ambers-altered-art

My March entry for SPRING... Mind Wide Open

2010-03-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

The fabulous Gail Schmidt over at Mind Wide Open has posted a March Challenge on her blog. She has given us all the green background texture to work with and this is my entry. I used all vintage images that I digitally enhanced. Happy Spring to all!

Strapping in for take off!

2009-05-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

This past year or so has been so crazy for me and in particular, this past month...that yesterday when I returned home form work I finally sat down in the chair to relax and had the strangest sensation of needing to be strapped in...no kidding...I felt like I was moving-and needed to be safely contained. What a weired sensation!!!

Too much going on for this low key girl. I will be so happy when things slow down and the stress level returns to manageable state around here.

That being said, we are most of the way through purchasing a new home and hopefully will be moved in in a few weeks. I will have my own little art studio/space (for the first time) Yippee!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! St Patrick's Day freebie image photos

2009-03-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

Feel free to use these in your art work...to the best of my knowledge they are all copywrite free...Hope your March brings sunshine and your Irish eyes will be smiling!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T16:55:00.001-08:00

A Vintage freebie image for you to use in your art...please leave a link to your post and share how you used it :0)

How could it be? Let me check...Sure enough! MY 100th POST! YIPEE!!!!!

2009-01-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

It really came at a great time for me...I am growing and changing in so many ways...as an artist and on a personal level!
You know when there are times in your life that things don't seem to change much, you get in a routine and stay there doing the same thing? This past year has definitely NOT been that kind of year for me...When someone asks me how things are going, I honestly have reason NOT to say "same-0l' same-ol' "...but I CAN honestly say "I am blessed"...

Much has happened this past year and without going into great detail; I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer but because of catching it early, after a little surgery,I am fine...
My 14 yr. old son was diagnosed with celiac disease( cannot have even a speck of wheat/gluten) for the rest of his life; which was a blessing it was caught at his early age, but I have had to learn to cook separate meals, can't cross cross- contaminate when I am in the kitchen, etc...
I also went back to work for the first time in 13 years and that in itself was an amazing adventure (which I will have to share another time) and am doing floral design...
and seriously that is only the very TIP of the iceberg!!NO kidding!
OK enough of the personal raz-a-ma-taz...I really just wanted a chance to say how much blogging has meant to me and that when I first started out blogging I had no idea what to do and where it would take me...I have to say that I have met some of the most incredible and special kindred spirits that could have shared my computer waves...it is like this big world of ours is a little more friendly and a little less scary...a little more creative and a little less harsh!

Thank you my blogging friends for making my corner of the blogging world a little brighter and my heart a little a little lighter for having crossed your paths..........

Please join me on my new blog at http://analteredlifeblog.blogspot.com/ I plan on continuing my artful journy there and I would love it if you would join me!

Happy New Year and an update of sorts...

2009-01-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!!!

Looking back on this last year for me has been one of many changes...many of them good and some not so much! But through it all I am finding that I am counting my blessings and growing closer in my faith and stronger as a person...

With every frustration in my life I purposely try to find a blessing to counter-act it...I have even been accused of being a "Polly-anna" at times and just smile and am thankful, it is more of a compliment to me than the person knows...

With returning to work, I am finding I have much less time to create than I want...but I guess that just means the projects I pick will have to be that much more meaningful that I choose to spend my time on...

My New Year's Resolution is to be better organized so I can spend my time more wisely...and one of the things I wish to do is allot some time to blogging!
Many blessings in the New Year! and stay tuned for new changes to come...you won't be disappointed!!!

Life leads me by the hand...

2008-11-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

and all I can do is go...

My life has taken a few new turns in the last few months...I have had to take a hiatus from blog land to catch up on things around the home...

I have created, but have not posted and have truly missed all of you!

I will post more very soon...

all is well...counting my blessings!

To have and to hold...

2008-08-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Most of my summer has been spent refining my floral designing skills...I have been working full time managing a floral shop... (ie. completely running the shop...)

These are photos from a recent wedding that I did. I hope to get more photos from the photographer when they are finished.

For now I hope you enjoy these, and I will share more when I receive them...

Whispers Of Inspiration...something new

2008-05-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love this little photo of this darling girl and her doll...I couldn't resist and just had to use it as the photo for this ongoing theme...as if she is sharing her innermost secrets...

At times I have had little whispers of inspiration from things I have either seen or heard...maybe a movie, something in nature, an ad in a magazine, a song verse...you get the idea...don't ya???

Well I have decided to finally do something more than just use the old noodle file system which more than not seems to fail me when I really need it... so I am starting this on-going chapter of sorts on my blog called Whispers Of Inspiration.

I will be adding to it whenever and whatever strikes my fancy at the moment...please feel free to comment or add to it as you wish, the more the merrier!!!

another digital quickie..."Ode to Spring...

2008-05-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

digital collage done with paint.net...still learning, still playing :0)

...hoping your spring is glorious!

Countdown to Mother's Day...

2008-05-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Just a few more days left to Mother's Day!!!

...so with Mother's Day on the horizon I digi-layered several photos together for you to enjoy!!!I have never had very good luck with Photo Shop even though I kind of occasionally hobbled along...I just never found it very user-friendly for me...but amazingly I downloaded a program called Paint.net and Surprise Surprise! I can actually pull something together and use some of the beautiful vintage photos that I have stored on my computer.

Hope you like it! This is my first attempt, and I am sure I will be playing with it more in the future!

I visited my Mother who is in failing health and deep cleaned her house...that was my Mother's Day gift to her...I would love to hear what you did for your Mother this year or what special gifts you received...please feel free to share :0)

Blessings to all and hope YOUR Mother's Day brings you great Joy!!!

Susan and her Garden...New Art on my ETSY site

2008-05-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a peek at my new altered art piece done on deep edge gallery wrap canvas...

I have been wanting to do more personal inspired original art and well frankly, I just sat down and picked out a few art supplies and with the Muse of the beautiful Central Oregon sunshine this is what came about! It turned out quite playful with the use of several mediums...

You can see the listing at my new ETSY shop here http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5246949

I would love to know what you think!!!

MAY SPECIAL : If you mention that you saw the link on my blog you will receive the shipping on your purchase for free!

Far too long...

2008-04-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

I have really missed creating and posting...Since the first of the year I have been working a part time job at a floral shop and after not working for about 13 yrs. ( staying home and raising my kids) it took all my energy just to rearrange our schedules and responsibilities...but we are doing better than ever now!!!

I have the next few days off and I couldn't wait to jump in here and try to catch up...

First of all, I hope everyone is doing well...There were a couple of new blogger friends visiting in my absence and I would like to welcome them...

Bill http://lovingherbeautiful.blogspot.com/

Bill is having a challenge called... I never got to thank you..

(taken from his blog)..."I want to tell you about a writing project I’m working on that I think will interest you. I’m gathering a collection of Thank You Stories. A Thank You Story is a thank you letter written to someone who’s had a life-changing impact on you. The letter tells the story of how your life has developed because of that impact.I plan to publish the Thank You Stories in a book, titled I Never Got to Thank You. And I would love to include your letters."

I am submitting a Thank you letter about my childhood Dog Tip...

and Mindy Sommers http://www.vintageartdownload.com/

Be sure to check out her site as it is packed full of great stuff to play with!

