practices.

Marion Coleman Quilts

2009-06-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

Marion Coleman, quilter says "An interest in history, people and the natural environment combined with a preference for rich, bold, vibrant colors guides me to create dramatic imagery of people and places. An unending source of inspiration continues to be old family photos, historical photos from the African American community, personal photos and memories of island life and the grandeur and beauty of the earth. I strive to present the textures and rhythms of our past while embracing the energy of today and the promise of tomorrow using an array of color. I developed an attraction for fabrics, threads and yarns as a child when I was taught to sew by my grandmother. I began making quilts in the early '90s after viewing a quilt show in a local museum. Since then my use of color has expanded with the introduction of ethnic fabrics and the availability of dyes, fabric paints and silk screening materials. With the expansion of computer technology I continue to explore photo transfer and transformation combined with textiles."

Amber with befunky.com

2009-06-26T17:03:00.001-07:00

All these shots of beautiful Amber were manipulated at the totally fun site... befunky.com. It's so much fun and so easy. Give it a try.

Amber, Camy and Brook

2009-06-26T16:28:00.001-07:00

These were manipulated with photoshop filters...
(click picture to view larger to see detail)

More of Amber

2009-06-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

(click on picture to view larger size, the small size doesn't show the filters well)
1. Filter= watercolor

2. No Filter

3. Film Grain

4. No Filter

5. Smudge

Amber and Camy: 13 ways

2009-06-26T14:42:00.001-07:00

Mari just sent a CD of Easter pictures... I've been playing around with photoshop filters on this photo of lovely Amber and darling Camy... (click photo to see larger image, since these smaller images don't show the detail very well.) The filter above is "palette knife" (my fav) ... others below:

1.filter=film grain

2.filter=cutout

3.filter=crystalize

4.filter=crackelize

5.filter=drybrush

6.filter=fresco

7.filter=oceanripple

8.filter=glass

9.filter=watercolor111

10.filter=sumi

11.filter=sponge

12.filter=sketchwaterpaper

Wet Willy on a purple wave

2009-06-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Windy day today. WW is at the beach tearin' it up. (This photo funked up with befunky.com)

african quilt

2009-06-26T10:03:00.001-07:00

I just returned from Cyndi's, as usual, inspired by her African quilts. I want to make one myself... here are some beauties:
African Quilt Market (Part Three)...15 x 30 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2008. #74/100 of the African Canvas Memory Quilt series.

more in the series here

Bleach Discharge Painting

2009-06-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

I've been doing so much painting of paper, but am going to try painting with bleach on dark fabric. Here's some inspiration:Gorgeous color result... from Enchanted Art, by Elizabeth, a fiber and mixed media artist living in New Mexico. She says "Here are some more bleach discharge experiments. I wanted to see if I could get some finer control over where the bleach went. This time, I used Electrasol liquid dish washer detergent with bleach, and put it into an empty glue bottle. It was a little bit too thick to get through the nozzle, so I had a little bit of a hard time squeezing it through, but not bad for a first try. The piece that is in the upper left, I did by squeezing a large amount onto the countertop, and swirling it around with my rubber faux finishing tool, and then laying the fabric on top. Got my counter nice and shiny too!

...and a lovely quilt by the same artist. I love the giraffe and the palette

Notecards...I have been having a lot of fun over the past few months painting papers. Many of the papers started off as being pages for some of my handmade books, but I was also trying to think of a way that I could show them off a little better on their own. I also sometimes do quilting and craft shows, and so I thought that these might make good pick-up items that people could buy for themselves or as a gift. I have done lots of different techniques to paint the papers including: stamping, resist, paste paper, brayer, monoprint, salt, and more. I also made a few fabric cards using some of the rust fabric that I made, and also some of the bleach discharge fabric that I did some time ago. Whether fabric or paper, I sewed each piece onto a cardstock card base, with lots of different kinds of threads. My favorite is the copper metallic! These little cards have proven to be quite addictive to make.

Delta Credit Card Approved

2009-06-25T15:39:00.001-07:00

American Express... look for plain envelop at 8O E.G. in 7-10 days. No fee first year. ($95 after). 25,000 miles after first purchase. An additional 15,000 miles if you spend $1000 in the first 3 months of membership.

8 Best Book Review Sites

2009-06-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Article: here...
New York Times
Washington Post
Chicago Tribune
San Francisco Chronicle
The Telegraph
Allreaders.com
Bookpage.com
bookreporter.com

I will not die an unlived life

2009-06-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

I am entering quotes in my db... and came across this one by Dawna Markova "I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise."

