Mind Wide Open Entry

The last time I participated in Mind Wide Open I strayed from my digital work and wasn't overly happy with the results. This time, I stayed true to my current path and am very pleased with how it came out. The other two images are of my grandmother at various points in her life. Not having a childhood image of her, it seemed fitting to use the one provided by Gail. The dates I used on the left are approximate and it starts at the beginning. A very good place to start.

Thank you Gail for hosting! I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with!

I forgot to mention, Go Vote For Your Favorite once they are posted on Monday!! You still have a day to enter if you'd like!

xoxo~
Abbie

All Dressed Up..

Here is my submission to Mind Wide Open. I liked working with a 'real' piece, instead of a digital one this time. It reminds me of a shabby chic Christmas ornament, 'all dressed up' ready to be displayed! It measures 6 1/2" wide and 7 1/2" long.

I used an embroidery hoop as the frame and the 'canvas' is a piece of linen that I sewed antique lace, the picture frame, ribbon and the buttons to. It hangs from a loop of vintage pink ribbon and is embellished with a brass knob at the top and an architectural piece at the bottom. The back is covered in a lovely piece of vintage wallpaper. I think perhaps I'll list it for sale in my Etsy Shop. Thank you Gail for the inspiration! and thank you, ladies, for all of the eye candy you create each month! I can't wait to see what everyone else does.

Remember, voting starts tomorrow! Please leave a comment for your favorite piece!

Mind Wide Open

Here is my submission to Mind Wide Open. Gail will be posting all the entries tomorrow! Don't forget to go and vote for your favorite!

I am very happy with the way this came out. VERY different from the original image given to us, but the basic form (which is just lovely! - thank you Gail!) is there. Almost as if she is floating in another universe or dimension.

It was fun! I think there are 30+ Photoshop layers in this.
Click on the image to view it larger.

I can't wait to see what everyone else did!
xoxo~
Abbie

don't forget to peek at The Vintage Moth to grab some free vintage/antique images for your art!

Keeper of the Secrets

Keeper of the Secrets 8/7/08 Digital

Here is my submission for Mind Wide Open. I am so excited to see everyone's else's art pieces!! I originally wanted to do a light airy piece, but I just couldn't get that feeling and keep the key word 'secret' in play. All the Halloween stuff for sale is putting me in a Gothic mood, and some might think I'm nuts, but I'm ready for Autumn! It came out dark, mysterious, and there are most definitely secrets in this piece. Thank you Gail for hosting!! If you look close (please click to enlarge it!) you can see a lot of little details that might get missed.

Enjoy!

xoxo~

Abbie

Oh! Remember to take a peek at my new free clipart blog, The Vintage Moth, which is highlighted in the post below.

Mind Wide Open

'Say Not Farewell' Digital Collage 6.07.08

I just finished this digital collage for Mind Wide Open. PLEASE go and peek at all the fabulous entries once they are posted! I can't wait to see how everyone else interpreted the theme and also how they incorporated the image. It was really fun to do and I truly enjoyed the challenge. Thank you so much Gail for hosting this!

I have been working just in digital format lately as I do not have the ability right now to pull out 'real' art supplies. It is very flexible and lots of fun! If you are interested in the elements I used please check out these sites for lots of great images!

AntiqueClipart.com

Dawn at The Feathered Nest

Vintage Image Madness

Altered Art Images

xoxo~

Abbie

I picked a WINNER!!

I finally had a moment today to pick my Spring Giveaway Winner!!

(Actually my two year old picked the winner from the bunny!)

#55!

Angie(quillysilly) said...
I found my way here via Esprit`D*Art and must say
that you have a lovely blog! I'd love to enter your very generous giveaway
and congrat's on making it to 300! WOW~! Angie

I just want to thank everyone who entered! It was an overwhelming response and very exciting! I am hoping to have a monthly giveaway starting in April. On the last day of each month, I'll pick a random winner from everyone who has left comment on any post from the entire month. I have just been so blessed with the friendships and goodness of everyone, I would love to give something back. Just as with this giveaway, they will be custom gifts, specially put together for that person!

Happy Spring! Pass along the Love!

Hand Felting, Knitting.. Oh the TALENT!

I received a package the other day from my dear friend Amber. For my birthday she made me some of the most gorgeous hand knit and felted bowls I have ever seen!! I didn't know people could do this! (At least not anyone I knew..) she is such a talented knitter! She has made some lovely treasures for the whole family, but these are by far my favorite! ♥ Thank you Am!

I have been trying to convince Am to post some of her lovely creations for sale on Etsy but so far she hasn't bitten.. If you would like to acquire some similar items then check out Papaver Vert's Etsy shop.. they also have some lovely hand felted bowls.. I didn't snag one of their pics as I didn't have time to ask for permission. But trust me, it's worth a peek!!

Also, from my dear friend Anke (it was her birthday the other day!.. Happy Birthday!) a wonderful box stuffed full of Kinder Eggs, chocolates, tea and art papers!! Wooohhooo!! As some of you know, I grew up in Germany and miss it dearly.. one thing I missed most were Kinder Eggs! Milk chocolate outside, white chocolate inside, and in the middle.. a toy!! How cool is that? It's like Cracker Jacks for chocolate lovers! As you can see from the pic above.. someone else loved the chocolate as much as I did! I couldn't keep T's hand out of the chocolate long enough to get a picture without her in it.. Like momma like daughter!

Thank you for the fabulous response to the Spring Giveaway! I am starting to really like this "custom gift' idea a lot and think I will do it every month on my blog. But instead of having to leave a comment on a specific post, you can leave a comment on any post during the month to be entered.. what do you think??

GIVEAWAY!! A Special Spring Bounty Just for You!

It has taken me a little while to get to this but I'm so excited!!

After much fussing and fiddling, I have finally decided what to give away in celebration of my

300th post!

Actually I don't know what it is yet.. once the winner is picked, it will be a

CUSTOM gift package

put together specially for that individual!

Just what you would like... I'll visit your blog or site, and 'custom fit' your gift just to you!

There are so many different personalities who stop and visit.. those who love decorating, home decor, the crafters, the artists, the collage enthusiasts, those who are retired and those who are just starting their careers, or those, who like me, stay at home and change diapers all day! I want to say thank you to each and everyone of you.. you make my day more special and gently remind me of my hidden potential. Everyday, you visit, comment and put a smile on my face. You lift up, encourage and support and I truly want to thank you!

So, I can't show you, but you'll love it! I promise!

I wish I could give a gift to everyone who visits, but unfortunately it's just not in my budget! :) But I promise, if I win Powerball or the lottery, then it's a giveaway, everyday for everybody!

So, you know the way to play... leave a comment and your entered! I'll draw a winner on the

First Day of Spring, March 20th!

Feel free to pass the word along, and thank you!!