More 365/2 art -

Continuing my quest to complete 365 projects for my second consecutive year.  Hit a bit of a snag in my production the last couple weeks - life just keeps getting in the way and I'm having a hard time making something every day.  But, I press on......

#276-279:  ATCs for MMSA project......haven't made any for a long time and it was fun to make little bits of art again.....

The bottom left pocket is actually made from a shiny silver envelope liner, not this dark gray thingy.

#280 - layers of painting made with drips and stencils, scribbles and shapes.  Still a work in progress.

#281 - I'm pleased with how this one turned out.....my first time using modeling paste (lower left). There's tons of layers that weren't going anywhere until I decided to collage some book pages in a rough vase shape.....then, it was easy and kinda finished itself.

detail

#282 &; 283 - Laura shared how she makes her collages using polymer medium and a tacking iron.  I thought it was interesting but didn't follow up on it.....then I saw that Karen gave it a try and fell in love with the process so that pushed me to try...... I bought a jar of the polymer on sale at Michael's and just used my regular iron on its lowest setting.  Here's my first couple of "iron on" collages, no glue used!  Then a bit of paint added.  

I used various weights of paper, some deli paper, tissue paper, magazines, etc.  Everything stayed in place really well.  You can see more detail on Karen's blog and Laura's made a how-to video.

#284 - a journal page still experimenting with polymer collaging. I made a fabulous discovery. I put polymer on both sides of this drying leaf and let it dry then I ironed it on with other collage pieces. I turned the iron up a bit and it was too hot so kind of melted the polymer off the front of the leaf (you iron over a piece of freezer paper so no iron was hurt in this process!) but  absolutely firmly sealed it to the journal page with no crinkles, wrinkles, or tears!  I love this discovery!

I'll continue sharing my progress - and watching yours. Have a creative weekend!

the postman brings joy

Even Dan has become invested in what shows up in our mailbox these days.  Since he's home during the day, he checks the mail and my little stack of mail art awaits me on the table when I come home.  He's already gone through it and picked his favorites.  Since making anything is just not in his wheel house, he's constantly amazed that people find the time AND that they actually enjoy the time spent making mail art. Silly man.

I have been dreadful about sharing and publicly thanking folks for all the lovely mail art I get.  I always try to email or comment on their blog when I receive something (though sometimes it gets away from me).....but I just can't manage all the scanning and sharing for every piece I get.

Most of you know I love swapping via MMSA (mail me some art) so I'm creating weekly pieces for Karen's themes but then I have lots of personal correspondence too - all fun, but all takes time.  Anyway, one of my recent fave MMSA swaps was postal ATCs and I just got mine in the mail so had to share.....

Aren't these great?  Clockwise from top left:  Pamela @ Cappuccino & Art; Rhoz; Andria @ Drawing Near, Michele C, Bev B, and Indigo in Colorado.  I love each and every one of them and thank my lucky stars this isn't a theme I skipped!

Then, here are a few postcards I got this week - even if your card didn't make the scanner, please know I love hearing from you and WILL respond to every single card I get (that has a return address :).

Above, thanks to Corrine and Peggy Lynn.  Below, thanks to Honi, Dori and Jo.  Thanks so much ladies!

Send more mail art! :)

inspiration deck

A little while ago I showed pics of the inspiration deck I received from the swap hosted by Jess at In Search of Dessert.  Now I needed a place to keep them handy and enjoy a new card each week.  I've taken to saving every small box of every size cuz you never know when you're going to need to decorate a small box, right?!  What do you know, I have two jewelry gift boxes that were the perfect ATC/inspiration deck size!

I'll keep one on my desk next to my computer to keep me creatively motivated......

Choosing the next card in the box each week to inspire me - don't they just fit beautifully?

I even have a place holder thanks to my swap with April Cole (thanks!) - reminding me to 'bravely make her believe'!

Since I had two of the boxes, I decorated the other and it will be the home of my ATC card collection (now only two from Jessica Sporn) that will grow this year as I participate in swaps.....  I'd been avoiding ATCs for some reason....now I can see how versatile and fun they are to make so I'm in.....I'll use it as my art warm up activity!

Let me know if you want to swap ATCs - I'm busy making a supply so I'll be ready to trade.  I'll share some pics soon.
[ED:  Already I'm forgetting to put my name on the photos so I made myself delete and reload all the photos - if I do that enough, eventually I'll make it a habit, right?]