Sunday, March 29, 2009

Authenticity....

I have this deep need that swells up every now and then...to clarify and reveal myself in ways that reflect and mirror who I really am....and dispel any misperceptions. I grew up with the quiet and subtle message to never reveal the painful shadows and only what was palatable and looked "pretty and good"...to keep things under control and not let the outside know of the dark struggles that were happening behind closed doors. It often left me with the feeling of being an imposter...for the mask covered what I knew wasn't so beautiful. Although I am blessed to be surrounded with supportive friends, wonderful groups, opportunities and situations that promote healing, I never want that to gloss over or disguise what it means to try to overcome the hurts and soul damage, that we who have been intimately betrayed, live with each day we arise. I know the daily challenge it is to work and push through the internal chaos and rubble left behind from abusive pasts and I never want to be yet one more place for others to feel "less than" or place me on some pedastal and be compared to as one who "has arrived" in any way, shape for form. Some days, in my own life, it is two steps forward then four steps back. The net result overtime is that we do gain positive ground and grasp a little more freedom than we did the last time we were faced with the same issues.

Yes...I am healing... learning...trying...growing. But I also fall short and struggle with the same hurts over and over...and unhealthy ways of coping with those feelings. I too stumble and have to get up again. How grateful I am for authentic community...for friends who see my progress even when I am too overwhelmed to trust and believe...for hands that continue to reach for me even when I pull away, isolate and become scared again. But for you who only know me through the images and words you see here, I feel a responsiblity to hold up a true mirror so that you too will see yourself in that mirror, can relate and know you arn't alone. There is beauty to be found as our hearts heal. But I am an imperfect vessel, a fellow travelor who just longs to forge a path...one that is real, healthy and true...that is safe for others to travel but doesn't disguise its difficult terrain. So it blesses me when I am seen as one who inspires...but I so hope that blessing always comes after you have seen the truth of who I am...a fellow wounded one in the process of healing...imperfect but hopefully real...never hiding who I am not....and humbly revealing who I long and hope to be. Pedastals are far places to fall from. I have mercifully learned that no one should ever be placed on one. I just hope we can all sit in the space that is called "eye to eye". Humanity is really the great leveler. We are all so much more alike than we are different. Judgement and lofty pedestals can get in the way of that truth. I hope today your visit reminds you that in your hurts, struggles, insecurities, doubts and challenges... you are not alone. Behind beautiful masks often are the carefully disguised realties of living in a world that is not so perfect. I long to live without that mask...no matter how hard it is to reveal the truth and to expose the hurts and shadows. I hope here you find a place where there is no measuring up or comparing yourself. I hope that in my presence...in the presence of these words, images, stories and art...your authentic breath can be fully released...and there is no need to hold up that burdensome mask.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Body Reconciliation.......

So much to share. Its been such a week of deep emotions...I have needed time to just process all that is being woven around, under, over and through my heart. But first, I am so sorry for the delay in announcing the Art Blessing Giveaway winner! All of your names were gathered in my butterfly box and it gives me great joy to bless Susan Baldwin (Blog, "JensmeresJoy") with the little handmade journal. Please take a moment to stop by her inspirational blog! Thank you to everyone for your sharing and encouragement! Although I may not always be able to respond to all of your comments, please know each are cherished and I am honored that you took a few minutes to share your hearts!

This is a very special week in watching the seeds burst through the soil of a dream that I have shared with several woman who have traveled the long journey to recovery from sexual abuse and to healing our relationship with our bodies. Many years ago, there were several of us whose paths began to cross, hearts were shared, tears shed and journeys traveled. Over time, and difficult years of each indivually working through our own painful pasts, we began to share a vision to see our creative energies and gifts brought together to offer a safe place where those who had been hurt could come and experience healing in heart, spirit, body and soul. Tonight marks the opening of the Non-Profit called "Body Reconciliation" that I am so blessed to be a part of. My dear friend, Cristi Dillon, is founder of this sacred place and she and several other dear friends have partnered together to begin to offer workshops, resources, speakers, and other events for those in our community who seek healing and a healthy relationship with the bodies they call home. We all took part in a recently filmed news story by Tracy Barry of our local Channel 8 News. The story aired tonight and can be seen here at the KGW.com website (Giving Back: Healing Abuse Survivors). It was a huge step of faith to reveal ourselves this way but we each know God has been leading this process all along and we are simply stepping into our part of His larger redemptive story.


