Occupied: I didn't get any news today so trying to occupy myself with my picture trail and adding a couple of videos to my blog. Check them in the side bar. For me they come up above the most recent post when I click on them.

Groups, groups and more groups: In the past couple of days I've joined four more yahoo groups. Yipes - when will I actually DO some art? The eye candy is wonderful though. Inspiration galore. And, I was actually invited to be on the altered fashion photos group. I'm pleased.
Here's a tiny piece I just doodled on a bit whilst at today's meeting. I was experimenting with gel pen colours for ATCs of the same background. 1 3/8 inches x 3 1/2 inches.

Flowers, flowers everywhere: I was working the past couple of day in any spare moments on my get your doodle on ATCs for Christy's swap. Flowers seemed to want to appear on these
little 21/2 x 3 1/2 inch pieces of watercolour paper which had been painted with acrylic paints and water. I love the paper for backgrounds. I used my "gelly rolls" - mainly for the borders and my black fine uniball, which I also love for the doodles.

Altered books: I took a wee bit of time last night to do some painting in the books and some extra pages which had been torn out in the process of preparing the books. I was in a hurry (surprise, surprise) and had the paint too dark with not enough glaze. There was far too much of it also - reason for doing quite a number of extra pages. I wasn't happy with how brown the pages became but knowing it's an altered book I decided to just use some sandpaper today - fun. The information says do what you like. Why not! I doubt that I'll actually take a flame to any of the pages which is actually suggested amongst many possibilities, but sanding was a great plan.
I'm also working on my doodle ATCs for Chrysti's swap. I need to get them done soon so I can get them in the mail to her. I'll show them soon.
A bit more about the process of altered books, especially for Janet who commented on the recent post: Recommendation is to tear out pages to get more workable number.One site recommended taking out every other page. You then glue about 4-10 pages together. I had done some quite a while ago and did not do anything after gluing. One place suggested using paper clips to hold together. Grr - there are marks where the clips were. Oh - maybe I can burn there. No - I think I'll just glue something over top. I just used inexpensive Elmer's glue-all and even mixed water with it.
My biggest obstacle, as usual, is not enough time. Sigh. Next three days are very busy with meetings and appointment with the eye-specialist (because of the 46 years I've lived with diabetes I always get apprehensive - so far, so good). So you'll have to wait even longer to get comments from me. I WILL visit as soon as I can. I promise.

Angels...

More creations: I've done more ATCs but had some difficulty because I was using the wrong kind of ink - kept smudging, seemed every time I breathed on it. I must invest in a new black ink pad. I was overjoyed when I happened across the stamp with the insulin on it. Perfect for the ATC which said joy. If you don't know what I'm talking about check "orange".

The journal page was done for a challenge which can be found here. I was fortunate to have the background prepared so didn't take much to do it up. The words will also be recognizable to some of you.


Angels be with you.

"Believe in yourself": These ATCs are ready to be sent in the mail today together with other treasures. The envelope shows how I begin to decorate envelopes when I have time. A bit of paint and a bit of ink can make a world of difference.
Angels be with you.

Presents and fabric: The first two photos are of the fabulous ATCs I received from Janet. I was very fortunate to have my name chosen for her giveaway with the "one world- one heArt" draw. Thanks Janet. I love them.
The fabric is for my April journal quilt. I purchased it yesterday. The colour is yellow. The technique is fabric weaving. You can be certain I won't be doing a regular weave - too formal for my liking.
Better get to those inchies. Yuck. I hate when I procrastinate so much. Would help if I were feeling better.
Angels be with you.