Mixed Media

Hello friends,

As you all may know, I have a paper problem.  But I also have a fabric problem. . . and a bead issue . . .and ribbon . . .  I tend to jump into my hobbies feet first and spend too much getting set up to do them. Then after awhile, my ideas fizzle or I have given one of everything to all my friends so they are saturated. 

But today I was perusing the net and found a fun idea.

Let's combine them!  Here are some interesting and fun ways to create fabric mail!

Hopefully I'll pull out my supplies and come up with something myself!

One should always try to be as busy as they imagine themselves to be : )

-b

Hiatus or Slow Down or Temporary Insanity? I Plead Them All!

Dear readers and pen friends,

I find my creativity is lacking a bit on what to say on the blog and I am falling behind a lot on my mail therefore I will be taking a brief hiatus to enjoy summer.  No worries- it won't be a long one!  More of a slow down if you will.

I'll try to gather myself for one big post a week, but now is the time to be doing things!  So that's what I'll be up to.   If there is anybody to blame, then blame my fabulous friends for all finding time to visit this August!  Love them and can't wait to catch up!

And know I will continue to respond to any sent letters in as timely a fashion as I can muster. 

Again, I repeat, a temporary slow down!

Hope this finds you all enjoying your summers! 

-b

Some Inspiration

Hello all-

Recently I feel like I want to grow and do more making of my own stationery.  So I trekked down to the library to scout out the paper crafts section.  I also looked around at a few bookstores and here are some of my recent inspirations.

First book was found at the Moravian Bookstore and its on the old art of papercutting.  Apparently both the Germans and Japanese have a long history in this art form.  Who knew?!?

Next was an accidental stumble!  Mr. Matisse in his old age and poor health turned to paper art! Hmmm- not a terribly hard thing to mimic and very beautiful fluid imagery!

Here's my attempt- a postcard to my lovely Chantel!

Then I found these lovely books at the local discount chain and they make me smile.

The collage book looked crappy and cheap at first glance.  I was looking at it last weekend wondering why did I buy this- then I looked inside and was very very happy to find a plethora of ideas!  The book gives both the history on the artist and demonstrates how to create a work inspired from their art work.  I found Mr. Matisse here again!

The second book is a sassy card making book.  These cards aren't your traditional but very fun.  I'm not sure how many of their designs that I will recreate, but it's interesting!

So next time you find yourself short of motivation- remember that you don't have to spend a lot or go very far, just look around for a good book!

Any other points of inspiration out there!?!

-b

Opportunity to Donate for Operation Write Home

Hello folks,
How is everybody today?  I had a recent brainstorm and my friend over at the StampTramps and I thought we'd open up the opportunity for creative mailers to help support the troups. 

I know many of you have written letters and then some folks like the StampTramps make cards for the soldiers to write home on.  But what to do when you are like myself and only make a card every now and again or want to donate supplies?

Well I am happy to announce our first card drive for the troups.  I would happily pass along any cards that are hand made (see why) A2 sized to the Operation Write Home folks I know.   Unfortunately, our hand made envelopes are not welcomed due to lack of a seal so I already have empty envelopes ready and waiting for any A2 sized cards! 

Don't
-use glitter (apparently that shows through the night vision goggles and makes the writing soldier a target)
-make too big (A2 only)

-make too personal

-use your own handwriting on them

(see site for more details)

Do
- use your creatitivy

- consider general themes like missing you, hello, birthday, general holidays

- make something you'd want to recieve

Some of mine!

I hope you all will consider donating some time and creativity to the cause!  Apparently Operation Write Home cannot keep up with the demand.  And if you'd like information, consider touching base with the StampTramps or look at the Operation Write Home website (www.operationwritehome.org) or Facebook.

Thank you,
Becky

Too Hot!

Duct Tape pieces left over from an envie! )

Today it is a melting 100 degrees outside and little relief is forecasted for the whole weekend.  Needless to say, I am not eager to go outside!  So I decided to sort and process my work space and, get this, actually work on some things!!!  I know, novel idea.

So here are some of my creations.

Another paper bag and Day of the Dead stickers : )  Off to the Pen Thief

And also here is some of the mail I've received!

Postcrossing

Cappuchino and Art

Sendsomething for the next few

From the Pen Thief

From Mrs. Fakefish - her zine is online in full color

Postcrossing - first from Turkey!

From Postcrossing

another beauty from Annabel

Hope this finds you well and receiving lots of mail!

-b