R2artStudio

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T10:15:00.007-06:00

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

When I saw this quote, I realized that it would be my mantra for the new year. I rarely make new year's resolutions, but do try to come up with a list of projects I would like to accomplish in the new year. This includes not only in my art, but my home, family, friends, and health.

And if I can't put my whole heart into a project, then I need to let it go.

I have, in the past, taken on too many projects. And I truly wanted to do them all. But found I never could find the time. And in the process, ended up not being happy. So... that means, not taking on so many things, except the ones I really love. Put my heart into them, and do the best I can.

I want to wish everyone the Happiest New Year, and hope you will do all those things you love.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2011-12-21T10:01:00.003-06:00

Hope everyone has the best Holiday Season ever.

This past year has been a busy time for me. Had some family business to finish up, continuing health issues, and opened a booth at a local antique mall. I hope to share more of all the fun things that have been going on in the coming year. I'm still creating for my booth, and hope to be able to have some extra treasures to open my esty shop again.

And now, back to the Rum Cake. Yummmmmm.

New Altered Bottles

2011-02-25T12:36:00.005-06:00

I have been busy in my studio mixing up all kinds of art. Since taking an online class by Michael DeMeng called Color Washes, I have been trying the techniques on anything I can get my hands on. Here I have added some molding paste and several color washes. This is a fun way to make an aged looking bottle. Add a few ribbons and flowers, and it looks like they may have come from grandmother's attic.

After I took the photo, I played with some overlays in Photoshop Elements. One of the overlays is actually one of the practice canvases I made for the Color Wash class.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T07:58:00.005-06:00

Hope you can spend the day with the ones you love.

This is a digital collage I made for the Paperwhimsy Inspire Blog, where you can find all the individual elements listed along with many other samples of Valentine's Day sample.

I had hoped to be posting much sooner. I have so many new things to share. I should be getting some pictures to post soon.

I have been busy reorganizing my art space, and finding old projects to finish.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T09:27:00.004-06:00

I want to wish every the Happiest of New Years. May all your dreams be fulfilled.

A New Year to start Fresh. A time to give up on past disappointments and failures, and start a new journey.
I am hoping to do a lot more this year, to include more blogging. I have tended to ignore keeping this updated, and plan to add a lot more things more often. And most of all visit more of my blogging friends.
I also hope to finish all those projects I have started in the past. I have so many things started, and for some reason had to pack them away. Well, this is the year I will decide to either finish them or get them out of my art space. Some have been neglected way too long.
New techniques and mediums are also high on my list to try. More painting, and would love to finally learn how to use my "fancy" camera, so I can add photos to my art work.

I'd love to hear what art plans you have made for the New Year.

Digital art graphics credits: Cemerony

Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year

2010-12-23T10:06:00.004-06:00

Before everyone gets too busy with all the Holiday celebrations, I wanted to wish you all a Very Blessed Merry Christmas, and the Happiest New Year.

Below are a few of the Christmas digital collages I made for the Paperwhimsy Inspiration blog.

Cyber Monday Sale

2010-11-29T06:27:00.006-06:00

I'm having a sale of 20% off on all items in my Etsy shop. Now until December 15th.

Enter code cyber20

Art2itions Etsy shop

Stampington Digital Studio Magazine

2010-09-12T17:31:00.004-05:00

I thought you might like to take a peek at the Spotlight pages of my digital work in the newest issue. I'm not able to get the magazine locally, so thought maybe some of you hadn't seen it. I'm really excited about having my first submission to this magazine published.

And I have added some one of a kind collaged cards and journals to my etsy shop.

More new digi items at Paperwhimsy

2010-09-12T17:23:00.004-05:00

I created these for the Paperwhimsy September 12 newsletter and Inspire blog. I have also posted another Photoshop Elements tutorial, How to delete a background from an image.

More Digital Artwork for Paperwhimsy

2010-09-12T17:15:00.002-05:00

I used some of the newest digital items at Paperwhimsy for these collages for theAugust 29th newsletter and blog.

Thank You

2010-09-09T13:32:00.006-05:00

It's been a little while since I posted, but I did want to thank all of my visitors who stop by, and for all those great comments. A lot of times I can't answer the comments since the email address is not included. So please, leave your email, I would love to thank you.
I hope to update my blog in the next few days.
This summer has been extremely distracting for me. I usually don't post about my personal life, but wanted to explain why I have been so quiet. Early in July, my Father passed away. He had been ill, and he passed in peace. Then I was tasked to deal with the arrangements and estate business. If you have ever done any of these things, you know how time consuming and draining these can be. While working in his house, I re-injured back, and so for the past several weeks, I have had xrays, MRI, new medicine, and currently physical therapy. I am finding out that as I get older, I am having to deal with aches and pains, and some will probably continue. Hoping to be more mobile soon.
Most of all I am looking forward to the cooler months, and getting a lot more things done.

