New Original Art Cards.....

Its been awhile since I have played on the small canvas of art cards. I was reminded how much I love this size...these little bursts of creativity where a thought can be explored and brought forth from the inside where it has been ruminating...to the outside in a miniature visual, tactile form. Art cards are like small journal entries for me...a moment in time I can mark and remember...honoring where my heart was traveling and the inspirations and reflections that were stirring. I am so grateful today for the freedom and release that art brings into my life. These cards were listed on ebay this evening!

Altered Journals on Etsy....

Finished a series of colorful and inspirational altered art journals that I thought would each make wonderful holiday gifts for someone special. You can find the majority of these on Etsy and a couple are auctioning on ebay as well. Remember to take a moment to look to the heavens today and whisper something you are especially grateful for this holiday!

Ashes of Pain.....

"From the ashes of her raw pain rose the haunting melody of her true voice"

It takes great courage to allow your heart to sink into the music of grief and pain...to appreciate the dissonant chords and difficult harmonies. I believe some of the most deeply beautiful music in this life comes to the heart when it embraces loss and tragedy...even the most painful of our wounds. Although it doesn't have to define us it can bring a richness and depth to our voice that we had previously not known. In these seasons there is a unique opportunity to move with the music of pain and receive its gifts....to hear our true voice rise from the ashes.

This new work is on Ebay this evening. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Destiny......

Our Thanksgiving dinner was filled with warmth and good memories. I was queen of winning our annual "Spoons" game! It was a fight to the death (haha)! I was so relieved to find my way back into the studio today. I usually will find a small treasure I have had hidden away in some drawer that has been patiently waiting to be brought to new life. In this case it was a lovely handpainted face cab I found from Ebay seller "fantasyart00ak". She was so full of majestic royalty! The colors of her headress and cascading locks reminded me of new birth....of moving into her long awaited "Destiny"! She sits in a beautiful fluted glass bottle. So thought I'd share her with you. She can be found on Ebay if you'd like to see a few more pictures!

The Real Me.......

For those whose wings struggle to be free...for those who are dying from within...to be known...to be loved...to be seen from behind the veil...

Sharing The Art of a Kindred Friend....

I have been blessed to meet so many special friends along this artistic journey. Art seems to provide a unique and unspoken bond between those who delve into the mystery of the creative exploration of soul. I wanted to take a moment and share the beautiful thoughts and artwork of my friend Angie Young. She has a truly sensitive heart for the deeper longings and musings of the soul. Although she is new to sharing her altered art it is a natural transition from her wonderful keepsake scrapbooking art that she lovingly creates to tell the story of her children's lives. These two ATCs and several other touching sentiments can be found on ebay and her scrapbook art and kits for sale can be found here .

I hope you all have a Thanksgiving filled with the warmth of friends and family. I am hosting about 25 family over for the big turkey dinner so it should be festive! I haven't had as much time to create these days but I know my energy is being focused where it needs to be these last weeks...encouraging and being there for family that are going through a difficult season. Life can bring so many changes and challenges. Its been a good time for me to get my own thoughts and priorites in perspective. Thanks for stopping by and God Bless!

Sharing some artwork....

Risk Revelation.....

"Risk revealing who you are so you can live in the revelation of all you were meant to be".........

I have been thinking alot this weekend about our unique story. Each of us has one. Each of us has a road that only we have traveled...with wisdom and gifts of insight only we have learned. It is in the vulnerable sharing of our stories...in all their struggle, joy and pain...that it seems our hearts can only then be free to love, give and receive all that we were intended to. More importantly we are then free to reach out to others who are coming up the road behind us...reaching back to offer our hand...reaching back to say...keep going...I know its hard but there is hope. So many struggle alone. Each one can reach back to the one coming behind them though. God intended our souls to be embraced and carried in safe relationship. I hope you'll risk revealing your heart... and reach for someone's hand today.

It Takes Courage.....

"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"

A work that has been dear to my heart. In honor of all those who brave the journey towards healing the soul wounds of the past.

New Greeting Card Gift Sets.....

Set L-"Reveal Your Passion"

Set K-"Rest Your Soul"

Set J-" If Only She Believed"

Set I-"Blue Whimsey"


Set H-" Hope Beckons"


Set G-" Remember Your Wings"


Set F- "Faith Blessings"


Set E-"Faith, Hope, Love"


Set D- "Wings of Change"


Set C-" Love One Another"


Set B-" Journey"

Set A-"Embrace the Courage"

(Click on photos for larger view)

Its always quite a journey for an artist when they revisit the work they have been collecting over time! As I have been working on developing this line and selecting the designs to offer, each one was a quiet reflection on a place my heart was, a struggle I was going through or even a longing in my soul. I love how art captures these moments in time and allows us to look back and see where we have traveled...and discover that just maybe we are slowly growing and embracing the changes that new seasons bring.

