New Etsy Shop "Altered Revelations"...

I have had these sweet, tiny brass easels hiding away in a drawer in my studio for quite some time. So I played with some pieces of "stampbord" (great product with a multitude of uses) and created these teeny collages embellished with copper,metal filigrees. They were just perfect to rest on the easels! You can find these little burst of encouragement listed in my Healing Expression's Etsy shop!


ALTERED REVELATIONS....

I wanted to officially introduce my new Etsy shop called "Altered Revelations". I will be filling this shop with items that are created with the mixed media artist in mind. As an artist I am always on the lookout for items to incorporate in my own work and I thought it would be fun to create a place where I could offer these discoveries to those who also share a passion for mixed media collage and assemblage! Here you will find vintage style collections, unique trinkets, findings and other handcrafted items for use in your paper and fabric collage, altered books, assemblage and mixed media work! Below are a couple examples of two vintage-themed collections that are currently in the shop. You can find these and other treasures to inspire your creativity here at Altered Revelation's Etsy home!



GOODIE BAG OFFER: If you would be interested in helping me spread the word about my new shop by placing a button link for my Altered Revelation's Etsy store on your blog, I have a sweet goodie bag filled with a few Healing Expressions treasures that I would be happy to send you as a "Thank You"! Just let me know by email, include your address and I will send the goodie bag on its way!

Thanks for stopping by and may your day be filled with love, kindness and hope!

Colorful Creative Spaces.......

I finally got to the end of a long to-do list that has been following me around for awhile. I love the wide space that opens up in between crossing the last item off the list and before it fills up again! So I spent a quiet day in the studio and was able to create a few pieces. I added these new inspirational, vintage themed, glass pendants to my website today. If you would like to see more images and find these sweet little offerings you can see COLLECTION A here and COLLECTION B here!




I had the opportunity to create a special order journal this week for a dear buyer of mine who serves overseas in Iraq. Her only request was to "create whatever inspires you"! I love to create "journals as art" and often sell one-of-a-kind-journals with lovely metal picture stands to display them on. Placing your own journals in a special area of prominance, as art, is a wonderful way to honor this process of expression and encourage a daily practice of written or art journaling.

I seem to be entering a season of bright color!I am so drawn to the rich and vibrant jewel tones these days. I fell in love with these handcrafted "silk sari ribbons" and creations by designtalentedone on Etsy. She creates the most unique and colorful ribbons I had ever seen!I treated myself to one of her original hats recently! It definately brought out that funky inner artist in me!

Art Blessing Giveaway and Studio Clearance!

My season of creating some quiet space for myself continues to be where my heart and soul is being nurtured. I have been arranging reflective places in my home and cleaning out my studio and creating room for what is to come in many areas of my life. Stepping away for a season from being on-line and from other committments and relationships these past few months has allowed me to engage on a much deeper and meaningful level with myself, my family and God. Solitude and quietness brings such clarity. Although this season has brought with it some hard choices and rearranging in order to move into this new internal space....I am grateful for the courage to try. When you know God is leading you somewhere, even though it feels unknown, there is a sense of peace that you are where you are suppose to be. So I hope to peek in a little more on my blog over the coming months with new hope and inspiration born out of this simpler season.

I wanted to share an art blessing giveaway as we move into the new season and fall is around the corner. I have put together a collection which includes a 5x7 Print ("The truth shall set you free"), Greeting Card ("Listen, Nurture this season of dwelling in the deep sacred spaces"), Healing Art Block ("She moved on the quiet path of her inner peace and strength"), Framed Print ("Healing Season"), and Art card Print "Masquerade" If you would like to have an opportunity to have your name drawn to receive this collection just leave your name and contact info in the comment section and I will draw a name on Sunday, Sept. 20! If you would like to share this giveaway post on your blog with a link just let me know and I'll be happy to add your name twice!

STUDIO CLEARANCE ON EBAY!!!!



Well it truly never ceases to amaze me what a creative artist type can collect!!! I have been sorting through, gutting out and working my way through "stuff" in my studio. The letting go process always seems to expose so much inside. And it was definately true that while I made my way through the "gut out" it got alot worse before it got better...especially on the day an entire shelf of glass jars filled with trinkets and beads came crashing down to the floor! Just reminded me of the tenacity it takes to keep going the directions we are called no matter the obstacles lol! So as I contemplate the new doorways that need to be opened, I have decided to really clear the pathway in my creative world and have put together fifteen wonderful groups of collage, mixed media and altered art items with the artist in mind. All of these are being listed as auctions on Ebay with Buy It Nows for those who just can't wait! You can find all these sale auctions here!