Also, I couldn't stand not creating art and put everything aside yesterday and created a fun new piece, I will show you tomorrow...so please check back...

bye 'til then...

Freebie image for St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patricks Day! Boy Easter is just around the corner and will be here before you know it!

I have been in the throws of change and will have some fun news to share soon...stay tuned!

Vintage postcards

2008-02-11T08:18:00.000-08:00

I am selling some of my beautiful 1900's original vintage postcards at my Creative Call Studios shop.

Click here to see them and while you are there don't forget to click on some of the other wonderful artists shops and take a look at what they are offering as well.

Gothic arch challenge- Gypsy

2008-01-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at a Gothic Arch :0) I know you are saying "Where has she been?"...but up until now I have resisted the urge because I knew I would really like to work with this shape...Yep, I was right---what fun!

The challenge group GOTHIC ARCHES had the theme Gypsy and I thought it was the perfect time to jump right in and get my feet wet!

PW banner project...Work in progress

2008-01-13T14:16:00.001-08:00

Before the end of the year I wanted to create some vintage banners with inspirational words and suggested it to the Paper Whimsy mods...they agreed that it would be a fun swap and set it up...I signed up for the "y" in JOY with a pastel color theme!
I have two other swap partners and we were asked to make a third for charity...( I will post a link when I have it for the auction)

Here are some W.I.P. photos...I have been working on the last of the details and should have these finished by this evening!

These are the basic banners: Home Decor/upholstery banner shapes in light green...satin swags and pom-pom trim...hand-made paper background...Paper Whimsy images that have been embellished with chalks...hand-drawn "Y" letter, covered in tissue...and pencil embellishments... Starting to assemble: added lace and flower trim at bottom tip...pink paint dots around frame...embossed the letter Y in gold and clear...added a few other details and will show you the finished product soon...

2008-01-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

Creative Call Studios:
A gathering of Christian Artisans
Creative Call Studios has brought together a diverse group of independent artisans whose work reflects their Christian beliefs and offered that work for sale to the public in a unique virtual market setting.
At Creative Call Studios, you will find the best work of juried artists in a variety of genres, including mixed media, collage, altered art, dolls, bears, primitives, folk art, contemporary art, wearable art, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, and pottery.
http://www.creativecallsstudios.com/ The artisans at Creative Call can’t wait to share their goodies with you!

Stop in and see some of my art at An Altered Life http://www.creativecallstudios.com/analteredlife.html

two-4-one challenges...hand made paper background

2008-01-09T10:56:00.001-08:00

hand made paper background
Originally uploaded by createdbyamber

This background paper was made for a yahoo group challenge
called Designer Paper Challenge and this is how mine turned out :0) (photo at right)
I stumbled across a new challenge blog http://ismaki.wordpress.com/
They had such a fun template to work with I just couldn't resist!
the photos below are a result of that challenge...
I guess I should have moved them to a different area to snap these photos but my camera batteries were dying and I was lucky to get these...The photo below (left) is a work in progress using my hand made paper (above) for the larger tag and the smaller tag some hand made paper that I recently made for a PW group project...
...and finally the finished product all put together in the center photo!

The weather outside is frightful...

2008-01-08T11:57:00.001-08:00

My daughter got back to college just in the nick of time before this new snow storm hit...
Jack frost has deposited more snow since I took this photo this morning.

I hope you are all nice and cozy and creating art this afternoon!!!

...the rule of thumb at our house is if we get more than an inch of snow, the boys get hot cocoa! I have some happy little boys at my house today!)

...hot cocoa hugs to all!!

*****UPDATED

I just got back in from a wonderful snowball fight with my two boys and the two neighbor boys...we built up snow forts for protection and got busy forming snowballs, then the countdown and KAPOW! Let them fly!!!

Way too much fun had by a 40 something yr. old LOL!

I felt like a kid again, catching snowflakes on my tongue and tasting fresh snow...hearing the scrunch-squeak-whoosh of my footsteps and throwing snowballs!!!! Ahhh what a fun day!

Happy new Year!!!

2007-12-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

Just a quick greeting to wish you a Very Happy New Year!!!

I wish you all the best in the New Year...health, happiness and a year full of creative art and smiles!!!

blessings,

Amber

A very busy December...

2007-12-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

Boy, I bet you wondered if I fell off the edge of the planet or something LOL!!!

Some of the highlights of what kept me too busy to post much this December:

Remodeling our 2 bathrooms...

Celebrated 20 yr. anniversary with hubby...

Hubby on a 2 week vacation from work...

Daughter back for a 3 week Christmas vacation from college...

Smallest son celebrated 7th birthday...

These are all good things but kept me very busy :0) I do hope January brings me a more quiet schedule...so I can spend more time creating!!!

...more to come soon...in the mean time enjoy the vintage image freebie from my collection!

I hope you all had a Blessed Christmas and a wonderful December!

Santa Claus Fest...image freebie

2007-12-06T23:50:00.000-08:00

I found a wonderful blog dedicated to St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6th and to participate we are to share something...

I found this lovely vintage image in my special Holiday file...I hope you can use it and enjoy St. Nicholas Day and the coming Christmas Season!!!

Visit the blog here ...scroll down and check out the links on the left hand side...enjoy!

Also over on Tim Holtz's blog he is demo'ing the 12 days of Christmas tags, with all kinds of wonderful ways to alter the tags...Don't miss this great free resource!

A week of Thanks and Giving Challenge...

2007-11-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

Dont' you just LOVE it when things come together for a greater good??!!!

...Last night while listening to one of my favorite radio stations, they had a call in called "Thanks and Giving" and I thought How cute is that???

...so this morning over my cup-O-joe, I was looking over this card I made from Crafty Secrets products "Grateful"...and it all fell into place!

I would like to start off this challenge with a Thanks and a Giving for the next 7 days...and extend it to all my blog friends to do the same...then post a link here to your blog...

Doesn't that sound like a great way to begin the Thanksgiving countdown week???

International bloggers, please feel welcome to participate also :0)

...I'll go first...

My Thanks is: ...that God is the center of my life, I will be married for 20 yrs. in Dec. to a loving husband...I have the most talented and beautiful 3 kids any Mom could ask for...and that my Melanoma was discovered early and removed completely!!!

and my Giving will be: these free images for you to use from my collection!

To the best of my knowledge these images are free from copyright and can be downloaded and used in your art :0

Now, it's your turn! What are you thankful for and what to you want to give/share with us??? The giving can be anything...if you have been inspired by this challenge and made something for a friend or family member or you can also share a recipe...anything! Kind of like a Pay-It-Forward :0)
To participate, just post a link below :0) Looking forward to seeing all your links!

When Fairies go bad...

2007-11-09T21:07:00.000-08:00

Fluffy Fatbottoms Twisted Tuesday challenge this week had such a fun theme I couldn't help but sit myself down and create...

This little fairy has mischievously stolen a feather, when no one was looking...and she couldn't be more proud of herself! Someone really ought to explain to her that that's not a very nice thing to do!

2007-11-06T08:13:00.000-08:00

You Are 9: The Peacemaker

You are emotionally stable and willing to find common ground with others.
Your friends and family often look to you to be the mediator when there is conflict.

You are easy going and accepting. You take things as they come.
Avoiding conflict at all costs, you're content when things are calm.

At Your Best: You feel connected, trusting, and fulfilled. You feel at peace with your place in the world.

