~Good News (And a Complimentary Magazine!) In My Mailbox~

......And most of you know what THAT means.  I received word the other day that a few of my Halloween collages are included in the SUMMER 2012 issue of Somerset Studio Gallery magazine.  Better news yet, is that I share the pages with some of my favorite art people/ friends! Nancy Lefko  and Pat May are included in this issue, and what a thrill to be among such wonderful, warm, talented people.  

~Journals, Journals Everywhere~

In preparation for a wonderful show I am doing in just a week (Saturday, May 19 to be exact, from 10-4)..... lot's and lot's of altered journals,  not listed at my shop so I wanted to snap a few photos for later reference. Pink Promenade here I come!!

This outdoor event is jam packed with antiques and art, and is located on beautiful property in the countryside of Milford,  Michigan.  Antiques galore in the barn, and art under the tents.  Anyone who loves trash to treasure goods, one of a kind art and altered jewelry, antique and vintage finds,  good food and fresh air will  not be disappointed.  Hope to see ya there!

Mail Box Excitement~!~

Ever since my friend Tina of TinyBearStudio announced that I was the winner of her blog giveaway, I have been beside myself with anticipation, awaiting the arrival of her handmade linen banner.  I've been entering her giveaways for a while, always hoping ONE day I might be the winner!  Well  winning this time was well worth the wait.... I love the delicate banner she created, and will be sure to find a special spot for it.  For now I have it hanging on my lace curtain on my front door.  Tina,  I love it... couldn't be happier!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 



Another goody came in the mailbox today.  The newest issue of FOLK magazine  3 of my photos were chosen to be used in a half page advertisement for a large antique and art show I am doing this September.  FOLK   is a new publication, and I have to say it's a great looking magazine.  I purchased a single copy, but plan on subscribing right away.  The advertisement looks great, and I am honored to have my photos selected  to advertise the Weekend In The Country show. More on that later :)
I love getting things in the mail.....fun, fun, fun!

~Some New (but old) Photos to Share~

I've been going through my stockpile of old photos, and scanned a few.  Thought someone out there might get some use out of some freebies~  Enjoy!

~I Would Like You to Meet an Extraordinarily Generous Woman~

Once in a while,  I  "meet" someone special online in this artistic endeavor, whether it is from blog hopping,  Pinteresting, or Etsy shopping. In this case, I met Vikki, while "window shopping"at her Etsy shop,  Estate Sale Treasures.  Vikki always has the best vintage found objects and goodies for a collector, or a mixed media artist, and going to her shop is always a surprise.  Recently I found something I had been looking for.... some wonderful old quilt squares,  just right for fabric collages,  mini quilted pillows, or covers for a journal.... but they were  reserved in someone else's name.  Poo. So I sent her a conversation, asking if she might have others on hand that she could sell me.  Lo and behold, she did..  A  few short days and several friendly conversation exchanges later, I was sent the most well put together assortment of vintage goods courtesy of this warm, generous shop keeper.  She knew what I love most, and she filled the box to the BRIM with not only the quilt squares I had asked about, but she "threw in" old apothecary bottles, too.  And LACE.  And old dresser scarves. And a soft monogrammed pilliowcase. And tiny little bird nest tags.  And more LACE,  oh my the lace.  Vikki, if you were here with me I would hug you. Honestly. Your generosity astounds me, and I cannot thank you enough for these treats. I feel like it's Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one!!!   I am still  in shock!  I cannot wait to begin creating with these oldies but goodies.  Let the fun begin~!~

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Easter~!~

Just a few of my favorite Easter decorations around the house.  My second favorite holiday to decorate for (Halloween being the first!).  Of course I had to include a photo of my youngest, working with her rabbit,  Thumper.  She recently joined 4H and is learning how to do showmanship.  This rabbit is so calm, he fell asleep while she was working with him!  He is our own little Easter Bunny~

~Three Muses Art Challenge~ *A Trip to the Circus*

I have made up my mind to get back into art challenges, and thought I would start out with this week's prompt over at The Three Muses Challenge Blog.  The theme is a trip to the circus, and here is my entry.....(clown and tent image by AlteredArtifacts)