do not lose your way

I have recently started learning about ATC's.  Since, most of my time is consumed by small children, I thought this might be a good outlet for my creativity.  Small and easy to accomplish in a limited amount time.  At least when compared to my normal required time for a project: 2 weeks to......never finished.

So, I am trying very hard to be less analytical and meticulous when it comes to being creative.  I need to erase the art school and corporate world training OUT OF MY HEAD (!!)  and follow my own creative instincts and vision.

Also, I am working on letting go of my work, and not holding onto it with a vice grip.  I even gave this ATC to a friend!!

I would say I am making progress.  At least for today.

This ATC was inspired by Connie Fong's Gift Toppers and Cards featured in July/Aug 2014 Somerset Studio.

To create this ATC:
Cut your patterned paper background to ATC size (2.5" x 3.5").  Hand draw your frame and border with a black pen/marker.  I used Micron size 2 and 5.  Cut out your vintage photo to fit within the frame.  I intentionally let the girls' hair extend beyond the frame.  I wish I had done the same with their hands.  My point being, keep in mind if there are parts of the photo you would like to see extend beyond the frame.  Glue the photo to the patterned paper.  Cut out crowns.  Glue to the card.  Add small dots of glue to the tips of each crown.  Sprinkle with glitter.  Choose your words or phrase from an old book, cut out, and then glue on top of the card.  Then glue an additional ATC card to the back for stability.  Sign the back.  Done.

Just keep going.
mertle

two

Old Envelope Ephemera

Bejeweled Deer Head

Bird Collage

3 Clowns ATC

Man in Tophat ATC

Little Elizabethan Girl

one

Pixies on Spools

Alice Meets Downton Shadowbox

Moth Mixed Media

8 of Spades

Legs

Perching Pixie on "Quik-Bands" Box

Large Altered Spool - Fairy Forest

Before there was Pintrest

When I was in high school, I started cutting up magazines and collecting inspiring images in a large 11" x 14" sketchbook.  There was no rhyme or reason to the layouts.  I simply gathered images I liked and taped them onto the pages.  They became my reference books for inspiration when I need to design.  Sadly, once I entered the corporate world of design, these books disappeared from my daily routine.  What I did discover, however, was Pinterest.  As I sat behind the computer all day, Pinterest provided a new source of inspiration.

While I still love the idea of cutting up paper and creating a physical book of inspiration, it just does not fit with my current lifestyle.  After a long day with the kids, I enjoy snuggling up in bed with my husband, watching tv, and "creating" something online.  These photos show a glimpse of my old paper and tape sketchbooks.  Stay tuned for the next post, and I will share the first page of my new digital sketchbook...

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

So, I know that chocolate and peanut butter is one of the most popular flavor combination out there, but I am not really a fan.  I mean, I will eat it..and generally like it.  But it is never my first choice.  I know, I'm weird.  Whatever.

I made these cookies for a friend, and I am told it is a good recipe, so I thought I would add it to my cookie collection.  It's super easy to assemble.  No mixer needed.  Easy clean up.  That alone makes it worthy of the recipe book.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
by: Emeril Lagasse

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until smooth.  Use 1 heaping tablespoon and roll into a smooth ball.  Place dough balls on ungreased cookie sheet 1 inch apart.  Using a fork, press dough in two directions to form crosshatch pattern.

Bake cookies at 350 until puffed and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.  Let cool on cookie sheets.