I have had several requests for my work in greeting cards so I am really excited to be able to finally offer several gifts sets! Each print in the set of five cards is designed with the highest quality, archival safe, heavy photo paper, mounted on creamy cardstock and comes with an envelope. The set is sweetly tied with a lovely satin ribbon. These cards are wonderful to mat and frame as well! Each set is $19.99 (plus $1.95 for shipping in the USA, $3.95 International)) I thought I would offer them right from my blog. You can email me at lanikent@msn.com if you would like to place an order! These sets will soon be offered as well in my Ebay and Etsy stores!

Art Show....

Well I took my show on the road this weekend and just got back from my first all day art show! It was quite the festive occasion with about 150 other artists and crafters showing their work. I really enjoyed chit chatting with fellow artisians and meeting some wonderful people who strolled by and saw my musings for the first time. There were treats to be had and a terrific live jazz band playing holiday music to add to the creative mood! One of my sweet long time girlfriends hung out with me all day and we got to have some major chick time! There really is nothing like handing your work over to a buyer in person and sharing a little of yourself with them. I have been working on developing a card line with all my art collages from the past few years and enjoyed presenting them at the show. There are a couple of delightful antiques stores in my area that I hope will be carrying them soon! I find myself in a little bit of a transition with some things in the works to begin to share my work more in the recovery and counseling venue. Its truly where my heart is. Its with a sense of peaceful anticipation that I walk through doors God seems to be opening. You just never know what He is up to! I guess all you can do is keep taking the next step. I do hope to get back in the studio and create a few new pieces this week! Have a great weekend and remember to be kind and gentle with yourself and those you share your life with!

New Unmounted Holiday Stamps.....

Hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner! I have some wonderful new designs from my rubber stamp line that I recently listed on ebay. These are special, Christmas inspirational phrases that are wonderful for card, tag making and holiday altered books etc! I have still been busy preparing for my first small show this weekend. I love the festivities of an art and craft fair! Its a little crazy getting ready for one though! So many details, so many ideas, and only 24 hours in a day!!! I'll take some pictures and let you know how it went!

Moment of Silent Prayer.....

My heart is so heavy for all of the families that are experiencing such devastating loss in California. My brother and his family are safe thus far and I am so grateful. I'd invite anyone who stops by today to offer up a prayer for those who are facing this tragedy. God hears are words. God's heart grieves for His children who are hurting. Though we may not understand the why of such loss...His love and mercy are neverending....

Dear God....
Please wrap your arms around those hurting today. Bring them hope and healing and provide for their needs. Help them to see you in the comfort of friends, in the embrace of their children, in the provisions that are offered. Be near as they grieve and the tears fall. May their hand be held by a caring soul as they express the worry, the fear...and the anger. Provide a safe place to rest. Give them strength to handle the days ahead. Protect the tender hearts of the children. And please God....bring any further devastation to an end. Amen.

May our hearts be grateful today for even the tiniest of our blessings!

Congratulations Treva!

Joi de la Vie
Originally uploaded by Solitaire Miles

I wanted to thank everyone for all your encouraging comments and notes this week and for stopping by and joining my little drawing! I tried hard to stay up til midnight last night to officially draw one of your sweet names but I crashed! So dear Treva, this morning I reached in my little basket and your name was in my hand! You are the winner of the art blessing card set! I hope to hear from you soon ok!

I have been busy this week getting ready for a couple upcoming local art and craft shows I will be participating in. This will a first for me so I am excited to see how it all feels and a chance to share my work in person. Today its time to clean out the studio! I find I work and fuss and slowly build up a good dose of creative chaos around me. But inevitably I reach a point where I sit down with only a tiny patch of work space left visible and I can't think! So hopefully by tomorrow my Muse will return and have room to sit next to me!

The artwork is a wonderful piece by Digital Artist and Jazz Vocalist Solitaire Miles and you can check out a fabulous collection of her work at flickr!

Art Blessing Giveaway........

Spent a special evening last night with a very courageous group of ladies who bear some very deep wounds in their hearts but are bravely facing them. It is such a honor to share some of my own story with them, share my artwork and invite them to explore their own feelings through expressive collage. It brings me such joy to watch the evening unfold as images, words and feelings emerge for each one and offer them a release to emotions that were once held captive...and maybe even nudge them a little further towards their own healing.

As one of the ladies was looking through one of the many notebooks of my artwork, there was a particular piece she felt drawn to that she thought would speak to a friend of hers who was going through a very difficult time. I told her I would love to just send her the print. The artwork was in a plastic sleeve and we then both realized there was one extra print already sitting behind the one she was looking at. I smiled deep inside. I love it when God offers these moments. I knew it wasn't a coincidence. That print was waiting quietly in that notebook for a year or so now just for this moment..and for this sweet soul.

I was reminded of my love for just blessing others with art. Its easy to get lost in the selling and I have been missing taking time for the giving. I have a mental list of special friends and loved ones that are long overdue for a handmade package. I want to make time to bless again. So in honor of this promise to myself, I'd love to have a little giveaway and just say thank you. Thank you for stopping by, for words of encouragement and for blessing me. This is a set of five greeting cards, each with a print of an original art card collage of mine (click on the photo for an enlarged view of the cards). If you would like to be in the drawing for this set of cards just leave your name and email address in the comments and I will draw a name on the evening of Saturday, Oct 21st! Hope you'll join me in the fun!