At Your Worst: You compromise your values to make sure peace is maintained. You give in to bullies.

Your Fixation: Harmony

Your Primary Fear: Causing conflict

Your Primary Desire: To preserve things as they are

Other Number 9's: Marge Simpson, Ronald Reagan, Audrey Hepburn, Jerry Seinfeld, and Abraham Lincoln.

What Number Are You?

Pumpkin Brownie recipe and newest cards...for Fall

2007-10-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

I had wanted to post these cards earlier but, better late than never as they say!

These cards are made on a blank notecard base with some fabulous vintage images from CRAFTY SECRETS...

These brownies are "to DIE for" waawahhwaawahh!!!

Seriously they are absolutely delicious!!! Try them and let me know if you like them as much as my family does :0)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Brownies

Cream until Fluffy…
1 C. butter
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. Vanilla

Combine separately…
2 C flour
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. nutmeg

15 oz. canned or freshly cooked pumpkin
2 C chocolate chips

Alternately add dry ingredients and pumpkin to the butter mix. Stir in chocolate chips.
Spread dough into greased 9X13” pan. Bake at 350* about 40 minutes.
Slice when cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar to serve.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2007-10-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

A few artists over on the Paper Whimsy Yahoo group submitted some pink inspired art for breast cancer awareness...This IN THE PINK limited edition sheet will be available for a limited time, through December 31, 2007.
All profits from the sale of this sheet will be donated to promote breast cancer awareness. Purchasing this sheet will, not only give you amazing images to use in your art but also support the fight against breast cancer.

Click here to go to the Paper Whimsy website order page...

I have three featured pieces on this sheet :0)

...this sheet was electronically reproduced for my blog with Gale Blair's permission...

I won! Very exciting news...

2007-10-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

I entered an Studio Challenge Design Contest (you know me, love those challenges) at Julia Andrus...the theme was Fall projects...and I won! Whoot Whoot!
Very exciting too because I get a wonderful gift certificate to spend on her website! I will show you what I ordered after it arrives...
Go here to see my featured art on the home page http://www.juliaandrus.com/
and of course I used a fabulous image from Paper Whimsy !

Altered tags...and Arty Girlz

2007-10-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

These three tags were made for the Paper Whimsy Tag Book that I hosted this Summer, using Gale Blaire's fabulous images and art bits...(from the Left) Front Tag Book cover, (middle) Inside back cover, and (right) Outside back cover

It was so much fun and the Tag Book turned out spectacular if I do say so myslef!...

Arty Girlz is having a TAG challenge on their blog and since I had been wanting to post these anyway, the timing couldn't have been better!

WS...Inspiring Autumn

2007-10-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

I just love Autumn!!...The crisp, cool air and the anticipation of the coming Holidays...
The colors of Autumn are what the Wednesday Stamper theme is for this week... I originally made this ATC for the Gallery but found that it fit in quite nicely in all its Autumn colors for Wednesday Stamper!

Background: acrylic and paper napkin cutout
Image: Paper Whimsy
Charm : Speckled Egg
Text and embellishments: Vintage and found

Courage...and flowers

2007-09-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

This was made for a gal in one of my art groups that has just experienced a close family members tragic death...One of my dear friends is putting a 5X5 fatbook together for her...
It is always so hard losing a loved one and especially before their time...sending healing prayers!!!

Background: acrylic and watercolor
Image: Paper Whimsy
Found flowers and ephemera

This is also my entry in a new challenge group Arty Girlz
with the theme flowers...

The quote says "The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one minute to the next"

Freebie image ...

2007-09-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have been fiddling and fussing with my blog template (as I am sure you have noticed) recently and just wasn't happy with one thing or another...I finally decided on this black one :0)

I will probably leave well enough alone for now...thanks for bearing with me as I have been trying on new colors and designs!

For your patience I am adding a FREEBIE image from my collection...for you to download.

Happy creating!!!

Smile...Think Monday Think ATC

2007-09-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

This is another ATC I made for the Gallery...I am also entering this is this weeks Think Monday Think ATC challenge...the theme is smile :0)

Wednesday Stamper...fish ATC

2007-09-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

This is the first of several ATC's I am sending off to a Gallery...It just so happened to fit in with this weeks WS theme!
I will be uploading some more over the weekend, so keep watch!

Background: Mulberry paper and ephemera
Fish stamp: source unknown

It's about time...

2007-09-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

It's about time I checked in on my blog and gave an account about my whereabouts in the last Month!...a lot has been happenning...

**I got some scary news about my health that made me stop in my tracks... I was just diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer but caught it early enough that it hasn't spread...read more about it here : TheARTofhealing Care Page...

**My husband and I had been toying around with the idea of me returning to the work-force, but thankfully it was agreed upon that I would continue to stay home and sell my Art for extra income! So I am going to look into selling for the first time on Etsy...stay tuned as I hope to get a site up and running soon!

**I was asked to become a co-moderator in one of my very favorite Yahoo groups; PaperWhimsy The group is not only a showcase for using Gale Blaire's fabulous images but it is a gathering of some of the most talented artists (I feel) on the web...so I am very excited to begin this fun new adventure!

**I am getting ready to send off several pieces of art to a New Gallery in Gresham, Oregon called RAGING TORCH...it is a glass blowing gallery with featured local artists...I will update you as soon as I can get some photos uploaded...

And if that's not enough...

**My oldest ( DD) has flown the nest and is settled in a Private Christian Liberal Arts University about 3 hrs. away...I really miss her...This will be the first time in 15 years that I haven't had at least one of my three kids at home.

I think you can see that I won't be sitting around wondering what to do with all my free time LOL!

Blue ATC

2007-09-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is my newest ATC made for the Wednesday Stamper group...the background paper (that I altered with blue acrylic paint) and bird stamp is from Crafty Secrets...I also used a Paper Whimsy image. This will go on the front of a blank journal that I am working on...

Blog template and update...

2007-08-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

This morning I was playing around with my blog and realized I needed to update a few things...before I knew it I had updated the template so I could easier add page elements but I realized when I did I lost several things... one being my blog friends links...OOps!!

Ah well, I wanted to add several new blogs to the list so I guess this is an excuse to do so...

If you visit my blog or I am on your blog links and would like to be included, please just leave me a note and I will add you :0)

Thanks for your understanding, I'll try to get right on this!...

Double the honor!

2007-08-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Wow, I couldn't be more honored than this...I have been nominated for the NICE MATTERS blog award from two seperate blog friends...How did I get so lucky???

First Gail from shabbycottagestudio nominated me and then Angela Angela's Art Diary nominated me also... I couldn't be more grateful! Thank you both for considering me for this wonderful award...I am truely honored!!!

I will update this post with who next will have this award bestowed on them shortly...

Happy surprises...

2007-08-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

My sweet Hubby brought home some beautiful flowers to me on the anniversary of our meeting each other 20 years ago...What a sweet surprise!!!...Our real anniversary isn't until December :0)

...I popped into the bookstore the other day and picked up the current copy of Somerset Studio and Cloth Paper Scissors magazines to peek at what was new...In both magazines many things caught my eye but in particular one artists work really stood out and demanded I look at it over and over again taking in all the small details that make her art what it is...The artist is Tracie Lyn Huskamp and if you haven't witnessed her art I encourage you to do so :0)

Call it timing or call it fate but when I got home I looked her up on the internet and was pleased that she was having a giveaway on her blog and I threw my name in the hat for the drawing...I was one of the winners of her outstanding bird stencils...They came in the mail yesterday all tied up in a pretty pink ribbon...I couldn't be more excited!!!I never win anything it seems... and I LOVE birds, so I am one super happy girl!!!