So tonight I sit in awe of how God is redeeming what was painfully stolen from each of us as little girls. My deepest prayer is that by sharing this message of hope we might be able to touch one other "little girl" out there who suffers in silence and is needing to find a safe place to reveal her heart, heal the shame...and come home to her body. If you would like to encourage our vision your prayers for this place would be greatly appreciated. For those who would like to financially support this new non -profit, information can be found on the Body Reconciliation website link above!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

New Altered Art Jewelry on Etsy!


I can't remember the last time I was able to just sit in my studio all day! It seems I am able to catch an hour or two, here and there, these days. It was relaxing to crank up some great music and get in a creative groove today. I have had these necklaces in mind for awhile and it felt good to finally bring them to life. Each of these pieces can be found in my Etsy store!

So what did you create today? Memories with your child, time for a struggling friend, good food for your family, clean space in your surroundings to think and breathe...creating isn't always about our artwork. I suppose its all in how we frame our creativity. There are so many ways in which we can create something of value each day. So look at your gift of creativity with new eyes today and see where you might be creating and not even realized the masterpiece you were a part of! If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for the art blessing giveaway below...only three more days til someone gets blessed!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Retreat Reflections.....

I am finally settling back in after a really special weekend retreat at the Dream Givers Inn in Oregon. Follow the link and take a peek at this place nestled in the hills of Oregon wine country. Owners Linda Kessler and Kristen Hardy have combined their gifts and talents and fulfilled a dream and passion of theirs to offer a Bed and Breakfast where you can feel pampered and truly experience deep soul rest. If you are ever in the area and want to find a perfect getaway I'd highly recommend this amazing place. The morning breakfast fare is delicious and presented ever so beautifully! You can also follow their journey on the Dream Givers Inn blog!

I was honored to present an afternoon of sharing my story and therapeutic collage with the ladies. I never tire of watching art transform our own stories and journeys into a visual narrative. There are always such unexpected moments of understanding and release that happen as the collages are quietly reflected on. There is such power in an image to speak for us the words we might not have been able to form. As always I came away with a renewed sense of hope and anticipation of how God might choose to use this work. My dear friends, author Meg Wilson and recording artist Kate White, shared their unique gifts of speaking and music to open our hearts to a message about deepening our relationship with God by seeking an intentional balance in heart, mind, body and spirit. The food was lovingly prepared and served by dear friend Judy (chef extraordinaire and miracle worker with Costco fare LOL!). Ellen eAkens, a massage therapist from "The Healing Room" also shared her gifted hands for an incredibly relaxing experience of massage with hot stones and cool marble. The weekend left me with a hunger to offer my heart to God in a deeper and more truthful way, live with greater intention and courage and to quietly pursue the next steps that are revealed. After such soul-filled experiences it seems it takes awhile to process all that took place. I am sure the pages of my art journal will slowly reveal what my heart needs to remember.



Please be sure to take a peek at the Art Blessing Giveaway in my previous post and join in the drawing!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Art Blessing Giveaway!



I found a litte niche of time in the studio today and created this sweet mini altered journal for this month's Art Blessing Giveaway. "Hear My Heart Speak" has been created with vintage collage, silk flowers, antique-toned metal butterfly gently accented with a pink jewel and rose colored organza ribbon! If you would like to be a part of the blessing just add a comment to this post and be sure to leave your name and email so I can contact you if I draw your name! It brings me great joy to share a small bit of artful encouragement during such a time as this! I will draw a name out of my butterfly box on Sunday evening, March 22nd! Please feel free to spread the word and share this giveaway blessing!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Lovely Weekend!



I had a chance to create a large set of custom Altered Art Therapy Blocks for the counseling office of a good friend. This set will sit on the table in the waiting room and hopefully bring encouragement to those who come through the door and have a few minutes to play with and ponder the messages the blocks can reveal. I know many of you have requested more block sets and I am hoping to get several new sets made next week. Between family committments and new directions that have been unfolding, I don't seem to be able to have alot of time in the studio. I know these seasons ebb and flow though. Creative ideas continue to bubble up and I look forward to having them burst open in the studio in their right time!

