Buttons on Board

Pictured are the buttons I promised as part of the May Day Giveaway. They are black glass and measure 7/8" - a medium button. Have a sparkling day!

May Day Giveaway

Here it is -- the start of the New England Bloggers May Day Giveaway! You do not have to be a New England Blogger to enter. Elizabeth (at Thoughts from an Evil Overlord) is hosting the May Day giveaways for the New England Bloggers. Check out her site to view what she is giving away, and to reach the following New England Bloggers who are also participating:

Art from the Heart - Catherine in ME
The Book Kitten - Kitten in CT
Fabric 'N Fiber Fanatic - Sara in NH
Life, as it is... - Tara in MA
Living the Local Life - Virginia in NH
Loving Mom 2 Boys - Liz in RI
My Secret Garden - Sue in MA
Penny's Art Room - Penny in ME
Penny-Wise People - Colleen in NH
Raise Your Hand If... - Carol in MA
Seriously, No Seriously - Michelle
Thoughts from an Evil Overlord - Elizabeth in MA

I am giving away this lovely "Nature's Sketchbook" shadow box by Marjolein Bastin. I will also be posting a photo of some buttons that I will be giving away as well. To enter, leave me a comment. I will pick a name for each giveaway out of a hat on Saturday, May 2, and will ship the prizes free of charge. So get going and check out all of the NE Bloggers sites. Have fun!

Red Ribbon

I accepted a red ribbon for my collage titled "Tornmented" at the Opening of the First Annual Art Exhibit of the Agawam Library in Agawam, MA. this past Friday evening. You can see a slide of my piece in background; however it is not true to color and faded (lights were on). My red ribbon is hanging in my studio, reminding me to continue to create art daily! I was happy and proud to win.

Sun Doll

This is the beginning of my sun healing doll. It is stuffed with essence of Jasmine and ready to add the beading on the front. A small gemstone will be glued in the center of the beading. To be continued.........

Prize Winner Bonnet

What fun I had! I created this Easter Bonnet for a contest at our April meeting of the Tobacco Valley Artist Association and won the first prize -- a free year membership. It was such fun finding things to place on the hat. I used a felted bunny I sculpted as well as saved artificial flowers from various arrangements I received as gifts (that I could not bear to throw away). I also used some button flowers - perfect to stick up and out. The little bunny chariot was found at the Salvation Army store..... Just call me "Minnie Pearl"! What therapy.

Orchids in Full Bloom

Aren't they gorgeous? They last forever too. I never get bored looking at them.

More Altered Book Layouts

Practicing different techniques/layouts, and Principles of Design!

I'm leaning towards the yellow cut out leather button.

More Sun Buttons

I found more buttons that I may consider for the face...... The holographic sun face is too masculine, I think.

Saturday MA State Button Show

These are some of the buttons I bought this morning at the button show. Today I was looking for a button to use as a face for my sun healing doll. I couldn't make up my mind, so I bought them all! I plan on starting to cut out the material later on today. I am anxious to begin.

Use of Glues and Paint Techniques

The use of glue on paper is one that was very useful, and I love the credit card technique using paint on the page. It looks like tissue paper collaged onto the paper! I found it delightful. Here are some of the pages I worked on this past week.

'doin the Happy Dance!"

Oh I am so happy! I just got notified that I won 2nd prize in the Friends of the Agawam Library (MA) Juried Exhibit!! I entered a collage in the mixed media category - a portrait titled "Torn mented". I don't have a photo of it, but will post it at a later date. Also, am completing the last portion of the AB homework and will post those photos tomorrow.