Acting Class CAST Theatre

2009-06-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

CAST is offering an adult acting workshop on July 25,26, Aug. 1,2 from 9 to noon at Columbia Arts, 215 Cascade. Sharon Laughlin, a professional actor will be teaching the class. Sharon graduated from the University of Washington in Drama and went directly to New York where she worked in theatre for 30 years. Shortly after arriving in NYC she began studying with Neils Miller who taught an acting technique based on the teachings of Francois Delsarte. The overarching idea could be summed up by what he calls “The Law of Correspondence.” which states that: “to each spiritual function responds a function of the body; and to each large movement of the body corresponds a spiritual act.” ‘Spiritual,’ in this context meaning intellectual or emotional movement. He observed in detail how energy and intention are expressed through the body via gesture and voice – the only tools an actor has to communicate with the audience. Sharon worked on and off Broadway, did national tours and Regional Theater such as Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Portland Center Stage, Stamford Theatre Works, Cleveland Playhouse, American Shakespeare Festival, Center Stage in Baltimore and many more.

The class will be limited to 15 and the fee will be $60.00 payable to Columbia Arts. Every participant will need to bring a memorized 3 minute monologue to the first class. If you need more information or help finding a monologue, please contact Judie Hanel at 541-386-6221 or judieh@gorge.net with any questions about the class.

Kerry's Wedding

2009-06-24T15:23:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited for Kerry, but sorry I'll miss the wedding. July 2. I need to remember to send something!

Eric Maisel...taking a break

2009-06-24T15:20:00.001-07:00

When you need a break from your project, Eric Maisel suggests taking a "passionate break of short duration" rather than a careless, extended break that threatens to lose all of your momentum.

He tells the story of a novelist who needed a break to solve a plot problem. Maisel writes that the novelist "knows that he needs a break but it is a break in the service of his novel. He isn’t intending to abandon his work or avoid the challenge. He is passionately interested in solving this plot problem and his brain is perfectly aware that he is passionate about this matter. So it takes a nice little break, providing ... mental rest, but it also continues working out of his conscious awareness, tackling the problem he has given it."

So, when you are stuck, frustrated, mentally exhausted or otherwise in need of a mind break, the principle to apply: Start with a small break and a splash of cold water, try other minimal interventions like a nap or a good night’s sleep, move on to a day sabbatical or a weekend vacation, and only in this incremental way proceed to a break with any real length or finality. If you are lucky, you will discover that all that you require is a passionate break of short duration.

Slice and stretch photo

2009-06-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

uses a duplicate print... link

Funny

2009-06-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

Summary of Life (sent by Jay)

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year-old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge ... mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.

SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is . . . . not piddling in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . having friends.
At age 17 success is . . having a driver's license.
At age 35 success is . . .. .having money.
At age 50 success is . . . having money.
At age 70 success is . .. . having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . . . having friends.
At age 80 success is . . . not piddling in your pants.

2009-06-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Claire from KaleidoSoul has a lovely website here

Catalyst Challenges 61-67

2009-06-21T18:54:00.001-07:00

Catalyst 61: Tell us about something that you always put off doing. Why
Opal Says:

Thinking about this week’s catalyst, “What Do You Put Off Doing,” I had no trouble coming up with several things. I am basically a procrastinator and will put off doing something for as long as I can. I had a plethora of possibilities to choose from. Where I live, we are just beginning to see signs that the long, hard, wet and cold winter is at last over. When the temperature is above 58 degrees, the neighbors are out in shorts and short sleeves, bringing their gardens to life. Every year I watch. And every year my non-existent garden, my bluff yard, stays the same. I put off any kind of work in the yard. I can grow nothing. The hardy survive! That is my gardening motto.

Last week I was visiting a friend’s quilting studio, and as I watched her trim off the corners of blocks, each one fluttering to the floor, the idea for my response took shape. I picked up all those triangles, each one with a flower or leaves or stems…and laid them out on the table. I saw the garden I wished I had. My piece shows the flowers and blooms that I long to nurture and grow. These reclaimed pieces and bits of growing things surround the reality of my yard. It makes me smile.

Catalyst 62: What’s a personality trait you admire/seek in others? Why

Catalyst 63: Tell us about your perfect day (either one you’ve had or one you imagine.)Karen Says:

There are some days that are meant to be perfect. Like a wedding day, a graduation, a birth, a honeymoon. But then there are those other days that start out absolutely ordinary. Never promising more. On rare occasions, one of these days turn out magnificent. Unexpected. Perfect. Those are the extraordinary moments life is made out of. Joshua Tree was one of those days for me. I will never, ever forget it.

