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...

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...

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!

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???

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...

... 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...

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

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!

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

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

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...

LOVE
Originally uploaded by paperwhimsycollagegallery.

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

Help for a little boy with cancer

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...

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!

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...

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

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!

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

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???!

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