Dictionary Pages everywhere

This design is adorable with the ballet skirt
cut separately and slipped on the doll. Makes
a pretty hanging ornament.

After buying two huge dictionaries at a yard sale I began working them into all kinds of projects. The paper is thin, so it collages well and light background so it can be stamped and colored.


Try those paper chain dolls or just a solo dancer for a design reminiscent of childhood treasures.

All three of the dancer cards were featured
in a make-n-take at the FCC Crop & Stamp
fundraiser. They can be assembled quickly

Adapt and change patterns to work with the dictionary paper. I used one I found through Pinterest that was designed to hang. The pattern was large and the skirt had cuts like a snowflake.

Friendship Blooms in Open Hearts--Recycled from previously used greeting cards

Shaping up Nicely

All of these cards were drawn and cut from circles. We used recycled greeting cards and paper scraps.

The card blanks, including the printed file folder ones, were purchased on sale at major craft store and are manufactured by DCV. They are really handy for quick cards when affordable.

Just Cuttin' Up

More designs from the Recycled Greeting creative session taught this summer:

Designer note: Use a black
pen to make borders around
the shapes and around the edges
of the card. Stamp or write
word greetings on the front
to balance design.


Circles and leaves--simple easy fun.
Reminds me of the amazing and
talented Mary Engelbreit.



Just one big bloom & handwritten sentiment.            



Just draw, cut, and paste. This design used print
 paper from scrapbooking scraps.

Let's give some art away

Wish Big with three candles.

Designing and delivering creative arts classes for the first time in years has been a joyful experience for me in 2013. These creative art sessions are free and designed with the premise that it doesn't take a ton of supplies and tools to make fun cards and gifts. One of the philosophies of these programs is that when we create we honor our Great Creator.

Wish Big sentiment printed from computer.
Candle and flame cut from greeting cards.

The sessions are held monthly (except November and December) at First Christian Church in West Palm Beach, FL. We meet on Saturday morning from 10am-12pm. Feel welcome to email me if you wish to attend or start a similar program in your area.

One of my favorite sessions featured recycling previously used greeting cards into new cards. We starting with free-hand drawing of shapes onto the cards, cut them out, and pieced the shapes together. We used a "guide sheet" of shapes to get us started and I've published that here along with a few samples. Stay tuned for more designs from this session.

Pattern/guide for freehand drawings

Experience Discovery

"Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead." 1 Peter 1:6, 5x7"
 original art card by NAChattin 2013

For the last few years I’ve had an annual “one little word” with me throughout the year. I didn’t call it the “OLW” until later when I discovered that lots of writers and art journalists were doing it too—and doing it in ways I really liked. (http://aliedwards.com/blog/one-little-word  and http://onelittleword.typepad.com/ for example) I combined their techniques with mine.

One of the many awesome God-things about joining First Christian church in WestPalm Beach was that they do a “OLW” for the entire congregation. The words are printed on stars and drawn by every member. I drew EXPERIENCE as my OLW for 2013.

One of my wonderful art EXPERIENCES this year has been to start doodling and painting and collaging on cards and occasionally canvas. I’ve had a sketchbook near me when I am relaxing and I’ve been studying the work of scads of other artists online, mostly on Pinterest. From simple shapes to Zen-tangles, I love using pens, paper, and glue to make designs that are unique.

 

"Just my size" 5x7" original art card by NAChattin

 

 

To see all of the posts of my original to me designs click on key word Uncharted Destination tour.