Holy Heck it's the FIRST Week of March and it's just about over!

I can hardly believer that the FIRST WEEK of March is over - however it doesn't really look like winter is going to recede anytime soon. Even if it is warm out today.

Thought I'd do a little week in review since I'm still in shock over it being March and all.

This Week I hit the sixty mark for my Daily Practice Pages -- you can see them all on Instagram.  It feels good to have that many amazing drawings completed. This week started out rough and I wasn't really into it, but perseverance won and I was able to create 6 pages. A few more simple and quick than others, but sometimes the practice of actually doing it is all you need.

I created these beautiful little memory cards for my sister-in-law to commemorate the life of her father, who passed away on Monday. She was inspired by this, over on Pinterest. It's been a tough few weeks. 

Immediately after leaving the funeral last night we were blessed to this amazing sight. I was also so happy to have caught it on my phone.

• On top of the 6 daily practice pages noted earlier I finished up 8 Project Life Cards using my Art Gone Wild Stamps -- here are 6 of them
• Jumped in FEET First and got 2 classes ready to open on my Merrymeeting Art House Classroom site
• Sent out a newsletter on MailChimp
• Created a FREE Project Life Downloadable created/edited/posted a free video for using the Copic Spray System with my stencils
• Created an apron for the Mixed Media Madness retreat that is happening on March 21! 
• I even finished and posted a super cute project for the Sizzix blog! 
• Worked on and almost finished a FREE 38 Page Downloadable book that Mandy Collins and I are working on

It was a productive week for sure, working from home and doing it all means you have to wear a ton of different hats -- and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Let's hope next week is as productive -- especially when I start going back to the gym, LOL. THANKS for dropping by and have a great weekend.

Art Gone Wild Flower Frame 1 Stamp!

Hello and HAPPY Friday! Today I wanted to share a beautiful card made by Georgina Ford from Kaardvark! I love that she used Gelli Printed papers as the base for her flowers! I love my Gelli Plate, going to have to try this technique!

You can read about how she created this card on her blog:

http://kaardvark.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/flower-stamp-and-prints.html!

 

THANKS for dropping by and have a WONDERFUL weekend! 

Promise of Spring

 

Check out my Promise of Spring Shadowbox over on the Sizzix blog today! 

Small Journal Paisley Stencil!

The days and weeks seem to fly by -- it seems like it was Sunday just a minute ago and now it's Wednesday. There's just not enough time to get all the I want to do done. But, chipping away bit by bit.

Today I wanted to share this little video I created -- it's totally changed the way I use spray paint!

No more headaches!

And here's the completed Project Life card, it turned out great! 

Thanks for joining me, have a GREAT day!

It Was a Small Victory, in Hope!

Are you a Pessimist or an Optimist?
Hopeless or Hopeful?
Positive or Negative?

I tend to think I'm hopeful a good part of the time, but we all have out moments -- right? I like to think I see the potential in things, in what they can become or how I can bend them to fit my purpose which in turn will make me happy. I think that makes me hopeful.

If we weren't hopeful that things will work out for us we wouldn't start new adventures -- in the form of a new job or a new creative endeavor -- or even as simple as trying a new recipe or a new restaurant. Yes, it also makes us adventurous -- but in the HOPE that we will enjoy the adventure. We are hopeful.

Ya think?

Anyway, my point is -- you can use this philosophy in your creating and crafting endeavors too!  Meaning if you think you AREN'T a great (illustrator, collage artist, sketch artist, watercolorist ....etc) you won't be.

 

But if you keep telling yourself that you are an amazing (whatever your thing is) then eventually your self-confidence and courage and hopefulness will win -- and everyone will see that oozing from your pores -- and they'll believe it too.

And you will believe it too!

Plus, with more self-confidence and hopefulness you will have the inner strength to try more, play more, adventure more in your art -- which leads to more practice -  and we all know that practice makes perfect, right?? It's an amazing circle -- which turns into a whirlwind of creativity. You can't lose.

Really.You can't.

So, slightly switching gears to my "This is art Notebook".  My Daily Practice Notebook. My Constant Companion these days. It started life as a Mickey Mouse notebook (similar to the one at the end of that link) that I picked up at Target. I liked it because of the heavy-duty chipboard cover. It feels substantial, like it will protect my secret lists and drawings. I was a little embarrassed to carry it though, lol.

I'm not much of a Mickey fan. I however, I was hopeful + saw the potential in what the notebook could be. I transformed it. I made it into what I wanted it to be. And it makes me happy. Every single time I open it up I feel satisfied with it. And my hopes for it were great.

It was a small victory, in hope.

See how the little things, that are full of hope and potential can transform your day?

Well that's it for now........Thanks for dropping by today -- have a wonderful, hopeful day wherever you are!

PS. Stay tuned for some big NEWS coming from me SOON. Well, lots of big news! Sign up for my Newsletter....which is coming soon! I've got lots of specials and FREE offers to share with you that will only be available there!