I have had some hopeful developments with my writing and am currently having some of my poetic and inspiratonal writings put through a marketing review process for possible publication. The conversations with the editor have really inspired that first love of mine! As a young girl writing stories, essays and poetry was a haven for me. The process of creating with words brings my heart that same sense of spiritual and emotional connection that mixed media art has offered. What I love about new opportunitues is even if the outcome is not necessarily what we had hoped (ie. getting the piece published), the learning along the way is such a blessing. Sometimes we are taken down paths that we think are heading one way only to find out it was the journey, lessons and insight that later served us in a situation we did not even know was developing! Being flexible and holding on with hands that are also willing to let go if needed seems to be the key!

Shared a beautiful evening with my husband this weekend. He was honored by his company at an awards dinner and they generously gifted him with a weekend getaway for us both! The event, amazing food, music and relaxation was a much needed time away for us both! We felt blessed by the pampering!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Everything rides on hope now......

A song to reflect on...to listen for your own heart's interpretation. Been thinking alot on love this week. Accepting the love that is given to us. Recognizing the many forms it enters into our lives and breathes in new hope. For some love can be confusing and distorted because of past experiences or wounding. It takes great risk to open up to its invitations. In my own life, love has come in many forms. I believe genuine love always brings with it the fragrance of hope. Today I am grateful for the love shown to be by those who know me only by my words and images here on this blog, friends who have entered in deep seasons of pain, wrestling and healing with me, those that have walked intimately along side as chosen helpers and guides, my husband and children who receive all the facets of emotion and perspective that I can no longer hold captive, and to a God who has waited as I have slowly and cautiously moved nearer to Him. Their collective love continues to set me free. This rich color of love has ushered in the kind of hope that I am willing to risk for. It seems this song resonates with me because it does feel as if everything is riding on trusting this thing called faith and the hope that is its sweet companion. I know these words can be overused and maybe even abused, overspiritualized and tossed around in trite ways. But I am holding them today in their true colors. In the end...they speak the truth. Each are a beautiful pathway to the undeniable truth...the kind of truth that opens our hearts to that which is bigger than who we are. And in that space is where true hope bursts open wide the doors we have longed to walk through! I encourage you to look for your unique invitation.....

Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right sidebar before viewing.....

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Stamp Carving!

Its been an incredible week of steps taken, new doors opening and invitations awaiting the right timing! My deepest passion is to offer hope to those that have struggled with the wounds of the past. I was so honored this week to speak to a group of therapists and share my own journey and creative tools and processes to assist them in helping their clients. I felt stretched in every way possible! It seems a season of great risk, vulnerablity and learning is upon me. I am just trying to take each step as it arrives, take a deep breath and move forward. There is always something new to learn!


Speaking of learning something new...what fun I had today as our art journaling group arrived! After updating each other on the happenings in our lives, Michelle Allen brought materials for us to learn how to carve stamps from our unique drawings and doodlings. She has some great pictures on her blog that demonstrate the process. I was so inspired and I am sure stamp carving will now become my newest addiction LOL! Everyone tried their hand at drawing a design then transferring it to the rubber and carving away! The possibilities are endless for the what can be carved and used in collage and canvas work.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Spreading Her Wings...

My sweet friend and one of the most prolific artists I know, JoAnna Pierotti, has begun a new adventure teaching on-line Mixed Media and Assemblage Art classes! She has a wealth of experience, creative secrets and amazingly cool techniques to share and does so with an authentically open heart! She is developing a wonderful community where she will be offering her classes in an on-going, video format. I love the option of taking classes on line, at your own pace and in your own creative timing! The current class JoAnna is offering teaches her truly gorgeous Art Doll Assemblage techniques. If you'd like to join JoAnna and a growing community of artists as they spread their artistic wings, take a peek at the above link!

Although I am all signed up for the class I have to wait until I am through with several committments before I can get creating. So to tide me over til then, I made a little slide show of some of my own art doll inspired and themed pieces. I have long had a fascination with dolls of every style. There is something about the faces that whisper to me. Each one carries with it a unique story. It rekindles the little girl in me and the comfort that that special doll seemed to always bring. I have been dreaming of new doll creations for a while. That seems to be how new inspirations always begin....in the dreaming!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Standing By........


