Thursday, May 8, 2025

Within You . . . for ArtStacks and Art Journal Journey Monthly

 Hi everyone!  I am here today sharing a project that I created for ArtStacks.

I've made a mixed media art journal page using one of ArtStacks' newest 'Artist Series' releases by Tamara Laporte:




To see everything that is included in Tam's incredible packs, head over to ArtStacks!


Here is the art journal page that I made:



I couldn’t wait to get started once I received Tam’s packs. I eagerly started making an art journal page using a grid background.  The background squares were cut from Tam’s beautifully printed images in her "Magical Universe" pack. Next, I incorporated the images of the woman and child, also from the "Magical Universe" pack. I also added a tissue image of a butterfly taken from Tam's first pack entitled "Fabulous Faces." To enhance my project, I affixed what I believe is the perfect sentiment, also from the Magical Universe pack. Finally, I added ink splatters and paper swirls from my stash, and machine stitched the edges of my page.  


I am also linking my page up to April's theme at  Art Journal Journey Monthly:


This month is being hosted by Neet (short for Anita) from Hickydorums.

Her theme for May is "It Must Have Wings."  She says . . . "this covers my love of Lavinia stamps and the fairies that the owner draws herself.  But the theme doesn't have to stop at fairies.  If you think about it, lots of things have wings - butterflies, dragonflies, ladybirds, and other insects.  Don't forget about birds and angels.  And what about building? - The White House has the West Wing, hospitals have wings, there are lots of wings when you think of it!"

As you can see, my art journal page has a butterfly, which is perfect for Neet's theme!

I highly recommend you check out AJJ this month. You won’t want to miss out on all the amazing artwork created by talented artists from all over the world!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today.

Happy May!

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Happiest Memory . . . for Challenge YOUrself and Art Journal Journey Monthly!

Hi everyone! Challenge YOUrself’s new May challenge is open. (It’s their 5th challenge of the year.)

Challenge YOUrself #137 opened on May7th and closes on June 4th at midnight:


This month's theme is all about using BUTTERFLIES on your projects.  Don't forget to include a with YOU on your project.

Here is the mixed media scrapbook page that I created for this challenge:

I found this super cute photo of Katie and me from 1995. We were visiting my in-laws and had just finished church. The background paper and all the pretty stuff (like the butterflies) are from the 49 & Market Kaleidoscope collection. The black butterflies are from ArtStacks’ “Tissue Backgrounds” pack, and the chipboard butterfly is from my stash.

I hope this inspires you to join in on the fun at Challenge YOUrself this month! We’d love to see your butterfly projects.


I am also linking up my page to Art Journal Journey Monthly's challenge for May.


This month is being hosted byNeet (short for Anita) from Hickydorums.

Her theme for May is "It Must Have Wings."  She says . . . "this covers my love of Lavinia stamps and the fairies that the owner draws herself.  But the theme doesn't have to stop at fairies.  If you think about it, lots of things have wings - butterflies, dragonflies, ladybirds, and other insects.  Don't forget about birds and angels.  And what about buildings - the White House has the West Wing, hospitals have wings, there are lots of wings when you think of it!"

Guess what? Challenge YOUrself the AJJ Monthly has coinciding themes this month! Isn’t that exciting?

I highly recommend you check out AJJ. You won’t want to miss out on all the stunning artwork created by incredible and friendly artists from all over the world!

Thanks a bunch for stopping by my blog today.

Have a wonderful May!



Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Love This Life . . . for Challenge YOUrself and Art Journal Journey Monthly

Hi everyone! Challenge YOUrself’s new April challenge is open. (It’s their fourth challenge of the year.)

Challenge YOUrself #136 opened on April 7th and closes on May 4th at midnight:



This month's theme is all about using SCALLOPS on your projects.  Feel free to use a many or as few scallops as you like, just remember to include at least one photo with YOU in the frame.