While making digital art for PaperWhimsy, I post a lot of my artwork over on the PaperWhimsy Inspiration blog, along with Nancy Maxwell James, which is updated every two weeks Please stop by and visit. We also offer mini tutorials.
Thanks again, I always love to hear from you.

New Paperwhimsy Hybrid images

2010-08-10T17:39:00.005-05:00

All images, textures and text from the new line of Paperwhimsy Hybrid images. Heart is created using the Photoshop Elements Cookie cutter tool.

As Seen on the Paperwhimsy Inspiration Blog

2010-08-01T08:11:00.002-05:00

I am excited to be back at Paperwhimsy in a role as a Digital Designer. As a beginner in the Digital World, I hope to inspire those who have been wanting to play in this medium. So hop on over to the Paperwhimsy Inspiration blog and see how I created these images, and you will also see the wonderful artwork of Nancy Maxwell James, who is the Paperwhimsy Paper Designer. Lots of great things to see, to inspire you.

A Few More Collaged Skinny Pages

2010-07-30T14:03:00.002-05:00

This has been my first skinny page swap, and I am really enjoying the 4x8 inch size. And each person has a theme to work with. Images from Paperwhimsy.

Doodle Art

2010-05-03T09:22:00.003-05:00

A little doodle art, colored with chalks and images added. This is not digital art, but all done by hand. I'm finding this relaxing, and fun to do when my muse seems to be in hiding.

Using the same texture layers

2010-05-03T08:16:00.002-05:00

Using the same textured layers and changing the blending modes and color hues.

Women images from Paperwhimsy.
Architectural images public domain.

Playing around

2010-05-03T08:13:00.002-05:00

Playing around making a hat. Using a photo of a mannequin, and several vintage flower images and bird. Background is mine.

Collage Skinny Pages

2010-05-03T08:09:00.002-05:00

A mix of collage and digital techniques for a swap.

Digi Challenges for Digital Whispers

2010-05-03T08:05:00.002-05:00

A Few Late Challenges

2010-05-03T07:56:00.005-05:00

Spring is such a great time of year, but also so very busy getting yards in order, and spring cleaning. I'm late getting these digi collages posted. These are challenges from Collage Obsession.

Collage Obsession Challenge #6 Stairs

2010-03-01T10:43:00.003-06:00

Another great image to play with this week at the Collage Obsession Challenge blog. Thanks for the wonderful image. Please stop by and see the other wonderful creations.

Digital Whisper Challenge

2010-02-16T12:42:00.004-06:00

A collage using the lips provided by Kimmie from the Digital Whisper Ning site. Seems I am leaning towards the darker digi collages. Wonder if this is just a phase, or if it's going to my style. Hmmm.

Collage Obsession #5 Misty

2010-02-16T12:11:00.003-06:00

Another great image to work with for the Collage Obsession Challenge hosted by Elegia and Itkupilli. This may not have been an image I would have normally chosen to play with, but really enjoyed something a bit different. And it really was a challenge. Please go by and see all the other great entries.

Art Creations Friday

2010-02-16T12:04:00.004-06:00

I waited to post this digi collage for a few days, since it was a bit dark. Not sure if it was my mood or the gloomy weather we had been having when I worked on this. Or maybe both. Please stop by and see all the other wonderful entries for this weekly challenge, at Art Creations Friday.

One World One Heart Winner

2010-02-15T21:37:00.002-06:00

First I want to thank everyone who visited my blog and left such nice comments. I so appreciate you all taking the time to enter my drawing.
I used a random number gernerator and the winner in the drawing for my giveaway is Debby from The Gathering Nest.

Hope to see you all next year!!!!

Collage Obsession Challenge #4 Longing

2010-02-08T09:20:00.003-06:00

Another beautiful image from Elegia and Itkupilla who host Collage Obsession. Please go by and see all the wonderful entries.

Collage Obsession Weekly Challenge #3

2010-02-01T09:15:00.003-06:00

This is the new challenge photo with the word prompt of "A Pair".

Art Creations Friday Challenge 59

2010-01-30T16:21:00.003-06:00

Digi Collage made for the Art Creations Friday Challenge.

One World One Heart Magic Carpet Giveaway Event

2010-01-25T01:35:00.006-06:00

Welcome to my blog for the One World One Heart Magic Carpet Giveaway Event.

The One World One Heart Event was created by Lisa Swifka owner of A Whimsical Bohemian blog, and started in 2007. This will be my third year participating in this event.

For my giveaway, I am including one handmade 12 x 6 inch coil bound journal, one original 5 x 7.5 inch collage created on a bookcover, 3 handmade gift tags, and few extra goodies not in photo.

Please leave a comment to to be eligible to win.

Please have a way for me to contact you, if you should win. Email, link, etc.

