Love Binds - Colossians 3:14

"Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”  ~ anonymous author 

Happy New Year 2012

I spent ringing in the new year with my brother and his family. My niece Amelia and I created ATC cards to welcome in the new year... we had fun exploring the many, many, many papers, pictures and text I carted over in my craft shoulder bag. Here are the results of our discoveries may it bring you some joy.

  MY niece Amelia's ATC series she did a combo... she really had fun.

ATC collage 2.5 x 3.5 inches by 9-year-old niece Amelia.

ATC collage 2.5 x 3.5 inches by 9-year-old niece Amelia.

MY ACEO ATC series which I titled "Three Cups of Tea"

"Three Cups of Tea" series ACEO ATC collage 2.5 x 3.5 inches.

 I came up with this series because for 2012 I want to be mindful of my time spent on ME. I've been told one too many times by people who really know me that I GIVE too much and I need to find BALANCE and JOY for myself. That it is okay to be selfish and focus on my needs and wants. So for this year I want to be more mindful of my fashion (ahhh, I'll have to forfeit buying art supplies and books for new clothes), of my fitness and allow for outdoor playtime like hiking our beautiful trails in PA, and mindful of my tranquil mind by enjoying at least three cups of tea a day. I already start my days with a cup of tea, I now have been adding a cup at lunch and a cup before bedtime. Of course different blends to meet my different needs. Black Tea is great in the morning to get my energy going, Green Tea at lunch with a little honey is warming and keeps my immune system up and Camille Tea at night relaxes me and gets me ready for sleeping.

It seems to make much sense just like the tea custom says:
"The first cup of tea is sour as life. The second cup is sweet as love. The third is soft as death."

Fits so well for me since I am not a morning person and the first cup is a bit sour and the last cup brings me to a soft sleep as sweet as death... don't get me wrong I am not done living my life but there is no peace, like that of a deep sound sleep to restore your spirit and undo the man made stresses of our earthly lives. So we may awake again; restored and ready to rebuild our purpose driven lives.


How did you ring in the new year, have any art ventures in mind for 2012? I welcome your comments and storytelling.

 Enjoy:-)
Sandra

"United" Minimal Art

Here are some ACEOs I created this week inspired by a new group I joined over at International Union of Mail-Artists (IUOMA) called MINIMAL MAIL ART! To see the individual pictures of each ACEO click on the caption below the image and it will open up my Flickr account for you to view the cards up close.

"United" set of 4 ACEO 3.5 x 2.5 inches mixed media collage.

In addition to creating the "united" series I also created two special cards for my new friends at the IUOMA Minimal MAIL ART Group (Carla and Nancy). Click on their names to be redirected to their personal websites. I am very impressed by there artistic talents and look forward to receiving MAIL ART from them both in the future.

"cheerful" mixed media collage

"shining" mixed media collage

On the left you can see the elements of the collage pieces prior to being glued down using an Elmer's glue stick. You can see the hand painted mixed media paper I cut and punched to create the flower elements. I used acyclic paints with a dry brush technique to create the rough textures.

I plan to make more hand painted paper this weekend. So much more fun then just using designer paper... every page is a surprise waiting to be explored.

Enjoy,

Sandra