I thought I would share a few pics of my creative space where there is now a little more room for me to breathe (you may click on images to enlarge)....





Finally, as we approach the anniversary of 9/11 this week, I wanted to share a piece of writing I had felt compelled to write back when the tragedy happened. I had sent several copies along with a friend who is a trauma therapist and was going to be heading to New York to work with survivors. It is a reflection on grief and the grieving process from tragedy, loss and life's hurts. It is called an "Invitation to Grieve" and you may read it here on my website.I hope you can carve out a quiet space for yourself this week and breathe deep.

Art Blessing Giveaway!

Its that time again! I have assembled a sweet fall-themed offering for my art blessing giveaway for the month of October. As the season of Thanksgiving is fast approaching, I was reflecting on how grateful I am for the support and encouragement so many have sent my way and for those I am fortunate to be walking alongside in spreading a message of hope through creative healing. The winner of this giveaway will receive a print of my original collage "Love, Hope, Believe" framed in an 8x8 inch wooden frame and a pumpkin spice candle with decorative ring of leaves and fall colors! If you would like to have your name included in the drawing for this "Art Blessing" just leave your name and email in the comment section. If you would like to share one thing you are thankful for today... please do! Then on Sunday, Nov. 2, I will draw the name of one who I will be happy to bless with this fall ensemble!

I had a such a meaningful time this weekend sharing my artwork at the "Betrayal Redeemed" Conference at Mountain Park Church in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The conference was sponsored by Dr. Earl and Sandy Wilson of Tuff Stuff Ministries. I was side by side with friends and fellow "soul travelers", Florence McDavid of Journeys Rest, Meg Wilson author of "Hope After Betrayal" and Traci Nelson from "Still Waters". We each shared our hearts for the wounded at vendor tables for about over 100 woman who attended the conference. Although the source of my own woundedness and betrayal was not found in my marriage, I was deeply impacted by the many speakers and counselors who brought hope and resources to encourage and give support for any woman who has been impacted by intimate betrayal at the hands of someone she loved. I was humbled at what God does when you just show up, offer who you are and your own story and then let Him do the rest. When I am tempted to give into insecurity, fear, or feeling inadequate and not equipped to be of any help to those He brings my way.....He will bring an encounter that reminds me I can release my human frailty, take hold of God's hand and not be any more than I truly am in that moment and time in my own journey. It always helps me breathe in more deeply of what He is doing in the hearts of those who are hurting around me...and breathe out more fully and I hope... authentically who I am. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you'll join in the fall giveaway!

Creative Invitations.....

I came across this video earlier and thought I would share it with you. I am always moved by stories of how art moves pain that has been hidden and contained within the body and soul...how the imagery transforms that pain and slowly over time offers healing. What the artist shares in her paintings is raw...and real...and honest. What emerges is images and symbols that have personal meaning in her own story. The imagery of pain is stark and can be graphic and bold...maybe disturbing to some. Reaching in and spreading it across the blank page is an act of redemption. It is the taking hold of something unspoken inside and giving it a voice. Sometimes those voices need to question...or scream...or weep...or just reach out to the external realm and be validated. I think you have to live outside the world's box to risk exploring as this artist has done. You have to be willing to not have things all clean and tidy...or pretty or neatly explained. You have to be willing to listen and then hold in your hands the images that greet you. There in lies the risk.....

Be sure to pause the music playlist on my blog on the lower left hand sidebar before viewing)


I find myself drawn to painting lately. I should say "the idea of painting". I haven't braved the bare canvas very often myself. I move in, dabble a little, then move on to what is more familiar...and safe I suppose. There is a letting go required it seems. I keep waiting...for what I am not sure. I collect every color of the rainbow in fresh, crisp new tubes and containers of paint. I buy paintbrushes and sponges and texture tools. I hoard every new book that peeks into the lives of those who seems to have crossed the threshold into discovery and creative bravery. I line them all up nice and organized, stand back and admire how rich and inviting they all look. Then I wait. I imagine what I might create with them. I am not sure why I hesitate. Maybe I am afraid of the revelation. But something inside is gearing up...getting ready...wanting to make time to see what it is I have been missing...what healing is waiting to be released through the trying. I think deep inside I know there is more to my own story. Maybe all this preparing and collecting and arranging is my soul's way of clearing a path...of slowly and gently offering the invitation. But thats the thing about creative invitations...you are the only one who can finally take the step and decide to accept them!