Here is the mixed media scrapbook page that I created:

I used photos taken at my sister, Cathy's home way back in December of 1984. We were celebrating my mom and dad's anniversary. My background paper and embellishments are from 49 and Market's "Kaleidoscope " collection. I used black, die cut scallops with netting behind them. I added a cardinal and some red paint splatter to go along with my Christmas theme.

I hope you can join in on the fun at Challenge YOUrself this month!  We'd be thrilled to see YOUR projects.



I am also linking up my page to Art Journal Journey Monthly's challenge for April.


This month is being hosted by Erika from BioArtGal.  Her theme for April is "Spring Birds."  She says . . . "Think about spring and think about birds.  Your projects can be bird related, spring related, or spring AND bird related.  That's up to you."

I've added a red cardinal to my page, which goes with Erika's Bird theme.  But not the Spring part!(LOL!)

I hope you get a chance to check out AJJ.  You don't want to miss all of the beautiful artwork made by friendly and talented artists from around the world!

And thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.  

Enjoy the rest of April!


Sunday, April 6, 2025

I am What I am . . . for ArtStacks and Art Journal Journey Monthly

 Hi everyone!  I am here today sharing another project that I made for ArtStacks!

I've made a hybrid, mixed media scrapbook page using ArtStacks' new 'Artist Series' releases made by Birgit Koopsen.


To see everything that is included in Birgit's incredible packs, head over to ArtStacks!


Here is the page that I made:



I started my page with a watercolour background and added some stencilling. Next, I picked photos of me with my dog, Abbey to use on my page.  I matted them with B&W paper from Birgit's pack. The small leaves at the bottom of my photo are from Lisa Oxley’s “Floral Fetish” pack and the dictionary print is from their “Tissue Backgrounds” pack. Both of these are printed on tissue, making it look like I stamped or drew them directly onto my page.  I LOVE working ArtStacks' amazing tissue!!

Next, I cut lines of black and white leaves from the “Essential Elements” pack. I ran these down the centre of my page to create a unique effect. The stunning butterflies are also from the same pack.  And finally, I digitally added the beautiful bird, which is from Brigit's "Forrest Walk" pack.

As I have said before, I highly recommend both of Birgit Koopsen's new packs - in digital and/or printed form!


I am also linking my page up to April's theme at  Art Journal Journey Monthly:

This month is being hosted by Erika from BioArtGal.  Her theme for April is "Spring Birds."  She says . . . "Think about spring and think about birds.  Your art journaling can be bird related, spring related, or spring AND bird related.  That's up to you."

I enjoyed making my mixed media scrapbook page and added a beautiful bird to my page to go along with Erika's challenge. 

I hope you get a chance to check out Art Journal Journey this month.  There are talented artists from all over the world that take part in these challenges and are always wonderful to see.

Thank you, AJJ and Erika for the wonderful challenge this month.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. 

Happy April!

Friday, April 4, 2025

Take Chances for ArtStacks and Art Journal Journey Monthly

 Hi everyone!  I am here today sharing my latest project that I made for ArtStacks!

This time, I made a hybrid art journal spread using ArtStacks' new 'Artist Series' releases made by Birgit Koopsen.


Her first pack is titled Essential Elements:


And her second pack is called Forest Walk:


To see everything that is included in these incredible packs, head over to ArtStacks!


Here is the hybrid art journal spread that I made:




I began by using the printed version of Birgit’s background paper from her Essential Elements pack and adding it to my art journal. Next, I added some black and white paint splatter to the background. Then, I digitally added her black and white leaves to the outside edges of my pages. I love this look!!  The bird's leaves, quote and 2 feathers are from Birgit’s digital Forest Walk pack. Finally, I added the beautiful image of the woman, printed on acetate, from the Essential Elements pack. 


I definitely hope that I have inspired you to create.  I highly recommend Birgit's new releases!

I am also linking my page up to April's theme at  Art Journal Journey Monthly:

This month is (once again) being hosted by Erika from BioArtGal.  Her theme for April is "Spring Birds."  She says . . . "Think about spring and think about birds.  Your art journaling can be bird related, spring related, or spring AND bird related.  That's up to you."