Catalyst 64: Create art about a time when something that then seemed small happened but then it ended up changing your life.
Karen Says: Years ago, I was sitting at school with a friend who told me that a friend of hers (someone I only knew as an acquaintance) had had a really bad day. I am not sure what prompted me, but I emailed her friend that day and asked him if he was ok. Next thing I know, we were hanging out, becoming friends. And then dating. And then we got married. And now we have two kids. It all started with one single email. Amazing what can change in a moment.

Catalyst 65: Tell us about one thing you’d change about yourself (physical or otherwise).
Karen writes: When I was younger, I used to travel in a crowd of beautiful women. I don’t know how it happened but all my female “friends” were drop dead gorgeous and within a few weeks, my self-image managed to wither away to nothing. At the time, I started playing a game where each time I caught myself wishing I had someone else’s something (like hair or eyes or nose or legs) I would force the issue.

I told myself that the rules were such that I wasn’t allowed to take body parts or personality traits and plug them into the rest of me. If I liked someone’s something, I had to completely change places with that person. Not only did I get their whole body, but I got all their personal issues, emotions, family, psychological state of mind, past, living status, job and anything else you can think of. I basically forced myself to choose between me and this random (or in some cases not so random) person. Yeah, I got to have their small nose or blue eyes, but was I ready to also have their eating disorder? How about the disinterested mom? Was I willing to give up all of who I am to look like this person? It was my way of forcing myself to face the fact that people don’t come in pieces. You want a part, you get the whole thing. How do you like them apples?

In fifteen years, I’ve never met one person I was willing to change places with. I don’t know if it was the fact that I wasn’t willing to give up certain aspects of who I am of my life or the fact that I tend to favor the known over the unknown. Looking at a woman walking down the street, I can see she has pretty hair or a size-2 figure, but I can’t see what goes on in her head or how much she suffers daily. With me, at least I know the hand I am dealt and I know how to live within its limits, when to push it, when to enjoy it. The game’s done a lot to improve my self-esteem.

Catalyst 66: Create art around someone or something that you still have unfinished business with (something that’s been bothering you for a while.).
Karen Says: Four years ago, when my son was born I had a falling out with a good friend. We haven’t spoken since. Over the years I’ve often wondered if it was worth it. The fight we had. Whether it was worth losing the friendship. I am not sure. Sometimes I think maybe it wasn’t… This digital page uses the beautiful papers and elements from Kerry Lynn Yeary of Kenner Road.

Catalyst 67: What’s your favorite part about being a woman or a man? Karen Says:

I am a firm believer that women are the better and stronger gender. Maybe because I’ve been lucky enough never to suffer any kind of discrimination as a woman so I only see the advantages. The ability to carry babies. The ability to multitask and to love unconditionally. To care. To feel. To cry. To communicate. To be soft and tender when needed and tough when needed. To be gentle. To be intelligent and emotional at the same time. To get things done.

I am not sure why but I’ve always felt that women are, in general, more capable and more intelligent then men. I hold women in the highest regard and feel like I’m honored and delighted to be one. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

Catalyst Challenges

2009-06-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

...creativetherapy blog has a weekly "catalyst"... They began in March of 08 with the first catalyst: Something that you lost. It could be something good like weightloss, or terrible like a person, or heartbreaking like a friendship..., followed by the artwork from the various moderators. The one above is by Leena. Then they say "Now it’s your turn: show us your therapeutic art around “something you lost.” Give it a try. Embrace the healing power of art. Leave us comments with your work and we will send a RAK to a random participant. Remember this is not a competition. If your art makes you feel even a bit better at the end, you’ve won. Until next week, enjoy each and every moment."

5 photo editing tools

2009-06-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

link
Here are my five favorite photo editing sites:

Picnik
Picnik launched a couple of years ago and seems to be doing quite well. They offer a huge variety of enhancing tools such as special effects, creative looking fonts, shapes and frames. They’re known for their quick and user friendly interface. Their business model is a Premium upgrade account.

Be Funky
Be Funky is for the those wannabe artists who like to draw but perhaps aren’t too successful at it. They claim that they provide the tools for anyone to achieve “photographically rich and artistic results from their digital images without the need for any technical knowledge.”

Preloader
Preloader is fun because it’s specifically made for flickr users (that’s me). They integrated their application with flickr so all you need to do is log on to your flickr account through the Preloadr site. They offer tools to enhance your photos’ color, sharpness and contrast.

MagMyPic’s
I’ve seen some MagMyPic’s around and they’re pretty hilarious. If you fancy your photo on the cover of a magazine, this is by far the easiest way to do it. They’ve made the platform fool proof. All you need to do is upload your image, choose from a range of 33 magazine covers to plaster your face on and grab the code. Their business model seems to include the chance for the user to actually buy the printed cover.

