Sign ups continue for 2nd annual Mermaid swap!

I already have over 25 artists signed up for this swap! Don't miss out , many different art mediums will be represented. I have scrapbookers, quilters, watercolorists, needle crafters and mixed media artists all gathering for this swap, this group will certainly create an amazing collection.

New Swap Announcement: Mermaid ATCS!

Last April I hosted a Mermaid atc swap with over 50 participants! I received the most amazing cards and it continues to be one of my favorite collections. Here are the details:
each participant makes 8 cards
number 1/8...8/8 make an extra for yourself as you will not get one of your own back
use chipboard or double cardstock
include at least one embellishment (brad,ribbon,fiber,jewel...)
size 2 1/2 by 3 1/2
sign and date each card
Please email me for my address
include a return address label and $2 for postage
mail in a padded envelope which I will use to return to you
I hope you will join me for this swap!
email: valerieLmyers@yahoo.com
Due date 4/17

A New Do, Inchie Paper dolls, and a Few Good Eggs!

OK, so today a new stylist and a new do for spring! She said I looked 5 years younger, I'll take it! I also finished my inchie paper dolls for a swap I joined on Split Coast Stampers.

Fun Finds at My Friends and I

When the flea market is rained out it is always a good day to visit My Friends and , a small antique shop in the Niles area of Fremont! They always have fun found objects and flea market type finds. Last time I was out Junque shopping I found these fun items. A cute doll leg became a vase for some lovely Millinery Flowers. The aqua tool box is a antique find that I toted back from my fall visit to Portland for a class with Sally Jean. The other photo is of some fun vintage Easter postcard finds from the Paper show in San Francisco. I plan to use some of the images on the Easter egg atcs for my swap.

Full Art Week-End approaching!

I love when these come along, where everyday of the week-end holds classes and art with friends. First on Friday is a crop at Picture Me Perfect with friends, Saturday is a class with Carol Wingert and Sunday, if the weather permits, the Alameda Antique Flea market!
At the crop I plan to catch up with my many ATC swap projects. I am also doing several inchie swaps, I just love looking at so much detail within an inch by inch canvas! Always amazing! Inchies were a real show stopper at the Ranger booth at CHA. I saw the photo posted on so many websites after the show, I know everyone loved those tiny treasures. This month I am hosting two swaps: Vintage Easter Egg ATC and The Luck of the Irish ATC! If you are interested email me.

Lot's of Rain and a New Swap!

Seems like a spent the whole day in the rain. Delivering cupcakes and Valentines for the children's school parties. Dropping of swapped atcs at the post-office. Taking my older daughter's formal dress to school so she could get ready for the dance with a friend after school. Then the usual driving for school drop off and pick-ups. It felt good to finally get home and dry out for a bit! I love the rain when I am at home working on a project by the fireplace, nice and cozy. Not so much at rush hour on the freeway.
I have mailed out the templates for my Vintage Easter Egg ATC swap, I currently have 30 participants. This should be a fun one as I have asked everyone to try to age the paper with various techniques such as tea staining, inking or using vintage paper or tissue. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for this swap. I even have a few swappers from New Zealand! If you are interested it is not to late, just leave me a comment or drop me an email!

Back from CHA!

I had such an amazing time! There was so much inspiration at the show beginning with all the new papers and product coming in 2009. So many samples of art work and projects by artists and designers from all over the country. The best part was that everyone was so nice and friendly. I fell in love with the 7 Gypsy mega booth and all the wonderful products and projects. I even signed up for a wonderful class with them to make a folding gypsy house. I will get a picture up in the next few days. It was exciting to see so much product in one place, I saw many of the folks from our LSS ordering away for the upcoming year. I have a new respect for this daunting task of trying to decide which designs and products will appeal to which customers. Here is a hint from me: 7 Gypsy rules!