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!

Art Blessing Giveaway!!!

Its been awhile since I offered an art blessing giveaway and I thought this "Vintage Journey Acrylic Cube" would be a wonderful way to bless one of you! Click here to see more pictures of all sides of the cube.

I am always so grateful to receive your support and encouragement as I continue to explore and share art as a healing, revealing and redemptive tool in the revelation of our inner worlds. If you would like to be a part of this giveaway please leave your contact info in the comment section and I will add your name to the drawing! If you would be so kind as to share about this art blessing on your blog I will add your name twice to the drawing (just let me know)! I will draw the name of the blessing winner on Friday, April 2!

A few more reflections....

Found myself staying in the studio the last couple days and that images and musings continued to pour out. I think in all the challenges and activity in earlier months my little river of creativity had been stopped up. My time away is about moving those stones around, rearranging and maybe the flow will be fresher, wider and deeper. These cards can be found on ebay.

Mid Summer Reflections......

I thought I would step back in for a few moments to share a few new pieces I recently created. My time away continues to restore my heart and enlarge my vision. The unexpected has often rearranged any plans I thought I might have and priorities have become so clear. There have been difficult choices in order to step into this new space but I am moving through life these days with much more internal simplicity and quiet and am breathing deeper in releasing much of the striving. Having had to let go of much I had been holding onto...for a season...I am trusting what is meant to return will one day return. I feel a deep trust in leaving it up to God who and what that will be. For now, my sabbatical is revealing, challenging and hopeful. Each of these original art cards have been listed here on ebay!

I also had a wonderful opportunity to create a special 12x12 inch piece for the opening of the "Grid Show" at the Imago Dei Gallery in the Portland Pearl District. Over 100 artist's were asked to contribute their reflection on the theme of "Touch". All proceeds are going to support the art program of a local school. It was truly amazing to see all the different styles and mediums!

And finally I must leave you with some tempting treats I made with my son and the neighborhhood gang recently. I forgot how much I love to create desserts! Its little discoveries like this that my time away continues to reveal. I am enjoying making these new memories! And yes.....they were really yummy! Creative Blessings to you and I hope this summer brings you rest and enduring memories!

Prayers of My Soul....

I am always drawn again and again it seems to creating sacred little places to record our deepest thoughts, questions, prayers and hopes. Every now and then, I pull out the sweet diaries I kept as a little girl, childlike handwriting that even then was compelled to write what my heart hoped to speak into being. The personally written words always made the feelings more real...more tangible. I just love the idea of journals created as a piece of artwork. Placing these sacred whispers of our soul in a place of honor, on a sweet easle...with a scented candle shimmering next to it... just seems to usher in the tender voice of God... "Sweet child of promise, I value who you are and are becoming and all that your heart wants to speak...all that you feel matters deeply to me". You may find more images of this new journal and tag ensemble that is being offered in my Etsy Shop(update...journal is sold!).

I came across this video today. It seemed gentle, quiet and beautiful. Some of us may at times struggle with the truth of the message but the place deep within where this peace exists is where the sweetest of healing can take place. Wherever you find yourself today, even if you just feel unsettled in your spirit, the words are comforting. Remember to pause the music currently playing on my blog (on the lower right sidebar) before viewing the "Blessing".

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.

Custom Journals....

It has always been my deepest pleasure to create pieces that are specially ordered by one person to be sent to bless another who might be a friend or loved one. Many times, when I have these requests, the work is for someone who is going through a difficult time. This custom journal was created this past week for a customer of mine who wanted to give something special to a family member who had lost their mother. She hoped to offer a place for words, memories and even the grieving process to be expressed amidst the pages of the journal. I truly enjoy creating pieces that have such a special purpose. I love being the messenger in the middle...a bridge for one soul to reach across and bring encouragement to another.I always smile when I get to write the special card attached to the piece that says', You are being specially blessed today by____"!While creating the journal, I remembered a beautiful song I had the honor of singing at a service for my dear friend's father called "With Hope" (By Steven Curtis Chapman). The words are so meaningful for anyone who has lost someone so I thought I would have it playing with this post.

You can see other journals that were given as gifts too on my website. I hope to have a few more available soon and am also taking special orders for the holidays now. A custom journal might just be the unique gift you have been looking for to give this holiday!

Upcoming Events....

My calender is filling up with some events I thought I would pass along to you if you are in the Portland/Vancouver area during any of these dates and would find these a source of hope and comfort. These are also wonderful opportunities to find out more about these encouraging resources and share them with a friend who might benefit from them!

This weekend are two beautiful Fall Open Houses for two private retreat ministries, one of which I have been blessed to stay at. Florence McDavid at Journeys Rest and Traci Nelson from Still Waters are two of the most beautiful woman inside and out that I have had the honor of meeting and calling friends. They each have gentle hearts that are deeply passionate for providing places for souls to come away, rest for awhile and just nurture their body, mind and spirit. Saturday, Sept 27th, from 10:00 til 3:00 PM, they will be opening their ministries and hearts so you can come and see their retreat offerings located in Battleground Wa. just two miles apart from each other. Enjoy fresh baked treats, the smells of pumpkin spice candles and delicious cups of hot tea. Florence will also be having a sweet boutique open at the event which will include a selection of my framed artwork, greeting cards and inspirational treasures. That evening I will be offering my Healing Expressions Workshop at Journeys Rest as well. I am so looking forward to seeing how God moves and the hearts he connects on this special day!