I can't wait to start playing around with them and see where my little mischevious MUSE takes me :0)
Thank You so MUCH Tracie, what a fun surprise for me!!!

2007-08-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

What color is your soul painted?

Yellow

Your soul is painted the color yellow, which embodies the characteristics of joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, gold, hope, sociability, friendship, courage, intellect, confidence, communication, travel, movement, attraction, persuasion, and charm. Yellow is the color of the element Air, and symbolizes the sun, grain, and the power of thought.

Click Here to Take This Quiz

Quizzes and Personality Tests

Where's the Mouse???

2007-08-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite photos from our Disneyland trip...Did you notice something missing? Where's the Mouse?

I tried to get the interesting elements of our trip as well as those great D-land shots of the kids and Family, but I think I only got one shot of us with Micky....

The top left shot is of my 12yr. old son waiting in line for one of the rides...The Red pick-up was at a California roadside fruit stand that we stopped and got fresh fruit for breakfast one morning on the drive down...The two middle are just fun elements in the park (people were really funny watching me and trying to see what I was taking a picture of LOL)...

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!!! I have more to post later, so check back soon :0)

WS Wednesday Stamper Challenge...BUTTONS!

2007-07-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

This ATC has been created for Wednesday Stamper Button Challenge...I used an All Night Media button stamp and turned the buttons into flowers :0)

Some photos from our Seattle trip...

2007-07-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

I am having trouble with my USB port on my computer not recognizing my digital camera...so instead of photos of our Disneyland trip, I'll share with you some belated photos of our Seattle trip.

This first photo is a hand-painted/altered photo of the Starbucks clock tower. The sky was a little drab so I decided it needed color...and so why stop there...I added a little color to the star, crown and architecture :0) We love our Starbucks!!!

These next two are of Pike's Place Market...I real cultural experience! So much to do and see---art, music, gifts, people, food---you name it!...and these last two are just a small example of some of the incredible produce you can find there!!!

I want to wish all of my friends from the US and worldwide a happy July 4th ...something we all have in common...( LOL!)

hugs to all!

Wednesday Stamper... Polka dots

2007-06-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have to make this a quick post...but I am back!!! We had a wonderful time ( details to follow tomorrow) and I couldn't help to jump in on this weeks Wednesday Stamper with my Polka Dot ATC....

I used my favorite polka dot maker: a toy Nerf foam dart (you know the kind with the suction cup on the end?!) ...taken from my son's abandoned collection :0)

I also mounted the image on a button and made a black crepe paper flower center...

Be back on tomorrow...I have to go catch up on laundry LOL!

Hugs :0)

The Happiest Place on Earth!

2007-06-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

We are off to Disneyland on Vacation until the 18th...We are taking a family trip and driving down...( I know, with the gas prices, why are we driving???...but it is cheaper than all of us flying LOL)

So with sunscreen, bandaids( for blistered feet) and my new digital camera (yipee) we are heading off for a much needed vacation! I hope you all will enjoy creating while I am gone...and I will sure miss playing,painting,stamping and collaging... and of course all of you while I am away!

This will be the first trip to Disneyland that I haven't been pregnant LOL! Actually, the last time we were down there, I found out I was pregnant with my youngest! LOL (Boy, that's a story in itself and worth saving for another time:) Hugs to all...see you soon!!!

She sells seashells by the seashore...

2007-06-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here is my 4X4 that I made for my assigned swap partner for a swap hosted by Danielle Muller The Vintage Dragonfly ...
It reads "Never let Yesterday fill up Today"...The theme was vintage bathing beauties ie.--"She Sellls Seashells By The Seashore"...
I bet if you put your ear up to the seashell, you can hear the ocean...LOL!
Have a great artful day!!!

House work Stinks! Collage....Wednesday Stamper theme DOORS

2007-06-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

Boy can I ever relate LOL! Housework is not my favorite thing to do LOL!!I started out with a vintage photo and a rough idea of a heart within a door...

The painted background is on artists matt board with stamping into wet paint for texture...I turned the photo into a house shape... collaged with found ephemera and then hand painted the flowers and clouds...

I didn't quite plan it that way but it turned out to be a Claudine Hellmuth style collage :0)

Hope you like it!

WS games collage

2007-05-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

"Queen"...this is my entry into the Wednesday Stamper theme this week.

This was done on a vintage BINGO card...gesso'd,painted and stamped. Then collaged and glittered! Thanks for taking a look :0)

Crafty Secrets: crown, wings, playing cards, vintage games &

background stamps

Wednesday Stamper...Fleur De Lis card

2007-05-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to enter last week but couldn't come up with the right stamp...this week the theme is Fleur De Lis and I couldn't find and appropriate stamp either but got a little creative and found some card stock with Fleur De Lis image (from K&Co)...I background stamped a beautiful flourish from Crafty Secrets "Cherub"Clear art stamps in ColorBox chalk olive pastel ink...I added some fun image stickers from Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage collection "Wonderful Women" and finished off edging the card with the olive pastel ink and added some ribbon trim... Oh, I almost forgot---the inside says "Your support means everything"...Thanks for looking!

http://wednesdaystamper.wordpress.com/

Neatness VS Creativity???

2007-05-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

I need to put to rest a question that has plagued me since my earliest creating adventures...

Please Leave a comment below and help me answer this artful question...

Is neatness more important to you ( ie. executation, attention to detail etc.) or the creativity (color combo's, and design) of the artwork???

I would love to hear from you on this!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2007-05-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Mother's Day...I hope you had a wonderful day!!!...

It was a perfectly beautiful Central Oregon afternoon and I enjoyed it with my family...we took a nice hike with a picnic and then tonight my kids and hubby cooked me dinner...Yum!

hugs,

Amber

This card is from some of my new papers and images from Crafty Secrets ...

Thank you!!!

2007-05-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note of thanks for all of you wonderful art friends who have stopped in and left comments on my blog...I wish I could respond to you personally but haven't figured a way to do that yet! I really appreciate you taking the time to look at my art and leave a note of encouragement!!! It means a lot to me :0)

I just returned from a quick trip to Seattle ( a business trip) with just my hubby...Never left all three kids before, but it worked out just fine. My DD (18 yr.) watched the boys and my wonderful neighbor even invited them over for dinner for the two nights we were away!!! I even had time to take some great photos while hubby was in a meeting! I didn't take along my digital camera, just my SLR so I will have to get them developed and scanned before I can post them...hopefully soon!
Hope you all are having an art-filled day!
hugs and blessings,
Amber

Wednesday Stamper..I've been framed!

2007-04-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here is this weeks entry for Wednesday Stamper...the theme was "framed"...

I decided to make a card with a border to "frame" the card...

I started with a vintage map paper background and vintage "Au Revoir" image from Crafty Secrets...I stamped "Bonjour" and misc. stamps, then added a transparancy image of the Eiffel tower from Artchix Studio...

I played around with pen doodles on the inside edges of the girl image and around the outside edges of the card...the black arrow and letter B is from Crafty Secrets...the red numbers are found ephemera, then added red punched stars, inked and chalked it to distress...

