Here are my two Christmas ornaments for our group's 2" x 2" Ornament swap. I had fun experimenting a bit with these. I use plumber's aluminum tape - it is silver, wide and has a sticky backing - then dribbled alcohol inks in different colors and then dabbed with a...a....dabber thingy! The result is a stained glass effect on "metal" that I then cut to use around the border. Merry Christmas!

I tried something new for gifts this year for my dear co-owners in our art group. I've always wanted to decorate - excuse me, ALTER - a paper mache woman's figure form. I am very pleased with how they came out and I hope my girlfriends are happy with their Christmas gifts! Robin and Dove are two amazing women, each with their own unique talents, of which they possess many. I am so fortunate to call them my dear friends and I look forward to a wonderful New Year working with them in our group! Merry Christmas to you all!

I thought I'd catch up a bit since it is Christmas Eve! We had a 4x4 Autumn swap (picture above) and I was very late in getting it out! Anyway, I am pleased with the results and the recipient liked it, too! The other picture is of a "Spirit Ladder" - the idea came from Cloth Paper Scissors magazine - a reader had sent her picture in with the poem she attaches to her ladders. Their idea is to lift one's spirit and the ways to personalize it are endless!

We are still continuing to work on our art journals, though times are tough, busy and the economy is hurting us all. None the less, I worked on 3 spreads in my dear friend Robin's journal. I think it will continue on to one more artist, then make its way home. I've many projects to finish for the year end, so I'll get back to creating! Enjoy and namaste.

Our Art Journal RR is still moving along...it's a little harder with the economy affecting everyone, and life's other interruptions (injuries, death), but I have completed a few... The first pic is my addition to Kristal's journal. I used pictures of my great-grandparents (mother's side). The second pic is Jen's journal. She chose "our bodies, our selves" as a theme...now, that was a great challenge! The sunflower entry is for Dove's journal; "Friendship is the golden thread that ties all hearts together". It certainly does in this group. The last picture is for Cheri's journal - she is our friend across the Big Pond (England). So, I'd better get going and finish up Kimberly's. Yes, Robin...I have been procrastinating but with good reasons this time LOLOL! Enjoy the weekend and especially the EXTRA HOUR OF SLEEP!!! It is about time!! And as always...thanks for stopping by! Terry

Two of my favorite things are cats and coffee. I joined in the "Art in a Jar" swap in my group and came up with this crazy little idea of cats at a coffe shop. It was to be a summer theme and after browsing the sticker aisle and my own sticker stash, it all just came together. Of course, I was thirsty for some Starbucks by the time I was done.........

Zentagle is becoming quite a craze with my friends. It is an art form that is fun, freeing and easy to cart around. As I was flying to So. Dakota, I took my art journal (one of many) and did some "Tangling". The pictures above are from a Round Robin we recently finished. We chose small 4" x 6" photo albums (thank you Dove) and we each got to choose a theme. I wanted a Zentangle one so the ladies came through and did a fabulous job!! I agree with you, Dove - I will paint the dove's heart red!

Another Round Robin we had fun doing was similar to an earlier one...5" x 7" canvas using black & white shades only. This time we chose 2 colors and a metallic. I chose blue, ochre and copper and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results! The ladies in Altered Arts of Visions and Dreams are so talented, so "playing" with them is always a joy! Thank you Robin, Dove, and Kristal for playing in these two RR's! You ladies always amaze me and I look forward to some exciting projects to share with you next year!