This event will end February 15^th, 2010, and a winner will be selected, by a random number generator, and announced at 8pm CST, on that day.

Thanks so much for visiting. And.... please enjoy your trips to all the other wonderful blogs in this event.

Collage Obsession #2 Abandoned

2010-01-24T23:14:00.003-06:00

Another great image from Elegia and Itkupilla at Collage Obsession challenge. Really enjoyed playing with the image of the house.

The Book Series

2010-01-23T17:54:00.001-06:00

I love using bookcovers for my mixed media collages. So I knew I would have to do some with my digi-collages. Here I created the entire cover from scratch, not using any real bookcover. The image is from Paperwhimsy, and the image background is from Dover.

Collage Obsession #1 "Worn Out"

2010-01-22T17:35:00.000-06:00

I was happy to see this collage challenge offered by iTkUpiLLi, on the Collage Obsession Challenge Blog. Please check out the new challenge, blog, and all the great entries.

Art Creations Friday

2010-01-22T12:17:00.001-06:00

For blog challenge on Art Creations Friday. Please go by all see all the great entries.

Art Creations Friday

2010-01-16T12:11:00.000-06:00

Art Creations Friday is another art challenge blog. I love this image of the little girl with the bird. It looks like they are having a little chat. Please stop by the blog and see the other wonderful creations.

Mind Wide Open January Challenge

2010-01-16T09:13:00.000-06:00

This is my first time creating something for the Mind Wide Open challenge. Gail Schmidt posts some wonderful images for artists to play with every month, in any art medium. Please stop by her blog and see some of the other wonderful entries.

A sweet little girl digi collage

2010-01-10T19:15:00.001-06:00

Using a free image offered in the new Paperwhimsy newsletter, and one of my new backgrounds.

Ending the year with a little Digital Steampunk

2009-12-31T12:50:00.000-06:00

Using a few watch and gears clipart, and some grungy backgrounds.

A New Background

2009-12-17T22:12:00.001-06:00

Playing around with layers, clipart, and an image from Paperwhimsy.

Playing with Dolls

2009-12-06T19:44:00.001-06:00

Found a cute doll photo, and played with a few digital layers.
Credits: Christine Renee Designs: Frame

Three Generations

2009-11-11T10:33:00.000-06:00

On this Veterans Day, I wanted to honor all the soldiers who have served, and are serving now in the military. I am very proud to stand between my Father and Son as former members of the military.
We served respectively in World War II, Vietnam War Era, and Desert Storm. I only wish we had better photos.

More Digital Layering

2009-11-06T18:55:00.000-06:00

Digital Collages

2009-11-05T19:24:00.001-06:00

Credits:
Jen Ulasiewicz background paper, Key, Spectacles
Christine Renee Design Dried Fern
Background brushes: Obsidian Dawn

Photoshop Elements Layers and Blending

2009-11-02T14:42:00.001-06:00

I am taking a digital class called Layer Upon Layer, from Creative Workshops.

Credits: Brushes from Obsidian Dawn.

Digital Brush/Stamp

2009-10-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

Using a JPG from the Paperwhimsy shoppe, I created a Photoshop Elements brush to create this collage.
Other credits:
Backround paper, Dried flowers and Bow from Christina Renee Designs
Lacy background from Linda Gil Billdal

A Book and a Bow

2009-10-26T16:04:00.001-05:00

Another digital collage. Love using the old book covers as backgrounds.
Credits:
Bookcover image from Jen Ulasiewicz.
Girl image from Dover.

A Book, a Nest, and Little Girls

2009-10-23T23:51:00.001-05:00

Had some collage elements I wanted to play with, and some copyright free images. Felt like doing a little coloring on the girls.

And while I had all these in my Photoshop Elements, thought it would be fun to move things around and combine. This is one result.

Bookcover image from Jen Ulasiewicz.
Girl images from Dover.

Digital Collage

2009-10-23T20:08:00.001-05:00

Colorizing Images

2009-10-19T15:26:00.001-05:00

Here are a few more JPGs from the Paperwhimsy shoppe. I am playing with colorizing. Once I have a basic image colored, I can just change the colors for a different look.

Second Paperwhimsy Challenge

2009-10-18T14:59:00.000-05:00

This is the second Paperwhimsy challenge using one of the new JPGs offered in the Papewhimsy shoppe. This time I did the entire collage using Photoshop Elements.

Playing with Photoshop Elements

2009-10-18T14:44:00.001-05:00

Here's a small collage I created using Photoshop Elements and one of the new JPGs offered over at Paperwhimsy.

First Paperwhimsy Door challenge

2009-10-18T13:11:00.000-05:00

After taking a short break, I am slowing getting back to the art table. I hope to have some new things to post soon, and will also be venturing into the digital world.
This is a collage made for the first door challenge posted on the Paperwhimsy blog.