Thanks for looking!

Wednesday Stamper...Grunge!

2007-04-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

What a super fun topic to dabble in this week...Here is my entry for Wednesday Stamper...The theme this week was GRUNGE...

My entry started on a vintage Bingo card...I then layered bits of paper ephemera, a vintage photo image, a gesso wash, stamps, more paint, more stamps...then finished it off with vintage lace, vintage 15 cent ephemera piece, black german scrap border, fibers and chalk!

Hope you like it, I had great fun with all the layers :0)

FUN beach trip!!! and some photos...

2007-04-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a wonderful trip to the Oregon Coast about 4 1/2 hr. away...We stayed the first night at my sister-in-law's house and was so suprised by the incredible sunshine and wonderful Spring weather!!!...
We really enjoyed her back yard and garden...and even got a little sun on our cheeks!

We also visited her shop called JOVI in the Historic Nye Beach area...

and dropped in at a local art Gallery...

...then ended the trip the second night by staying in a Yurt at a local State park...and even had a camp fire and roasted marshmallows!... I like mine nice and brown and crisp but not burned :0)

The next morning the boys went to the beach and then we all took a stroll along the Newport Bay, got some Clam chowder at Mo's restaurant and picked out some Salt Water Taffy at a Candy Shop... and enjoyed snacking on it all the way home!!!

Fun Fun Fun!!!

Altered Diva bird collage

2007-04-18T10:55:00.001-07:00

Altered Diva bird collage
Originally uploaded by createdbyamber.

Found text...background paper and images by Karyn Gartel for the Altered Diva Collage contest...This is my favorite piece I made...if you are interested in seeing my other pieces I created just click on my Flickr badge on the lower right hand side of the page...

The quote says..."Being challenged is always better than having something given to you, no matter what it is. If you haven't been pushed to your limits, you'll never know what your limits are"...

Wednesday Stamper...Auto's

2007-04-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

I have been in a creative frenzy and haven't caught my breath to post as promised...I have been playing with my new Clear Art Stamps from Crafty Secrets ! If you haven't tried these type of stamps yet I encourage you to give them a try...I LOVE them!!! They are so easy to use and to store... All you do is peel them up from their storage sheet and stick them to an acrylic block!

I found the perfect outlet for trying these stamps out called Wednesday Stamper...

Each week they post a challenge...then you create something using their theme and at least one stamp...this weeks challenge is Automobile...

so here is what I created... a fun ATC!

One thing that I did was to stamp the birds on vintage paper, then cut them out...and chalked them! Text is from a vintage book...

I'll have more to post soon!

2007-04-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a blessed Easter!!!

2007-03-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

I got some very cool supplies from Crafty Secrets and had to share with you...these paper pads are heavy, double sided 6X12" paper...There are some really beautiful designs in wonderful colors and patterns...One of the things I liked about their size is that it is so easy to cut the paper in half to make two different Art Squared 6X6" collage bases! WhooHoo...Easy Peasy!

I will be posting what I have been doing with all this inspiration as I create it

...for now, here is a Prim tag I made using an image from CS "Joys of Life" vintage booklet...I made this for the ZNE group Style try for March which was Primitive ... Watch for more fun to come!

New contest!!! I had to join in...

2007-03-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

I was invited to participate in the Altered Diva Collage contest on Flickr by Karyn Gartel...
The idea is to use Karyn's fun and colorful collage sheets to make up art including (altered books, collages, cards, scrapbook pages, assemblage, or ??) and enter your art into the group pool on Flickr...If your entry is the chosen one, you get some of her newest collage sheets...WhooHoo!Deadline for entering is midbight on April 30th, 2007.
I'm a sucker for a contest but more than that I have really admired Karyn's artsy style and couldn't resist the chance to explore and bring out my more colorful side!!!
I will post my entry here as well as on Flickr when I have finished playing...I'm anxious to see what I come up with!!!

Happy first day of Spring! Today is the Day...

2007-03-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Drumroll please...The winner of my One Heart One World giveaway is...

#62 Seeking Simplicity!! Whoo Hoo, you made it just in time :0)...You will get the ATC and all the ephemera pictured and a few extras thrown in for fun!!!

The runners up are...

#42 Shelle, #54 Paper Moon and #37 Angela!!!

Shelle will get a suprise ATC and a few pieces of ephemera to create with...Paper Moon and Angela will each get and suprise ATC for being the lucky names drawn...

This has been so much fun! Way to go girls!!!!

I will try to contact you through your blogs and if you don't have your email on your blog, you can email me (through my blog profile) with it so I can get your sddresses to send the goodies too!

Tomorrow is the big day!...Drawing on March 21st!

2007-03-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

This has been so much fun...When I first read LISA's blog, I thought what a great idea...there is something really wonderful about joining hands, hearts and blogs all over the world :0)
I have been having fun getting to know each one of you better through your blogs and I hope to have made some new Blog friends along the way!...

I am adding some more great ephemera and photo images to the giveaway because I'm having so much fun and would like to see them bring a little happiness to whomever's name is drawn on the 21st...
Don't forget to add your name (see previous post, below) for a chance to win the ATC and ephemera listed....

If you don't have your email addy on your blog profile, please check back here on the 21st to see whose name was drawn and I will also draw the name of two runners up for a small surprise also!!!
Hope you are all having fun!!!
Artful hugs,
Amber

Feeling a wee bit Irish???

2007-03-13T23:25:00.000-07:00

Do you have a wee bit of the Leprachaun blood running through your veins? I thought it would be fun to suggest a few fun ideas for you and your family to enjoy the day even if you aren't a bit O' Irish...

Start your morning with Lucky Charms, corn pops (looks like gold nuggest) or fruit loops(looks like a rainbow) cereal...

Lunch could be brocolli soup or spinach salad or try a veggie sandwich (cucumber,green pepper and sprouts on cream cheese)...

and don't forget a favorite Irish dinner of corned beef and cabbage with new red potatoes...and dessert of mint chip ice cream!

I hope you have a wonderful St Patrick's Day and don't forget to wear green, otherwise, you'll never know when you'll get pinched (or by who LoL :0)

Here is a link for more fun ideas http://southernfood.about.com/cs/stpatricks/a/irish_recipes.htm

One World One Heart ART giveaway...

2007-03-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

... on March 21 to celebrate friendships World wide there will be a grand scale Spring fling giveaway...created for us all to draw a little closer together by Lisa Oceandreamer...
"The celebration will not only be for the winners - it will also be a celebration that our worlds have come even closer together, our friendships expanded and our hearts beating as one."

If you would like to read more about it and see the list of everyone giving away a prize go here - ONE World ONE HeART Giveaway.

Spread the love, spread the giving, spread the word!

I am giving away an ATC and some Ephemera and for your collection...

Just leave me a comment

if you would like to be
added to my drawing.

You will recieve...ATC (bottom left corner), German scrap images, striped paper, (on right)vintage photo images and vintage foreign book pages...

Please feel free to leave a comment to win, even if you aren't participating in the One World One Heart Giveaway!!!

I hope you are looking forward to Spring as much as I am!!!

Please don't forget to view my previous post below for another chance to win some of my art for a very good cause!!!!

A chance to win an altered wall Quilt and Altered purse...

