A Little French Country Shabby Chic

Hubby and I spent a gorgeous but warm Saturday antiquing in Agoura.  The shops had quite a variety of furniture and hardware, but most noticeable was the French Country look--white, coarse linen, burlap, cut glass and crystal, lots of things painted white, weathered wood, and antique silverplate with a variety of added jewels or metal embellishments.  I came home wanting to redo my whole house in the light, fresh country colors, although I'm sure I'd add back all the color in a few months! With the day's scenery still influencing me, I created this box using stamps in the Easter Bunny collection from Oxford Impressions.  What fun!

I made Oxford Impressions Design Team!

Well, it's a little bit late to post this, but at the beginning of the year I was chosen to be on the Oxford Impressions Stamp Company's Design Team!  It was such an honor to join the group of talented artists who are regularly published in the top magazines.  My first creations were for a stamp series called London Telegraph. I'll post those pics later.  Most recently, I have been coming up with designs for the Easter Bunny collection.  I'm really happy with this first creation, which is a shaker card.  Stay tuned for more to come this weekend!

My Birthday-- A BIG One!

I really hated this birthday-February 6.  I turneded 50, and the number is killing me!  For the first time in my life, I feel old.  I now understand why some women "stop" their age at a certain number.  For me it will be 49.  I think I can deal with that!  This birthday was made special by so many friends and acquaintances, not to forget my lovely mother and father-in-law and my wonderful sisters-in-law.  Looking back, it took 50 years to accumulate so many rich memories and to build so many deep and meaningful relationships.  Maybe 50 isn't so bad after all! 

Three of my dear friends took me to breakfast at the Moorpark Country Club on Saturday morning.  It was a quiet and beautiful morning and the food and company were exquisite.  My three friends are all "creatistas," and each one made something for me in their own unique styles.  What a treat!

                                            Antique book from Jean to commemorate our wonderful trip to my cousin Cathy's in Indiana, and a beautiful 3-d card from Lauree made out of Graphic 45 paper. 

Close up of Lauree's Graphic45 card!

Card from my in-laws and a gorgeous, glittery card from Lyn.  (We are glittergirls!)

Really neat bulletin board tray made by Jean.  Love the jeweled crown magnets!

Published in the December/January 2012 Issue of The Stampers' Sampler

The idea of neon Valentine cards really challenged me creatively, but when I thought about neon colors over dark chocolate, the creativity flowed.  My piece is the heart on the right page of this latest issue of The Stampers' Sampler.  The background is a toile image from  the Marie Antoinette collection from Oxford Impressions stamped in brown.  The white French candy price list and the pink sentiments are also Oxford Impressions stamps from the Bon Bon collection.  The cat head and clothes are from Mad Rat Rubber.

 Here's the shot I took of the published piece before sending it to the magazine.

Cover in Aug/Sept Stampers' Sampler!

I was absolutely thrilled to see my Halloween project on the cover of the Halloween issue of The Stampers' Sampler! What a delight to also have a two page article and several other pieces published.  Thanks are in order to Suzanne Melvin of Oxford Impressions for her wonderful Halloween Party stamps and Gretchen of Mad Rat Rubber for her wonderful doll stamps, which make this art work possible!  Fun, fun, fun...!!!  I am ready to get started on projects for next Halloween!!!

My Halloween Work Will Be Published Next Month!

I happened to be at JoAnn's the other day, thumbing through the most recent issue of The Stamper's Sampler, when I noticed my cat girl bag in the "On the Horizon" section. My art was a teaser for the upcoming issue!

A Room of One's Own

I love my craft room.  What a great place to meet with my friends.