Splashup
What was once called Fauxto is now “Splashup.” This site is great for people who are already familiar with Photoshop. The most complex out of the bunch, they offer quick, flash-based, multi-layer tools. You can utilize Splashup from a variety of social platforms such as flickr, facebook and Picasso.

Wet Willy Befunky

2009-06-21T14:19:00.001-07:00

inkify1low

5 Pretty Things

2009-06-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Great Idea: collage 5 colorful flowers together for a border
Great image: white robe, beach, hood, hi angle, wide view... Great image in b/w
Great foggy view
Lovely, gauzy, aery-faery, grainy (how to do that???)

pressed ferns

2009-06-21T12:51:00.001-07:00

I just tested microwaving ferns and leaves. Kinda shriveled so now I'm googling on HOW. They say: press between 4 sheets paper towel and plain paper on medium heat for 3-4 minutes. (I'll try an old book next) ... and below: inspiration for the results:Framed Botanical Art: Framed Pressed
Fern Picture on Handmade Paper
There is something to be said for the serene simplicity of a fern picture, it remains one of the most popular selections of those who collect botanical art. This finely cut fern is mounted on handmade paper, mounted on dark green mat board, emphasizing the naturally rough deckle edge of the handmade paper. The picture is framed in a handsome metal frame with a textured "aged bronze" finish, with acid-free matting and UV resistant glass.

Framed Botanical Art: Framed Pressed Fern Picture on Handmade Paper
There is something to be said for the serene simplicity of a fern picture, it remains one of the most popular selections of those who collect botanical art.

This finely cut fern is mounted on handmade paper, which in turn is mounted on dark green mat board, emphasizing the naturally rough deckle edge of the handmade paper. The picture is framed in a handsome metal frame with a textured "aged bronze" finish, with acid-free matting and UV resistant glass.
Framed Pressed Fern Picture
8"x10"
$85.00

Pressed Fern Botanical Card: Cool, serene, and calming...a finely cut fern ushers in a sense of peace.

Mounted on handmade paper, with lightly textured premium quality card stock. Heavy weight envelope included.

Please be aware that due to the uniqueness of every pressed fern used, your cards will differ slightly from this one. Each card is an individual creation.
4 3/8" x 5 3/4"
Pressed Fern Botanical Card $5.75

atc's

2009-06-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

by Micki at collageunleashed.... I love the colors and the design

Paste Paper and calligraphy

2009-06-19T12:59:00.001-07:00

here

Making a case bound book

2009-06-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

making a case bound book

paste paper recipe

2009-06-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

I'm going to make paste paper. These images inspire me to try different approaches ... beyond the diagonal combing I've done so much of ... above is simply stroking on with brush

RECIPE: I've just finished making paste with this recipe: 1. Mix 1/4c cornstarch with 1/4water 2. Add 1 c water and cook til thick 3. Take off heat and stir in 1/2 c water. 4. Pour into a container to cool To USE: mix 4 parts paste to 1 part paint , wet the paper... work on plexiglass smooth surface...apply paintpaste and swirl around

below is sponging on/off

and fingerpainting

Food and Faith, Justice, Joy & Daily Bread

2009-06-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

MCUUF received a lovely invitation from Bethel Congregational to join them in a biweekly discussion of the book: Food & Faith, Justice, Joy & Daily Bread , Edited by Michael Schut; With Wendell Berry et al. The group begins June 30 and will meet biweekly...

Review: "Food -- it's enough to drive you bananas: you are what you eat... food pyramids... organics... mad cow disease... animal rights... Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). Finally, a resource that examines food choices through the lens of faith. In bite-sized pieces, you'll learn to recognize and celebrate food as sacramental, consider the implications of food choices and find help to embody love and compassion in the wider world.

In a rare collection of voices, the authors of Food & Faith prompt us to explore the meaning of our meals. Here Vandana Shiva, Eric Schlosser, M.F.K. Fisher, Wendell Berry and many other authors explore basic issues related to food: its sacramental character, its connections to health, the demise of the family farm, the human and ecological impacts of industrial agribusiness, questions of genetically modified organisms and world hunger. A diversity of voices and a helpful study guide point to promising directions both individuals and communities can take to bring about a healthier and more equitable world through the food we eat. "

The best day of your life

2009-06-18T22:12:00.001-07:00

“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”

~Bob Moawad

polaroid transfer effect

2009-06-18T21:53:00.001-07:00

using Photoshop (link)

Karen Saro garden journal

2009-06-18T14:39:00.000-07:00