Mini-Collage Challenge #8

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Themes Arise When They Need To
When I sit down to create my small 2" x 2" collages each day (well, almost each day), I have no idea what will appear on the tiny piece of watercolor paper.  What I am finding is the certain themes arise as I start gluing papers.  This is one of those themes - house, home, landscape.  As I find myself traveling a lot for work, it is no surprise to me that the theme of home keeps coming to life in these mini art pieces.  Themes arise when they need to.  Your emotions will find their way into your art...if you allow them to unfold.  What themes arise in your art?

Trio of Trees Holiday Gift Display by Julie Beltramo

This sweet Trio of Trees Holiday Gift Display by Julie Beltramo comes together quickly, and uses just one package of designer series paper! Plus, with all the leftover designer series paper pieces, you’ll be able to add a bunch more custom little gift boxes – they’re fun and addicting to make! You can frame the card to make a great mantle display, or use it as it’s displayed for a special gift to give someone!  Get the full step-by-step instructions by subscribing to the month of November over at Craft Project Central!

I Carry Your Heart Art Journal Page

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Be Open To Surprises
I recently traveled to Doha, Qatar for work and I had all kinds of preconceived notions of what I would experience there.  I am so glad that I remained open to the experience!  It turned out to be so much different than the stories and "build up" I had been exposed to.  Once again I was reminded to be open to surprises - to allow myself to take in what I am experiencing and to not be blinded by assumptions and preconceived notions.  I am so grateful for the experience and for the reinforcement of a lesson that I need to continually be reminded of!
Today I am sharing an art journal page that I created for Paper Crafter's Library.  It was inspired by an ee cumming's poem.  Every month I create a number of art journal pages for Paper Crafter's Library.  If you are interested in accessing the full step-by-step instructional videos for these art journal pages (and the other projects I create for Paper Crafter's Library), click on the badge in the upper right-hand corner of my blog and look into subscribing to PCL!

Recycled Bottle Gifts by Regina Andari

Don't throw those Starbuck's bottles away!  These Recycled Bottle Gifts by Regina Andari are a fabulous way to repurpose the bottles!  Create three holiday gifts by recycling your drink bottles.  This tutorial will demonstrate three unique gift ideas with festive decoration, and the gifts are sure to be a perfect fit for some of the names on your list.  Get the full step-by-step instructions by heading over to Craft Project Central and subscribing to the month of November!

Mini-Collage Challenge #7

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find Inspiration In The Colors Of The Landscape
We went for a hike about a week ago and I was struck by the yellows in the landscape.  The grasses are drying up in preparation for winter.  The verdant green of summer gave way to the kaleidoscopic burst of Fall color and now the quiet hush of Winter is coming ever so close.  I used a variety of torn washi tape pieces to create this simple landscape.  What colors are in your landscape?  How might they inspire a piece of your artwork?