Subscribe to Merrymeeting Art House Newsletter!

FREE Project Life Cards for YOU!

Hello and Happy First week of March.

Today I thought I would share a free PDF I created and uploaded to Scribd for all you Project Lifers! 

Click on the image above to go directly to Scribd to download the PDF. Then all you need to do is print, color, trim to 4" x 6" and add to your Project Life Books! Easy Peasy!

THANKS for dropping by, have a great week. Stay tuned for some BIG things going on around here!

Blue Flowers from Kathie DeLuca

Good Morning and HAPPY Weekend and Happy 1st day of March!! Not that the weekends are any different than the weekdays are around here but it's always a nice concept when Saturday and Sunday roll around. Mostly because my family is home and my husband always cooks a delicious breakfast.

Today I wanted to share this beautiful card that my friend Kathie Deluca created using my Flower Frame 1 Stamp. It's a gorgeous card, I just love the entire thing. Especially the blue flower, I would never have thought to color it blue.

It's just stunning, don't you think?

Take a minute to drop by her blog to see how she made this card and take a minute check out some of the other amazing things she creates, you won't be disappointed! She's so talented!

Have a great weekend and thank you so much for dropping by!

Life Moments Tutorial on the Sizzix Blog!

Click on over to the Sizzix Blog for a quick tutorial on how I created this Artful Card that can be hung after the occasion you've given it for has come and gone!

Thanks for dropping by, have a LOVELY day!

Things Are Not Always as They Seem!

When you look at this picture of daffodils you might think that things are nice and clean and put together in my studio. I mean, organized at least, right? I've cropped the image nice and tight and kept the focus on the flowers. BTW, I just love daffodils -- who doesn't?  They are the first sign of spring and with more snow on the way I really need a few reminders that I don't live in the Antarctic or something.

When I zoom out though, you can see -- my studio really is quite a mess. And, really to me it looks pretty clean here, LOL.

When I do some fancy editing my flowers really look gorgeous. You might think that my house and studio is spic and span, just by looking at this picture.

It's not. It's not a pigsty and super cluttered either -- just don't look close and you'll be ok.

That's all for today, just keepin' it real! have a great day and come back tomorrow to see a cool project I created for Sizzix!

Card Classes at My Creative Classroom

I know some of my students at MCC may have thought I fell off the face of the earth in January, but I didn't. I just closed my classes for enrollment. I was tired, plain worn out and needed a break. Plus, with CHA at the beginning of the month and 2 classes away from home I really really needed to take the time and gather my thoughts.

Now that I'm all refreshed and raring to go I'm back. Most of my classes are open for enrollment again -- and I'm also happy to say that these two classes are now self-paced classes. Meaning, you can work at your own pace. Take your time to complete the lessons or watch them all at once, the choice is yours.

I've embedded the link right in the photo, so all you need to do to enroll is click on the link to go on over to My Creative Classroom. You can also copy and paste this in your browser to go directly to the Enrollment Page at MCC: http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/course/info.php?id=698 

 ________________________________________

Artful Cards One $35.00

In this 5 Lesson course Catherine will teach you the art of creating Mixed Media Artful Cards using a mix of artful and creative techniques she has perfected over the years.

In each of the 5 lessons Catherine will teach you a creative technique to use in your card-making and then will demonstrate that technique in several unique and creative ways on your greeting cards. At the end of the course you will have amassed an arsenal of beautiful and creative cards for many basic occasions.

Techniques will include:

• Fun Stamping Techniques
• Hand and Machine Sewing
• Die-Cutting
• Layering
• Mixing Art Supplies with your Cards
• Watercolor Techniques
• Stencils
• Creating Custom Background Papers
• Image Transfers
• Creating Interactive Cards
   
   _______________________________________
  Artful Cards Two $35.00

Join Catherine Scanlon in the second workshop of her popular Artful Cards series. In this amazing and creative boot camp style workshop she will share TONS of artsy, mixed media techniques that you can use in your cardmaking, art journaling and any other mixed media projects. Each of the lessons in this 10 lesson workshop will begin with a technique-based video where Catherine will discuss the tools and supplies you'll need for the technique followed by a step-by-step demonstration and hints for success to teach you the technique. After the technique demonstration Catherine will share with you a complete video tutorial to follow to create a beautiful card based on what you learned. Each card and technique will have a Quick Reference Guide that you can print for later reference.

I've embedded the link right in the photo, so all you need to do to enroll is click on the link to go on over to My Creative Classroom. You can also copy and paste this link in your browser to go directly to the Enrollment Page at MCC: http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/course/info.php?id=774

Techniques will include:

• Mono-printed backgrounds
• Embossing folder techniques
• Custom embossing folders
• DIY Core'dinations/sandable cardstock
• Layered embossed stencil backgrounds
• DIY layered embellishments
• Creating custom sentiments with Microsoft Word
• Stamped polymer clay embellishments
• Stamping techniques
• Beginner sewing on paper techniques (machine and hand)

While the tools and supplies for this workshop may be extensive, I've supplied a separate downloadable supply checklist/shopping list in the classroom for you to use as you look over your supplies to see what you already have. You'll be surprised at what you have tucked away in all those storage bins and drawers. Feel free to make substitutions so you can use your supplies you have on hand before you purchase more.