2007-03-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

If you missed the chance to bid on the altered art quilt that I had created to honor 7 yr. old Josh Phillips and his courageous battle with cancer...
here is another chance to enter a drawing to win

the art quilt
and newly donated altered art purse http://www.znestore.com/page/page/4294294.htm

A winner will be chosen on March 15th from among the entries....

My good friend Chel from ZNE will be donating ALL proceeds to the Full OF HOPE Fund, in memory of a brave young boy, Josh Phillips who tragically lost his life to cancer earlier this year...

Please click on the above link to get more details of the drawing...it's coming up soon...so don't hesitate!!!

Many blessings,

Amber

2007-03-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is recent artist interview by Deb Silva of Artella Daily Muse...

Sunday's Artist Profile: Amber Heagerty

Daily Muse: How would you describe your art?

Amber: Probably the best way to describe what I do is Altered Art or mixed media.
DM: Tell us more...
Amber: I love taking either a blank piece of paper or canvas and start layering little bits and pieces of ephemera, paint, stamps, fibers, charms and images until I am satisfied with a textured collage...I LOVE texture and layers!!!
DM: What is your favorite piece of your own art and why?

Amber: My favorite piece of my own art would be my first altered art piece that I ever did...It is a sculpted and altered cold plaster bust with a collaged hat...Kind of funky but I felt like a true artist creating it!

DM: What art supply can you not live without?

Amber: Hmmm tough choice...but I'll have to say my fingers...I just couldn't live without them, I use them all the time to spread paint, blend colors and smooth down glued paper! I'll also have to add my imagination...it's my one greatest asset! But as far as something inorganic, I would have to say a good adhesive like Gel Medium.

DM: Is there music that you love to hear?

Amber: I most always listen to light classical...It lightens my mood and makes me feel creative!

DM: Which artist(s) do you love?

Amber: I really admire Angela Cartwright and her style...I love how she incorporates her beautiful photos into her art...I have had the good fortune to be currently working with her in an Altered Book Round Robin in one of my art groups and have been enjoying seeing her art in person!

DM: What books do you love to read?

Amber: I usually find myself reading the current art magazines for inspiration and I read Claudine Hellmuth's books, Traci Bautista and Lynn Perella's books.

DM: Do you have favorite movies?

Amber: One of my favorites is Sound of Music...I also love Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (gee, guess who never grew up! LOL)

DM: Which artist(s) inspire you?

Amber: I am fascinated by Maggie Taylor's work and the whimsical/surreal feel to her pieces... There are more but too many to list.

DM: Whom do you admire most and why?

Amber: I have a friend who is a incredible artist and recently found out that she has breast cancer. She is JoAnna Pierotti of Moss Hill Studio. I admire her honesty, her faith and strength in sharing her struggles and growth through battling such an uncertain future. She is truly an inspiration!

Amber is a self taught, mixed media artist who has always had a very vivid imagination. She has always loved art and creating things since childhood. She challenges you to find a little bit of that childhood imagination in each of her pieces. Her items are one of a kind designs full of whimsy, full of texture and vintage touches.

© Artella 2007 All rights reserved http://www.artellawordsandart.com/This interview may not be reprinted, reproduced, or retransmitted in whole or in part without the express written consent of Artella. All articles sole property of Artella

Some Good News...I've been published!

2007-02-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

I have 3 pieces of art in the Feb./March issue of Somerset Studio's Stamper's Sampler!!!
Whoo hooo...

The art challenge was to alter clothing tags and make them into cards...! All three cards were made by altering jeans tags...What a fun idea!
I really enjoyed this challenge :0)...and of course it really is a lot of fun to see my pieces in print for the first time!!

Hmmm, now what else can I find around here to alter??!!!!

Valentine's Day wishes! XXXOOO

2007-02-14T08:44:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day wishes! XXXOOO
Originally uploaded by createdbyamber.

Wishing that your day will be filled with hugs and kisses and lots of chocolate LOL!!!

Lot's of LOVE and and blessings to all my friends...

...these are some of my ATC's and Altered postcards on Flickr...

Update on Josh...Joshua’s courage, strength, and faith may be a beacon of hope to all those that knew him

2007-02-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

I am sad to say that Josh Phillips has passed from this Earth, into the loving care of our Heavenly Father...His little life was short and although we might never have all the answers here in this world, I believe that there is a reason for everything...His life had a purpose and he touched all those who knew him and knew of him... (this is a picture of him before he got sick)

His parents and brothers are still in need of all our prayers...
I am sure it is a difficult thing to lose a child, or someone you love...I can only imagine how hard it is when holidays or birthdays come up...
Although I have never lost a child, I have lost a father...and though we were never all that close, when he passed away it left a small space in my heart that was only his...It has been many years now but every Feb. 22nd I remember his birthday and miss him...

Josh's family has asked that all donations be given here: Full of Hope... 111 East Citrus Avenue Redlands, CA 92373
The Full of Hope Fund was created in remembrance of Joshua Dylan Phillips who passed away after courageously battling Burkett's Lymphoma. This Fund will provide continuing hope and support to the families with children braving the fight against pediatric cancer. All monetary donations and other contributions made in memory of Joshua will be used to assist families with the many challenges endured during this difficult time, including, but not limited to medical bills and other financial hardships, and child-emphasized, hospital entertainment equipment. Pediatric cancer is the number one disease-related cause of death in children in the United States. No matter the amount of your gift, it can help make a difference in the lives of families who need it most.

Also an update on the quilt auction...

My sweet friend Chelise from variaZioNE had the winning bid on my art quilt...She has offered to generously donate the funds to Full of Hope, and is planning on setting up a Lottery for the art quilt...It will give those of you that missed the auction one more chance to bid on the art quilt (with of course all money going to Full of Hope )and as a bonus I am donating an altered art mini purse to be included with the winner...I will post more as the details unfold, right now they are in the planning stages...

LOVE...

2007-01-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

LOVE
Originally uploaded by paperwhimsycollagegallery.

My current ATC entry for the Paper Whimsy "Very Special Valentine" challenge...

Help for a little boy with cancer

2007-01-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,
I have listed an art quilt on Ebay for the sole purpose of helping a family who is in financial need because of their small son Josh who is 7, is sick with Burkett's Lymphoma...
The 7 year old nephew of a neighbor of mine, Josh, was diagnosed with cancer almost a year ago. He has two brothers, Riley (almost 9) and Tyler (3 1/2). Josh has been through tons of treatments and a bone barrow transplant (his little brother was the perfect match!). Needless to say, his family has been through a traumatic ordeal, and many ups and downs. They have been told he is cured from cancer two different times. The saddest news of all took place just two days before Christmas. Josh's parents were told his cancer was back and all over his liver and gall bladder. Doctors said there was nothing they could do to save this little boy's life.
Josh is in a lot of pain right now (we were told he has just a week or so left to live). He wants his dad by his side every minute. Because of this special request, Josh's dad has decided to not go back to work right now. Josh believes in Jesus, and the family's faith is absolutely amazing and inspiring. However, Josh is afraid to die. What little child wouldn't be? He won't take naps by himself because he does not want to be alone - ever!
Why am I sharing this sad news? I was just informed their family is starting to see some major financial struggles. With John (Josh's dad) not working, and all their medical bills, money is starting to get very tight. I would love to find a way to help this family-
I realized that this can happen to any of us at any time. I know I would appreciate help. Thank you, in advance, for your support and time.
Please feel free to pass this along to all your friends or groups as I would like to donate a good chunk of money to their family in their time of need...
Blessings,"
Amber Heagerty

I've been thinking...

