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Christmas Tree Stickers and Labels

Posted on by Monica

sticker-image sticker-image2

Okay, I admit it.  This year I bought my Christmas cards from Costco.  There just wasn’t time for the homemade card creation and I had to go with the quick and cheap route.  Although the cards turned out great- I really hate that expanse of plain white on the mailing envelopes.  When you go the the mailbox, you know before you open it that it’s a Christmas card from Costco.  So this year, I decided to jazz up my envelopes with colorful stickers made by me.  My color laser is out of ink so I had to get creative.  I found a great clip art tree silhouette and typed in pretty words using a font I purchased at Creative Market.  Then I printed out a sheet of them on full sheet sticker paper.  To add a pop of color I painted a wash of green Dr Ph Martin india ink around the tree, not caring if there were little bits of white still showing.  The ink is great because it is waterproof and will not run if the mail person is caught in a downpour.  After they were completely dry, I punched them out with a paper punch (which was a little tricky) and stuck them to my envelopes. Voilà! Customized, colorful stickers that will make even Santa take note.

A Card for Thanksgiving

Posted on by Monica

Juetten card1 juetten-on-pickadoo

Every year at Thanksgiving, Juetten Personal Financial Planning sends out a card to their clients to let them know how important they are.  I worked with them to design a branded card that was festive, seasonal and personal.  The beautiful images were found at Creative Market which is any designer’s dream.  We were able to upload the design to SendOutCards where they do the printing, addressing and mailing for you.  A very cool way to reach out to your customers during this holiday season!

Mixed Media Art Panels 4″x4″ with Beads

Posted on by Monica

Check out my latest batch of 4×4 art boxes.  The fun part is that I pretty much worked on all the designs simultaneously!  Had a bunch of my photos and painted backgrounds and then just collaged and glued and worked it out as a set.  No, they don’t match but they all came from the same place.  Of special note is the incredibly lovely handmade polymer beads that adorn the top part.  Some of the beads are howlite, and some are stone but the polymer ones were made by my cousin, Janice and they are one of a kind, specially designed to match my images.  It was super fun to collaborate with her and it took me awhile, but they are finally ready to be posted.  On Etsy now.

Zentangle

Posted on by Monica

My daughter has introduced me to the joys of Zentangle!  Once you get started, you can’t stop.   The supplies are simple, markers and paper and a fine tipped Sharpie.  Kind of like meditation only you end up with something fun.

You might be a Mermaid if…

Posted on by Monica

Had so much fun making these little mermaid signs.  They are small 4″x4″ and about the size of a coaster.  They are mounted to an easel back for easy display standing upright.  I got the darling little mermaid from The Porkchop Show on Etsy.  So she is 3D and sits a little above the background.  The background is one of my paintings and the colors turned out quite vibrant!

Beautiful Handmade Polymer Beads

Posted on by Monica

Have a look at these gorgeous beads made by my very talented cousin, Janice!!!  They are exquisite and each one is unique and interesting.  She was kind enough to make them for me to use with my next set of mini art panels.  I am going to pair the beads with my images and see which look like they belong together.  I am so grateful as she sent me a bunch.  She makes many beautiful things like ornaments and cake toppers.  Look for them soon in my next set of Artful Box panels.

*Update- See Janice’s beads in action on my new art panels .