And in case you are wondering if I'm a good teacher or not, I thought I'd share some of the student feedback I've received from in the Artful Cards classes:

• "I felt that the content, instruction and delivery of the course was great. Thanks, I learned a lot."~Maryanne, MCC student
• "I enjoy Catherine's easy way of teaching. She explains things really well and she is very approachable. I do enjoy that about her and her really easy style. I will take other courses that are offered by Catherine. Thanks very much for your lovely style of teaching."~Carol, MCC student
• "I love her (Catherine's) courses. I've taken many including "Artful Cards." I luckily saw this one, too. I met her at the two classes she was teaching at KEPT Creations in Whitman, MA. I really liked her and she clarified a few of the things I was confused about. I told her I never complete her classes the first time around but enjoy going back over them many times during the Extended period. I am signed up for her Artful Journal online and am taking another of her lengthier classes at KEPT Creations on the 4th of May. She's a fabulous teacher."~Mimi, MCC student
• "As always, Catherine's creative ideas and her style of teaching and clear, concise explanations and illustrations. I have enjoyed every class I have taken from Catherine. She has a way of explaining techniques that makes it easy and enjoyable to try them and she inspires confidence to try them!!"~Barbara, MCC student  

I hope to see you in class, and please let me know if you have any questions!

At the End of the Day

Thought I'd share how I create a quick journal page using my Daffodil Spray Stamp from Art Gone Wild. 

Stamp the design using a permanent stamping ink and add words with a Pitt Pen, Medium Tip.

Add color to the stamp using brush markers and watercolor paint.

Add color the the background with watercolor paints (or watered down Distress Paint.) Enhance the lettering with a Gelly Pen.

And it's done! Super easy and very fun.  Thanks for dropping by today, enjoy your day!

The Flower that Blooms

Sharing another daily practice from the weekend -- just a quick one because it was a crazy busy weekend and I'm kind of behind on a few things!

Thanks for dropping by and have a great MONDAY!

Stamp Winner!!

 

Congratulations Michele -- you are the winner of my Flower Frame Stamp!! Leave me a comment with your email address and I will contact you to get your mailing address!!

1. 
   MicheleFebruary 21, 2014 at 3:10:00 PM EST

   This is an awesome stamp!! Would love to win it!!! "Spring is in the air!!!!!

Have a great weekend.....

 

Thought I'd share my favorite markers from my favorite art store with you today --  Tombow Dual Tip. 

You can check the list over on the left side of the page to see what other products I like to create with. 

Hope you can find some artsy time this weekend! 

Find my Stamps and Stencils in Stores near you!

Check out this new page on my blog, over on the left at the bottom of the list! 

It's a GIVEAWAY!

Good Morning -- and HAPPY Friday! This morning I woke up to snow. Falling. From the sky. Yeah, the 3rd time this week. It does make me feel like spring is never ever going to arrive.

But then I checked my email and got a beautiful, spring like surprise from my sweet friend Kathie DeLuca. She created this beautiful card using my Flower Frame 2 Cling Stamp -- and it was enough to make me think that spring might just be right around the corner!

I just love the way it turned out. Lots of layers and bright color, and I really love the way she used the white pen to enhance some of the lines of the flowers.

I thought -- since it is Friday -- and you might be a little frustrated with the winter weather that I would offer a little give-away of this same exact stamp! 

It's big, about 4" x 6" but you can do so much with it! Just wait until you see the super cool project I created for a top-secret project I'm working on with it.

Anyway, leave me a comment with your favorite spring quote -- what you would add in the center of the flower to help you remember that winter will be over soon! I will pick a winner sometime on Monday February 24th. Please share this on FB, Pinterest.....and any other social media place you can think of -- the more the merrier and I might have a surprise in store for another lucky visitor!

Have a great weekend and thank you so much for dropping by.

Winter....it's the Never Ending Story around here!

Early last fall my Mother told me we were in for a long, hard winter. I kind of dismissed her comments and thought that her information from the Farmer's Almanac was not accurate.

Boy, was I wrong! 

We've currently had two snow storms this week with another on the way for tomorrow. I know I've mentioned in past years that I like the winter because I love cross country skiing and snowshoeing....but this winter has been so hard with lots of below zero temperatures. And snow. I think that's a sign that I'm getting old. urgh.

But on a positive note, at least the time I'm spending inside (instead of being physical outside) I'm getting lots of art created, and that's always a good thing! 

With thoughts of spring I think I'll say thanks for stopping by, have a great day.