"I Will Carry You" ARMS Benefit Banquet, October 4, 2008 at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland Oregon. ARMS (Abuse Recovery Minsitry and Services) is a faith-based, non-profit agency that provide educational counseling and awareness to individuals faced with domestic abuse. This year my husband and I will be hosting a table at the event where hundreds have come to hear of the healing and hope that is availiable to woman who are living within the heartbreaking world of domestic violence, men who are seeking help with abusive behaviors and teens needing guidance and support on these issues. There is inspiring music and courageous stories shared by both victims and those who have abused and found recovery. This event is a fundraiser to support the agency and it efforts to expand their reach into other communites and states across the nation.


"Betrayal Redeemed: Mastering Your Trauma and Reclaiming Your Life", October 24th, 2008 at Mountain Park Church, Lake Oswego Oregon.Sandy Wilson, founder of Tuff Stuff Ministries in Lake Oswego, Oregon offers this all day event with several break-out sessions and Keynote Speaker Linda McDonald who is Marriage and Family Therapist and author. This conference offers hope and resources for woman who are traveling the difficult healing journey from the betrayal of their partner's sexual addiction or infidelity. This is the second year I will be offering my artwork and therapuetic collage workshops at a resource/vendor table. There were several hundred in attendance last year and many received encouragement for the burdens they carried.

"Inspiring the Soul" Charis Woman's Conference 2009. January 10, 2009 at the Hilton in Downtown Vancouver WA.

I attended a beautiful planning luncheon yesterday for a fabulous event coming up to encourage and inspire woman. This event is a fundraiser for Charis Counseling which is a Non-Profit Christian counseling agency offering discounted services for needy children, adults and families. I was so excited to meet the caring souls at Charis Counseling and hear their heart and vision for this fabulous event. They have a strong and passionate hope to connect people with resources and healing ministries that reach out to our communities and our world. The keynote speaker is best-selling author Karen Kingsbury and there will also four wonderful break-out sessions to attend. There will be many non-profit agencies represented at a resource portion of the conference called "The World at Your Door" as well as vendors offering inspirational treasures and items that offer encouragement. I am honored and so thrilled to be a part of the event this year and will be at a vendor table sharing work that I hope and pray will "inspire the soul"!

Inspiration and Art Journaling....

I opened my home studio this week for the first meeting of a wonderful, monthly art journaling group I will be participating in. I love it when hearts and paths cross and God arranges the kind of divine appointments that you know cannot be just mere coincidences! There is an excited anticipation of how the journey will unfold but tempered with a quiet peace as you step into the flow of where the river seems to be taking you! We hope to each share our own unique styles, techniques and ideas as well as explore the deeper experiences of how art journaling opens our souls and moves us toward deeper understanding of our emotional and spiritual lives. I am really looking forward to becoming more consistant with my art journaling and having like-minded souls to encourage that journey! One of my favorites on my studio bookshelf is "Art Journals and Creative Healing: Restoring the Spirit Through Self -Expression" by Sharon Soneff. I highly recommend it as rich source of inspiration for the healing potential of the journaling process. Please stop by Sharon's Blog as she shares more of her heart behind this beautiful and vulnerable book.


As we shared each of our journals to date and got to know each other over tea and pastires (must have treats and some form of chocolate!) I was in awe of the creative energy and spirit amidst the group. Longtime friends of mine, Jaron and Shelby, were joined by new friends Michelle Allen of Allen Designs and Teri Owens. You'll have to take a peek at Michelle's Etsy shop. Her creations are magical and I had to treat myself to one her signature clocks, "Love & Hope", to hang in the studio.



It was a very hopeful and inspiring experience and I look forward to watching how it all unfolds and the new creative doors it opens!
PS. Michelle is having a absolutely wonderful giveaway on her blog too! Take a peek at this post for all the details!

Art Blessing Giveaway- " Breathe Gratitude"

I thought it was time to create something and share it for my monthy art blesssing giveaway! I have been reflecting on what it means to breathe in gratitude and let in fill the heart. Its so easy to not be fully present in the moments that each day brings...to let the worries, fears, insecurities or hurts of life to fully inhabit our inhaling and exhaling. I hope this little, original journal will be a secret place to record the moments in each day that offer an opportunity to be grateful. The smallest of acts of kindness, a caring touch, the sound of childrens laughter, talking a walk, savoring a quiet meal or listening to the silence in the middle of the night. There is an endless array of moments to record and experience...to be present for...and breath in and exhale...to express gratitude for....

If you would like to be entered in my giveaway for this handmade "Gratitude Journal" just leave a comment with your email address and on Monday evening, Sept 15th, I will draw a name for this art blessing! I would also love to hear what moments you have found to be grateful for this past week (not required to be entered in the drawing though!). Below is another larger journal I was asked to make for a dear woman healing from breast cancer. I hope each piece will encourage and inspire!

Sweet thank yous to Shelley and Nelda for blessing me with an "I love your blog" award. I have never been able to choose from all the amazing blogs out there to send it on to so I invite you to roam through all the links you find on my blog for creative inspiration and discovery! Thanks so much for stopping by today!