My Auntie Ria sent this to me today and I just had to share it. I love the power of music to transcend boundaries, distance and time. It has the ability to touch and move places in the heart that are completely unique to each listener. See where it takes you as you listen. Needing someone at one time or another to stand by us is a universal condition! Our souls were created in and designed for relationship! We may already have one who has taken their stand next to us, maybe a new friend has entered into our life unexpectantly and is quietly standing near or maybe we need to be willing to reach out and ask for the support. However the need arises, I believe there are enough of us to take a turn "standing by"!

Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the right lower sidebar before viewing!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Love day!



Hope you are enjoying the day and that you have someone to share a dose of love with, a bear hug, a valentine cookie or a beautiful flower! It just doesn't take much to extend a little "heart love" to those you care about! My husband presented me with the most gorgeous white roses and red tulips. His sweet, little box of chocolates came to my rescue as I was searching through the house desperately for a chocolate fix with my hot cup of tea lol! This was the first time he chose white roses. I was deeply moved. They just seemed to whisper of hope and renewal!

Friday, February 13, 2009

"One World One Heart" Giveaway Winner!

Well I had great plans to stay up til midnight and do my offical drawing but I dozed off! I want to thank everyone who came by and for all your wonderful comments. There were so many blogs to visit and it was such a great event! The response was overwhelming! I really did do it the old fashioned way and cut up all of your names to put in my butterfly box! That was alot of tiny pieces of paper! So I am happy to announce the winner of the "Soul Peace" Altered Journal is Melanie of Whimsical Creations. Congratulations Melanie! Please take a moment to take a peek a Melanie's blog...it is a delight!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Celebrating the Journey!



Shared a beautiful evening last night at a Pink Party celebrating the journey of a dear friend who has courageously walked though breast cancer this year. I love what women bring to each others lives. So many heartfelt conversations about whats important and the beauty that life's heartaches and struggles ultimately reveal. Pretenses get left at the door and life comes into the sharp focus when these kind of journey's are entered into. Hearts are opened wider, words that had not been spoken are shared and hands offer to help in the most meaningful and creative ways. My friend said looking back she is grateful for what the path gave her. She wouldn't trade it now. Pain brings us some of the most treasured gifts. As much as we might wish to never have to experience the difficult paths, death, grief, sadness, loss...in these valleys we find parts of our heart we might never have otherwise discovered. Its the opportunity to understand deeper truths. We see more clearly into the lives of those around us, reach for them and receive more willingly. That is the beauty in pain and struggle. To be in it but surrounded, allowing yourself to be held and celebrated. Let your pain speak into another's life. Let their support and love speak into yours.



I have been busy writing and doing alot of work for a presentation I will be giving soon and haven't had too much time in the studio. It was a treat to create this special set of collage art blocks for a dear customer this week and thought I'd share them with you!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Morning Reflection.....


Pause the music currently playing on the lower right sidebar of my blog before viewing the video!



Just offering an invitation right where you are...before the day slips by...before the sun sets....

to pause and be present
in this moment that is now
be grateful
remember what really matters
let go of what doesn't
ask for who needs your words, touch or prayers
listen for God's guidance
release what you are holding on to
take hold of what is before you
feel your breath
hear your heart beat
move through this day with intention
do the thing that is before
give what you can
receive what you are given
open your eyes
and truly see
the unspoken nature
of what is happening around you
live fully in this one day

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Remembering.......

"The courage to face the road that has been traveled...
to receive the lessons of what has been...
invites the soul to embrace the journey that beckons ahead...
the gentle hope of what can be"


I was looking through images of work I had created a couple years ago and came across these two pieces. They reminded me of a different season of prolific creativity in my life. It seems it is good to remember. When you are risking heading around a new bend, and cannot see exactly where you are going, its encouraging to remember where you have been. We see so much farther and clearer when we turn around and take a moment to see with eyes that understand more now, have experienced more, a heart that trusts a little more...maybe is even a little wiser. I don't feel as afraid of letting my creativity ebb and flow as I use to...the fear that it all might wither and dry up and never return doesn't haunt me. Though my studio is more often quiet and less productive these days...I have come to understand that my creative energy moves, morphs, evolves and flows into many different areas of my life. I have learned to take it with me as the wind shifts and new steps are revealed.

