I enjoyed creating another scrappy soul book, according to Tiffany Goff Smith’s delightful online class (https://southerngalsdesigns.com/). It is a fun project, incorporating upcycled papers and fabrics into a special and unique art journal. I loved altering a children’s craft book!
Blog
iHanna Postcard Swap
I am participating in iHanna’s second postcard swap of 2020–it is so much fun! She hosts swaps annually–you mail off ten cards that you create and then receive ten cards in return. https://www.ihanna.nu/postcard-swap/ I used recycled newspaper and acrylic paint for my collaged cards (4X6″).
UPDATE: November 7th: I have received 6 cards so far and they are WONDERFUL! Many thanks to fellow artists in our shared creative endeavors.
Fall Flowers
I saw some beautiful fading flowers in late September–the colors, shapes, and textures were fantastic!
natural mandala 
love the purple!
Exploring Foam Stamps
I participated in “Open Studio” yesterday, hosted by artist Ingrid Dijkers (http://www.ingriddijkers.com/index.html). We explored using foam stamps and acrylic paints to create painted papers such as deli paper, scrapbook and sketch papers, along with rice papers. What a blast! Folks came up with wonderful designs!
Ingrid 
Lori 
Ingrid 
Ingrid 
Sandy 
Kathy 
Kathy 
Kathy 
stamps on plain paper 
on adhesive labels 
Using scrapbook paper 
Rice paper 
Scraps of leftover paper 
Computer printer paper 
FUN experiments! 
Using scrapbook paper with stamps
Scrappy Soulbook
I have been having loads of fun lately with mixed media artist, Tiffany Goff Smith (https://southerngalsdesigns.com/). She hosts an online workshop, Scrappy Soulbook, which incorporates a recycled book into an art journal. My first soulbook is kinda rough around the edges but it has been an inspiring experience! I am looking forward to making more—you can use any book—it does not have to begin with a children’s book. But I love Shari Lewis…….
Front cover 
Back cover 
Gelli prints for pages 
Including fabric scraps with my sewing machine 
Lace trim is just the right color! 
Upcycled paper bag as an envelope for scrappy secrets 
Rubber stamps and gelli prints 
Love rubbing leaves with color pencils 
Transfer of a cute guy in a chair 
Piece of a recycled silk scarf 
Cemetery Visit
On September 11 I drove through Gaylord on my way south to Lansing, MI. I stopped at a small cemetery outside of town, among fields–it was a gorgeous sunny day for a visit. It was a quiet tour except for a crow that cawed the entire time I walked around the graves. For me, it was a way to remember 9/11 and its huge loss.
Mark Montano Postcard Swap
Mark Montano is hosting another fantastic postcard swap! Make 10 cards and receive 10 cards–what could be better? Create with recycled/upcycled materials and have fun–I had a blast making my cards. Thank you Mark! http://www.markmontano.com/2020/09/international-postcard-swap.html
Final Warm Day of September
It was a gorgeous and beautiful day yesterday! Tim and the cats enjoyed lots of relaxing deck time.
Bits of color in the trees (Maple and Oak) 
Bright color hiding close to the sky 
A man and his cats
She Votes
Bonnie J. Smith, member of the Southern California Women’s Caucus for Art, organized a collaborative project this year, “She Votes.” She collected 4X6″ pieces of art to make a handmade book that commemorates the 19th Amendment passed in 1920. More than 110 original works were created by 69 members of the Women’s Caucus for Art from across the country. I was most happy to participate! https://www.scwcaexhibitions.org/she-votes.html
Beautiful Day for Sunflowers
Driving near Bancroft today and saw a field of dead sunflowers–just fantastic!
