Grads, Dads and Charms!

Well, the day finally arrived with my son graduating high school and as expected I was in tears several times during the ceremony. It was a lovely graduation and a true milestone in our family. Much of my family made the trip from various Southern California cities to watch the first child, grand-child and great grandchild accept his diploma!
The next day my middle child graduated from 8th grade. She sang the star spangled banner and received honor roll, mathematical excellence and voted most likely to succeed by her class. Another memorable evening indeed!
For Father's Day the girl's served their dad breakfast in bed and looked the other way while he played 'World of War Craft' for much of the day. I compared it to my taking back to back art classes which is one way I have celebrated special days ( birthdays, Mother's Day) in the past.
I sent in my "Things with Wings" charms to my friend Michelle in Southern California. This is her fourth such swap. I always enjoy designing the charms and it is always fun to see how each person interprets the theme. I made a fairy charm with shrink art that I attached to a shell charm and also an owl on a button with a glittery foam base.

Crazy Computers and ATCs!

It just died on me Thursday so there it sat until my husband came home. He is a super tech guy and although he was tired took on the challenge with gusto. I was away that evening at an ATC meet-up in Pleasant Hill with many friends from My Daughter's Wish. An amazing mixed media and paper store that closed it's doors early this year. We meet at Michael's the first Thursday of each month and bring our cards to trade. My friend Daniela, a teacher and design team member from MDW, has kept the group together. Challenging us each month with interesting themes and fun projects.One of my favorites was an atc card made from a thick (1 1/2 inch thick) block of wood.

This month's theme was Mythological Creatures! We had a 3D Medusa card, a dancing mermaid, a siren, a gargoyle and a collection of othermythical creatures. Everyone puts so much effort into their creations every month and I feel fortunate to be part of such a wonderful group of artists.