I will never forget a dear woman who sat with me over coffee one day...many years ago...before I had begun to sell artwork or journey down this path I have now been on as a collage artist...a road that has now become somewhat familiar and safe to me. She was looking over several healing-themed collages I had created and framed. She stood up and one by one layed each piece around the floor. We stood in the middle of all of them in silence. I was unsure, feeling very vulnerable as these pieces felt like opening a secret cavern in my soul that felt so raw and vulnerable. I remember I was facing some risky steps in my own journey and was afraid this "art thing" was a freak occurance...a one time deal...that I could create any more collages seemed unlikely. I knew I was going to have to put my heart energy into some difficult personal work that would take me away from formally creating artwork that others would see...for a season...and into a secluded season of letting decades of secrets spill out through art that would ultimately be for my own eventual healing and freedom. She asked if she could pray for me, held my hand and put her fingers gently over the inside of my wrist...as if to take my pulse...and then she said these words...."as long as your heart is beating, as this blood pulsates through your body, God's gift to you of your creativity will continue to flow and give life through every nerve and fiber of your being , from within you out into the hearts of those who are hurting. You can trust the source and that the gift is neverending."

Remembering her words are a comfort to me today as I move into new places. They are a reminder all these years later of where I have been...of where I can travel again if I choose. My heart is still beating and the blood is still moving. So today I encourage you to stop for a moment and remember the road you have traveled. Gather the strength born out of the insight received from what was and let it give you courage and hope for the unknown road called " what will be". The truth is all of these moments and experiences and choices and paths are intricately connected and linked together by One who has all our days in His hands. Don't be afraid to lie still and be hidden for awhile while the new path emerges. Just remember you'll will find your gift,your creativity, your passion...safely tucked away in your heart and beating through every fiber of your being...nourishing every aspect of your soul. Like the butterfly...the time will come...when resurrected together in its new form...fresh strength and vision will be pushed through your wings and the flight will feel almost effortless.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Upcoming Seminar......



I am honored to have been asked to present a seminar for therapeutic professionals this month to share creative processes and tools for clients who struggle with the dissociative effects of severe trauma and abuse. If you or someone you know is a therapist, counselor, or works in the mental health profession, and would be interested in attending, you may find all the information here on my website. This opportunity is at the heart of my deepest passion and I am so looking forward to speaking and sharing art that promotes the uncovering of painful secrets and soul healing!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Still Standing.....

Just a song to share with you today that has been speaking to my heart. Usually its a simple message, even one line in a piece that will pull at your soul and have something for you. I have been taking time to slow down, listen and make room in the coming days for the next steps in my own journey. Some steps are difficult and shadowed in the unknown. They require solitude and quiet inner conversations with God to ready the mind and body and prepare the way. Maybe thats where I am.....still standing....waiting....resting from the doing....preparing for what comes next.....

Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right sidebar before you begin the video........



"Shadowfeet"

Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet
toward home, a land that I've never seen
I am changing, less and less asleep
made of different stuff than when i began
and I have sensed it all along
fast approaching is the day

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

Theres distraction buzzing in my head
saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
but I've heard rumours of true reality
whispers of a well-lit way

You make all things new

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you

Monday, January 26, 2009

Spirit Jumpers!

It is so inspiring to me when artistic souls with a desire to reach out to others dream up creative ways to bring encouragement to those who are going through difficult life circumstances. I recently became part of a new project called "Spirit Jumpers". Meagan and Stacey have developed a place for anyone who would like to be availiable to send small gifts or tokens of hope to those who are battling cancer of many forms. I have had several family and friends who have gone down this emotionally and physically difficult path and thought this was a place I would love to offer the outflow of some of my time in the studio. If you know someone who could use a "spirit jump", you are invited to contact Stacey and Meagan and submit their name which will be linked up with one of the participating "Spirit Jumpers" who will then send along something to uplift and encourage them in their journey. If you would like to contribute as a Spirit Jumper, donate items or small gifts you can also visit the website for information on how to join in. We each have so much to offer. It can be the smallest gesture for a hurting soul that can give them the strength and courage to take the next smallest step or to hold up their faith and hope for another new day.

Friday, January 23, 2009

One World One Heart Giveaway!

PhotoI so enjoyed participating last year in this world wide blog event started by Lisa "Oceandreamer" Swifta! If you are new to 'One World One Heart" you can find all the details here. Its an opportunity to be introduced to a wide array of wonderful sites and enter some beautiful giveaways as well! I finished an altered journal today called "Soul Peace" that is my offering for this event. This 6x8 journal is accented with jewels, silk flowers, embellishments and lovely ribbons. If you would like to be entered in the drawing please include your name and contact info in the comment section and I will be happy to throw your name in the basket! This event ends on February 12th and at that time I will draw a name and the winner will be notified!