I enjoyed making my "Take Chances" spread and added 2 bird feathers to the bottom of my pages for Erika's challenge. 

I hope you are able join in on the fun for Spring at Art Journal Journey this month!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Happy April!

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Christmas . . . for Challenge YOUrself and Art Journal Journey Monthly

Hi everyone! I’m thrilled to announce that Challenge YOUrself’s new March challenge is open. It’s their third challenge of the year, and I’m very excited to join in.

Challenge YOUrself #135 opened on March 7th and closes on April 4th at midnight:



This month's theme is all about BLING!  Feel free to go all out and use a much bling on your page as you like, just remember to include at least one photo with YOU in the frame.

Here is the mixed media scrapbook page that I created:


The photographs were taken in New York City during our family’s visit to the Christmas Spectacular (featuring the Rockettes) last year.  The paper that I used is from the 'Simple Stories’ Simple Vintage Holly Jolly collection. I applied bling to the 'Christmas' title, the word 'Joy,' and the holly leaves, which already had a subtle sparkle.

Attending the Christmas show in New York City was an amazing experience for my family and me. Traditionally, we had attended with my mom, making this year’s visit particularly poignant and nostalgic. It felt like we were 'home' again, surrounded by all the cozy memories of our childhood.

I hope you’ll take a moment to check out Challenge YOUrself this month!  We'd be thrilled to see YOUR projects.



I am also linking up my page to Art Journal Journey Monthly's challenge for March.

Erika from BioArtGal is hosting this month. Her theme is Home Sweet Home.  She says:  "Your project can be about your own home if you want.  Remember, there are many types of homes.  You can also think about things inside a home or even what makes a home.   . . . Just make sure your page relates to the idea of home."

I really enjoyed joining in on the fun at Art Journal Journey this month. Making my page brought back wonderful memories that felt like Home Sweet Home for me. 

I hope you get a chance to check out AJJ.  You don't want to miss all of the beautiful artwork made by talented artists from around the world!

And thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.  Happy March! 

Friday, March 7, 2025

My Heart . . . For ArtStacks and Art Journal Journey Monthly!

 Hi everyone!  I am here today sharing my latest project that I made for ArtStacks!

Did you know that ArtStacks has new releases? Yes, they do, and they are fabulous!


They have two new Artist Series packs by the renown artist, Birgit Koopsen.  

"Birgit is a printmaker, mixed media artist, teacher, produce designer and content creator. Her love of colour is obvious in her bright, happy work!"

Birgit has created two new ArtStacks packs. 

Her first pack is titled ‘Essential Elements’ 


Birgit’s second pack is called ‘Forest Walk’


Head over to ArtStacks to see everything that is included in these incredible packs!


Here is the mixed media scrapbook page that I made:

I felt so nostalgic creating this page using a photo taken of me with my family at Jacobsberg Park back in 2017. It holds a special place in my heart, especially since it’s where we used to go on our daily ‘Forest Walks.'  It feels just like it was yesterday. 

Jacobsberg Park will always be thought of as home because it was the perfect place to escape when we needed a break from the hustle and bustle of life. 

I used both of Birgit Koopsen’s new Artist Series packs from ArtStacks to make my page.  I highly recommend them!


I hope this scrapbook page has inspired you to create one of your own!  

I am also linking my page up to March's theme at  Art Journal Journey Monthly:

The month of March is hosted by Erika from BioArtGal. Her theme is "Home Sweet Home."  She says:  "Your project can be about your own home if you want.  Remember, there are many types of homes.  You can also think about things inside a home or even what makes a home.   . . . Just make sure your page relates to the idea of home."

I enjoyed making my page about my family and our walks at Jacobsberg park, which always feels like home to us!

I hope you get a chance to join in on the fun at Art Journal Journey Monthly this month!

Thanks a bunch for stopping by my blog today. I hope you have a happy March!