Random Acts of Art

     What a crazy week it's been weather-wise! It began with a blustery, cold (very cold at night) Memorial Day weekend here in NE PA. Unusually cold for  this time of year. Now we're in the midst of HOT, humid summer-like weather for some days-lo 90's! No choice but to go with the flow and just keep a mix of clothing out for all seasons :)

     I joined a Yahoo group this week called Paper Traders. And it's thanks to Jo Murray ! I offered to send her the set of 3 napkin background ATCs I shared here because she mentioned how much she liked them. Jo suggested we trade ATCs- and well, knowing Jo's art I wasn't about to refuse :):) Jo then referred me to this group as a place to trade ATCs, etc. Paper Traders has monthly lottery drawings, challenges and swaps also. I mainly joined because I love making ATCs but don't want a pile of my own sitting around. And this is such a great way to trade for another artist's work! Click on the badge on the sidebar if you're interested. I added several for trade and already have one traded to another member.Fun!

   Here's another blotted napkin background ATC I added for trade in the group:

  The image is from Paper Whimsy. I added a bit of recycled dryer sheet behind the image. Added some mica flakes for some shimmer.

  Once again it's time for another calendar spread for Kate Crane's 2013 Calendar Challenge! We're half way thru the year now so I plan on finishing the year out (fingers crossed).

 

 The background began with the 12" x 12" Prima stencil I love using and Dylusions Ink Sprays in Bubblegum Pink, Postbox Red and Lemon Zest.

 And now it's all ready to get filled:

  Goddess is an UM stamp (source unknown.) Hearts are from Dylusions- Inbetweenies UM set. Alphabet, number stamps are Hampton Art. Days of week were taken from an old calendar page. Quote was printed using the AR HERMANN font. The hearts were filled in with a white uni-ball Signo pen to make them more noticeable on the pages.

   Here's a mosaic type collage I did in another journal:

   Collage squares were punched from magazines. I used the photos of the vintage girls as my focal points and glued them in place before adding the other squares, cutting some of them down to fit. A coat of soft gel matte medium was brushed over top. Once dry I dry brushed Bright Gold, Metallic Rose, Metallic Peridot, Metallic Plum and Pearl Blue paints (Lumiere) over top and around the edges of the squares.  I then used Jet Black Staz-On ink to stamp a quote randomly over the pg. It was then sprayed with an acrylic sealer.

  Linking up to Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day, Mandarin Orange Monday and Creative Every Day. I'm also hoping to participate in some new challenges coming soon for fun and inspiration- including The Summer of Color 3 (see badge on sidebar)! What challenges are you participating in? I'd love to know! Perhaps I'll join you :)

  " Face new challenges, seize new opportunities, test your resources against the unknown and in the process, discover your own unique potential."  John Amatt