I also invite any of you who are new to my blog to visit my website where I hope your soul will be invited to take a moment to breathe and listen to whats stirring in your own heart. I will be listing new work on my website beginning next week and hope you'll stop by!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Giveaway Winner!




Sweet congrats to Lisa Plummer whose name I drew to receive the art blessing giveaway for this month! Check out Lisa's beautiful blog for lots of wonderful inspiration! Thank you so very much to everyone who participated and for taking the time to leave such encouraging and heartfelt comments. I am sure it won't be long before another giveaway appears!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Weaving threads.....

Had a relaxing time at the "Inspiring the Soul" conference here in Vancouver this weekend. Enjoyed meeting up with old friends and new, connecting over similar passions to share our art to encourage and offer hope to woman.



I am sensing a changing of seasons approaching again when I might need to hold loosely to my plans and be open to changes in focus, if only for a time. I find I keep thinking I need to get "back to" the days when I was pumping out artwork right and left, listing frequently etc. But that is not the door that keeps beckoning. It just seems there are shifts all over in my life that are calling me to slow down, intentionally invest in family and significant relationships, prioritize and consider new opportunities, even those that might be outside of my cherished art world! One aspect of my creativity that has been whispering my name again is in the form of writing. I am quietly moving in that direction although I am not sure where it will take me...but not going no longer feels an option. I am also opening up to the idea of working outside my studio for a couple days a week for someone else. The challenge for me has always been not to completely cease and give up one activity to begin another but to keep a gentle balance of both in my world at the same time. Like the weaving of a tapestry, aspects of my creativity need to be woven in alongside other new threads that might get introduced. It is part of who I am and what helps me breathe. Balance and giving voice to all aspects of who I am is a lifelong endeavor.

So even though I will continue to create and offer work for sale, I am more than ever wanting to create and give. I guess I'd rather see something I have finished be in the hands of someone I know it would encourage then in my inventory. Thats how this all began...through giving away creative hope to those who were struggling. I just want more of that in my life again. There is, however, a constant tension between the reality of needing to earn a living through my creative gifts and the desire to give away and bless with the creative gifts. So I must keep weaving with both threads while leaving room for new ones to be introduced...and release the need to know ahead of time what the final tapestry of my life will look like. Holding too tightly to anything, if it needs to be released and transformed, is not healthy in the long run. I guess that is what trust is for.

So today don't fear if you must make adjustments. They might be temporary. They might even bring you blessings and open doors you hadn't even considered. Trust releasing the plan you might have been clutching too tightly. I encourage you though, amidst the letting go, to keep weaving the threads of your passions and dreams amidst the other threads that may unexpectantly enter your life. Even if their creative colors arn't as domininant for a season, your life's tapestry won't be complete in it's richness and depth without them.


"Set free the soul...Release your inner voice....Surrender to the journey...Embrace your story"

New Altered Art BLock which can be found in my Etsy store.

Be sure to peek back in late tonight and I will announce the winner of the art blessing giveaway!

Monday, January 5, 2009

New Year's Art Blessing Giveaway: Destash!


Mixed Media Treasures Giveaway!
I have been going through my studio trying to make room for new ideas and directions this year and thought I would share a box of goodies for the collage artist! Giving just seems like a truly "ripple effect" thing to do. So many are struggling with just making ends meet these days. I wonder just what resources are really available between us all. And if those resources were released from hearts and hands willing to let them go and received by those whose needs were waiting to be met....the inequity and imbalance that seems to exist in our own communities might shift. I know this art offering won't save the world today but I offer it in the spirit of hope. What we each can give away are like seeds in another's life that might grow and multiply in ways we cannot even anticipate! Sometimes it is just so simple. There is so much we already have that is waiting to be released to another! So if you would like to be entered in the drawing just leave your name and info in the comment section below! I will draw a name to receive all of these items on Monday, January 12th!

If you would like to mention this giveaway on your blog and provide a link back to this post, let me know and I will add your name twice to the drawing! It would be fun to see this giveaway start a little ripple in the creative community.....what can you assemble from what you already have and give away? I'd love to hear your inspiring ideas!