2007-01-19T11:41:00.000-08:00

I have two different styles of art that I create...

The first being "Intuitive"... I have a general idea or maybe a challenge to work from...Then I pull out from my supply, papers, paint and embellishments that I think will fit my theme...Then I usually create a background first, add a main focal image, then add embellishments and/or text to finish my art...

The second being...I have a definate idea, I make a rough sketch, I go out and purchase supplies and then get to work making my design...

In the first way or the "intuitive" way, the fun for me is in the actual creating...The waiting to see what I come up with or how the piece turns out...

The second way, the "definitive" way, the fun for me is in the dreaming up and planning the idea...The actual creating is a little more precise and less exciting but far more satisfying when my piece is completed...

Which way do you create??? I would love to hear your style of creating!

As promised...photos of my assemblage!

2007-01-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of me in front of the Gallery...It was about 10 degrees that night and I flung off my coat and my Hubby snapped the shot... LOL!

It took me a while to get some photos uploaded of my assemblage pieces because my digital is on the fritz...actually one of the photos is overexposed, so maybe I can upload it at a later time...

This is my found art assemblage titled "Within"...

It started out on a 1 1/2" deep edge gallery wrap canvas...On top of that I added a sculpted and painted wire mesh layer...then an altered and painted nubby textured paper layer...then a found wooden disc with vintage brass door knob piece...found object filigree accent with vintage B4 bingo button...burnt matchsticks and feather wings...
Below is a vintage ruler piece and vintage bingo dots and old key...

...check out my link on Nov. 30th for more details if interested :0)

A few more ATC's for trade...

2007-01-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

I have 3 more ATC's for trade...and would love to find them a good home!!! Just email me or post a comment if you are interested :0)

Artists Trading Card ATC swap

2007-01-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

I found this cool swap on
Joyce Vance's blog

I thought...Hey why not, I have some ATC's needing a new home...Here are 4 for you to choose from...

The bottom ATC says"They can conquer who believe they can" Virgil

Just send me an email or leave me a comment if you would like to trade.

An Old Year to reflect on...A New Year to celebrate!

2006-12-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

This past year has brought many changes and challenges...
Reflecting on where I've been this past year and where I wish to go in the year ahead, I would have to say I've come a long way!
Last year at this time I wasn't sure where my art would lead...I made some plans and set some goals and am happy to say that several of my goals have been met this past year and a few more goals will be completed in the upcoming months!
I have also met some very special art friends that have become very near and dear!!!

Do any of you make New Year's Resolutions? I usually don't, or maybe I should I say I haven't in a very long while...
...I want to make a positive change toward my health this coming year ..First, I want to exercise more consistantly... second, watch what I eat a little closer...and third be a little more organized...
I thought if I posted this that it might somehow make me more accountable :0) ...

I am really looking forward to what this New Year brings!!!

I would love to hear from you and feel free to post your own New Year's Resolutions so that we may encourage one another and keep the friendship growing!!!

Many happy Blessings in the New Year...
Hugs,
Amber

...I am offering some ATC's on Ebay at end of the year clearance prices...if interested click on my Ebay "About Me" link off to the right and it will take you there :0) Thanks so much!

Time for a change

2006-12-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

You might have noticed that I have changed the color of my Blog...
I wasn't satisfied with the other color...and every time I logged in, I just didn't get that welcome feeling...Sooo, I decided on blue...I hope you LIKE it and I think it will be a more inviting color to live with year 'round!

This is an altered postcard I made for a swap in my Paper Whimsy group using a Paper Whimsy image....I started with a flash card base that says LIKE and added the german scrap bee and edged it in gold leaf pen...Sweet and simple!

I've been tagged by Kat...6 weird things about me???!

2006-12-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Boy...to be perfectly honest here I would think that I fall under the STRANGE or DORKY catagory...But you may think I'm weird...so here it goes!!!

1.I absolutely will NOT eat tuna with tomatoes...it makes me physically ill...I think it has to do with a chemical reaction in my system or something but it is NASTY!!!!

2. I would rather organize than clean any day!!! I love to start a new project...my curiosity gets the best of me and before I know it I am sorting and organizing in a flurry...but put a duster in my hand and I freeze! It really drives DH crazy!!!!

3. Because I have red hair my eyelashes are almost non-existant without mascara...I never leave the house without it and only a handful of people have seen me without it on!...(they always stare and ask if I am feeling OK??!!) LOL

4.My hands are not pretty...I like to wear my fingernails short and often they are not manacured...I admire people who have beautiful nails and hands but by the time paint wedges itself under my nails or around the nail bed or glue glazes itself over my fingers...it just isn't a pretty sight!!!

5. I don't know when someone is being sarcastic with me...I guess you could say that I'm kind of gullible (at least that's what DH calls it)...I have kind of a straight forward personality and don't understand when someone is teasing me...I do have a great sense of humor though...just don't do sarcasm!

6. I twist my hair...when I'm especially tired or stressed...you will find me generally twisting my hair...(a habit from childhool I guess) ...I tend not to do it in public though, LOL!!!

I guess that's it...You can decide what you think of me :0) Hopefully you have found something that you can relate to... or smile at!!!

Thank you Kat, that was fun!!! Now who to tag next! I'll have to think about it and post them a little later :0)
OK I tag Lisa, Tejae, Rella, Gale and Cara

Make a snowflake

2006-12-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

Remember when you were young and made paper snowflakes? They seemed so exciting...all the folding and cutting and then like magic a wonderful snowflake appeared before your eyes? We used to tape them to our windows and it just added such a warmth to our house peering through those little lacy creations...
Today my two son's and I found this interactive site that you can make digi-snowflakes...It's really quite addictive! http://http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/
My boys (and I) played around on the site for a while taking turns but they eventually wanted to get out the paper and scissors and make the "real" ones!
They are now decorating our windows and reminding me of the simple joys of being a child!!!

"Nature is full of genius, full of the Divinity, so that not a Snowflake escapes its fashioning hand"
Henry David Thoreau

Random Act of Kindness

2006-12-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

I received the most incredible RAK (random act of kindness) from a very talented artist Pamela Brackett... http://www.pamelabrackett.com/
Pamela very generously sent me this beautiful clay button ornament that she said she made from inspiration from an article in the new Somerset Studio Workshop 2 book.
Pamela you are an awesome artist...thank you so much for your wonderful gift!!!

My art in Mirror Pond Gallery

2006-11-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

I just got notice that my 2 altered art/assemblage pieces were accepted into the juried art show called Small Works Exhibit at Mirror Pond Gallery in Bend. http://www.mirrorpondgallery.org/exhibits.htm
This is the coolest gallery in town and I am honored to have been accepted.
They are having an artists reception along with an art walk on Friday night Dec. 1st . and I can't wait to be there :0) I forgot to take photos before I dropped off my pieces, so I will have my honey take some for me on Friday.
The show runs through January 2nd. Wish me luck!!!

ATC...Theme challenge: Crowns and Flowers

2006-11-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

"What it is to be a child"
...an ATC using a Paper Whimsy image...The monthly lottery theme challenge is crowns and flowers...
I wanted to portray the innocence of
childhood...

I Love Artchix!