Trust your heart.....

"Journey...As long as we have hope,tomorrow awaits...Trust your heart"

I love creating pieces that open to reveal layers of reflection and soulful surprises. I have been wanting to use this vintage locket that has been tucked away in my treasure box and it was perfect to open and whisper the words, "Follow your heart" inside this shadowbox. This original altered booklet/shadowbox was listed on ebay today!

Art and Soul Reflections...

There are times when you are strolling by an artist's work and everything in your soul moves you to stop and take in in every word, color and image. Such was the case for me as I was blessed to come across the work of Kelly Rae Roberts at the Art and Soul vendor night. Although we spoke briefly, I felt an instant kindred art connection. Her warmth and genuine spirit spills across her canvas and you know that each piece is truly an honest reflection of her heart's desire to encourage the sharing of our life stories in truth and authenticity. Having both shared the experience of working with those whose hearts are weary it is no wonder I was so drawn to her work. This was a print I came home with. It was so hard to choose!!! I hope to own an original one day (you know... for the incredible room I dream of having that is filled with original work from all the artists I love..heehee). Be sure to take a peek at Kellyrae's blog and her Etsy store is filled with her treasures. It is a place you'll want to visit often!


Played with my new soldering tools and wanted to share an art pendant I finished yesterday. Its always a cool phase when a new technique enters your artistic palette. I love to combine ideas from other mediums and explore how they will blend and weave together. I still had to breathe deeply and exhale while trying to solder jump rings but alas I conquered those little devils! More pics of the piece can be found on ebay.

"Trust the open door.............Surrender"







"Crossroads......Open the Window"

Another treat was getting to meet artist Paulette Insall at Art and Soul. I am always in awe of those who are gifted in the art of painting. Her work touches my heart and when I saw this piece I knew it was to be near me in my studio. You can find many of her beautiful creations in her etsy store. The word "Crossroads" resonates deeply with me on so many levels lately. I sense I find myself at one but still not clear what it all means for me and where it will take me. I find events like those of the past week stir up many questions inside...spiritually, artistically and emotionally...about my own story and life journey...the kind of internal wrestling that takes time to find the answers to. In the meantime I will look for the open windows and see what possibilities might be whispering my name.

Whirlwind Week....

Vendor night at Art and Soul 2007 in the Great Northwest!

What an amazing event filled with such talent, inspiration and "to die for" artwork! If only I could have won the lottery before stepping through the doors!

What a genuine Sweety Claudine Hellmuth is!


"The Unfrayed Edge" workshop with Claudine! Such a relaxing experience and so many new ideas and ways to play with acrylic paints!


"Mr Roger's Neighborhood" Glass Soldered House with incredibly talented Sally Jean Alexander! I was pretty tickled with my project. I finally learned how to solder!

Sally Jean and Mr. Sally Jean (aka hubby Brad) were such a a delightful team helping us even when we got frustrated soldering those itty bitty jumprings (haha)!


Canvas work inspired from Claudine's workshop!


Tea time with the dearest of friends!



So much to share as I just returned from attending the Art And Soul 2007 retreat! To say Art and Soul is an artistically inspiring event would be the understatement of the century! So many incredible artists, amazing workshops and attending the Vendor's Night is about enough to send any creative soul into an artistic frenzy! It truly takes a week or so to process the event and all that was shared and experienced! I have attended the Art and Soul Vendor's nights in the past but this was the first year I was blessed to be able to take a couple workshops and expand my creative horizons. The warmth and spirit of creative encouragement throughout the whole event was a joy!


The highlight of the week was spending girlfriend time with my long time dearest friend, Christina, who was visiting from the East Coast! Kindred spirits bring such depth to our lives, knowing where our hearts have traveled and dreaming where they might yet go! We were joined by another kindred heart friend, Jaron, to indulge in our favorite pastime of afternoon tea! I sense that the events of the week will usher in a time of reflection and quiet times pondering what I've seen, words spoken and shared and new insights gently ruminating in my heart.

"Hope Sees A Star" Benefit Auction.....

There is a wonderful benefit Auction "Hope Sees A Star" (sponsored by the mixed media artist group ZNE) that has begun today in honor of two beautiful young woman who lost their lives this last year. Stevie McMoyler (daughter of artist Gina Gabriell) and Brianna Grant (daughter of artist Iva Wilcox) each lost their battle with illness and the artist community has shared in their grief and mourning. You can read more about each of these amazing young woman here. This auction will help raise funds for a memorial in their names. Many artists have contributed an array of heartfelt artwork so be sure to stop by and take a peek. The piece pictured is an original collage, "Love heals the wounds of a kindred heart" that I contributed and can be found here! May your day be richly blessed!