2006-10-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

I entered the ArtChix Faux Winter postage contest (from the ArtChix Yahoo group)!!! My winning Faux postage ATC is #12 ... http://www.artchixstudio.com/mall/p311.asp

Here is more info. on the entries and the artists http://www.artchixstudio.com/mall/p311_info.asp

Also ArtChix is celebrating their 5th anniversary and here are some entries ( including 3 of mine )

http://www.artchixstudio.com/gallery/gfiveyear.htm

I really love contests and challenges and this was a really fun one!!!

Altered and textured

2006-10-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

The first textured paper was from a RAK/ game...
It called out to me to play...
I layered several different colors of green and turquois paint...
Plaster paste...
Metalic Lumiere paints and finally some walnut ink!
I really liked the way it turned out and will be using it in an assemblage that I plan to work on soon.

Twilight at Sea...altered post card

2006-10-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

This is my current work...an altered post card with Artchix black swan wings and many layers of paint and embellishments...

SOLD, Thank you!

HGTV's Shannon Quimby

2006-09-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was a beautiful if not slightly chilly Autumn day and my husband, son and I headed down to Drake Park along the river to walk through the Antique Fair...
I found several special finds that I'm sure will show up in my art in a future project, but I think the most special thing that I found was a new acquaintence...At one of the booths was a very friendly and wonderfully creative person named Shannon Quimby...Shannon was at the Antique Fair to promote her new book and do a book signing...After a brief introduction, we realized that we had much in common and both loved to create...She was one of those kind of people that you wished lived next door or down the block so you could drop in and visit over a cup of tea and swap stories...It was a delight to meet her and before we left she signed a copy of my newly purchased book...Her book is called Color, Create, Decorate...She has been featured on HGTV and will be having her own show on HGTV in the near future...http://www.shannonquimby.com/
One of my favorite things in her book was putting a drinking fountain in her house for little ones...Just think how many glasses you wouldn't have to wash!
I hope to run into you again Shannon! It was so nice to meet you :0)

Meet Rose

2006-06-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

HOW FUN! A new e-bay group has been started to create travel art called Art Journey! Each member has chosen a traveler ( a person or animal) to take virtual trips around the world.Each month, we will choose a scripture to accompany our travelers on their adventures!We will post our creations on the 15th of each month.Collect all of one traveler's journeys or collect a variety!

Rose's adventure begins...
Join Rose as her first adventure begins with a picnic on the banks of Crater Lake...in the beautiful state of Oregon, with her favorite Aunt Pearl.
It turned out to be a perfect day and while she was thinking ahead and planning her next adventure, a favorite scripture verse came to mind..."for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go..." Joshua 1:9 She ended the days journey with a smile knowing that many more wonderful adventures lay ahead. Rose has started an altered travel journal and will be adding mementos from each of her destinations. At the end of her travels, her journal will be made into a ZINE and sold on Ebay.
This postcard sized (4X6") piece of art is being listed on Ebay on June 15th http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=hand-made-n

I'm curious...

2006-05-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

Albert Einstein once said about curiosity: "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. "

This Altered Postcard was made with Curiosity in mind...
Synonyms: inquisitive, snoopy, nosy...
I think that People are truly curious by nature...
Are we looking in at these curious onlookers or are they looking out at us???

I just joined a group called Artwords http://artwordsclan.blogspot.com/
A new Artword is posted each Sunday. The object is to create an entry interpreting the topic in any way you wish.
This week the Artword was CURIOSITY...How curious!

This altered postcard is for sale on Ebay this week http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=hand-made-n

"The cat did it"...Dog collage...Try it Tuesdays week 2 transparency

2006-05-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

"The cat did it"...Dog collage...Try it Tuesdays week 2
Originally uploaded by createdbyamber.

In this 8X8 collaged piece, the text is the transparency...
I added colored chalk to the back of the tape to add a little color before gluing it down :0)
Sorry about the picture...My scanner is picking up some funky digital stuff...It really looks a whole lot better in person!

Altered book cover using Try it Tuesdays background

2006-05-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

I decided to use my background piece for an altered book cover...I will add it to the front of the book with eyelets and possibly embellish it a little further with fiber or beads...

Try it Tuesdays acrylic background week #1...

2006-05-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

try it tuesdays background
Originally uploaded by createdbyamber.

This is my acrylic background done for Try It Tuesdays challenge group...I used antique white, butter yellow and wild rose...This is definately one of my favorite new techniques!!!

New art Challenge...Try it Tuesdays Group

2006-05-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

http://tryittuesdays.wordpress.com/faq/

Try it Tuesdays Banner

Balance

2006-05-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Balance...what a powerful and convicting word!
When I was a little girl we had a very large and ancient Cherry tree bordering our property.
I looked forward to the time of year that all the cherries were ripe. I would eat the cherries, spit out the pits and watch them fall to the earth, from my sturdy branch.
As the summer days waned along with the selection of ripe cherries, I would find myself stretching and reaching for the red cherries that were just beyond my grasp. That desire would tempt me and lure me into positioning myself on a less secure branch to get the desired fruit. Toward the end of the season I would even be brave enough to perch on a branch that would bend and let me stretch and reach the tempting red fruit. Looking back its a wonder I didn't fall and break my neck!!!
Balancing all aspects of our busy lives, I find, is somewhat like climbing that cherry tree.
We need to know when to stop climbing even though there are a few perfect inticing juicy temptations outside our reach and be content with the knowledge that not all things are attainable or even necessary for fullfillment! Balance is not having everything but being happy with what we have and knowing when to stop!

When I grow up I want to be an artist

2006-05-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

ambers-altered-art

When I was a little girl they tell me I was a dreamer...I spent most of my childhood outside playing the daylight hours away...
My mother had a rock courtyard garden edged in all kinds of delicate roses and that was one of my favorite places to visit and dream...It was there that my heart shut out all the traffic noises and only heard the beautiful call of the swallows and the hum of the bees...interacting with the tiniest details in nature...
In our backyard we also had a gigantic willow tree... It's leaves rustling with the wind...it's branches covering me and protecting me in my imagined adventures...
These were the seeds that were planted in my heart... I only need remember these wonderful memories of childhood and I am transported there once again...
Art makes me feel much in the same way...I love creating art in its many forms...interacting with the tiniest details... when I grow up I want to be an artist!!!

New art challenge

2006-05-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

ambers-altered-art
I just signed up for a fun new art project called Try it Tuesdays
http://tryittuesdays.wordpress.com/faq/
Every Tuesday a new artsy technique will be unveiled…
The Mission? Is to try it out… and share the results..
The idea behind this challenge is about the process, not the product.. and creating a bit of time each week for art.

Sounds fun to me! Watch for details...

My art in Southern California

2006-05-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

ambers-altered-art

In March I was invited to participate in a Folk-art show called All-I-Day at the Disneyland Hotel...It was my first show and I brought 100 ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) for the show...I wasn't sure what to expect but it was so much fun and there was much interest in my art...
I was pleased to have been approached by someone who wanted to carry my art in her shop in Southern California! Her name is Ruby Lang from the shop called SOLO in Solana Beach, by San Diego Califronia. If you are in the area please stop by and see my art and other unique and fun items by other artists also. http://www.solocedros.com/
She will be carrying some of my Whimsical dog Collages soon as well!!!

Here is a Dog Collage that I recently sold on Ebay

My own Blog spot finally!

2006-05-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to have my own blog for awhile now...This will be fun!!!