A Mixed Bouquet

Perhaps you are looking for a gift for yourself or someone who loves flowers…

I recently purchased this book of creative floral inspiration, Botanica from Uppercase Magazine:

It includes a mixed bouquet of art mediums and artists who are fascinated with all things floral.  The colorful art and articles are truly inspirational! 🙂

When I give a book as a gift, I like to include a handmade bookmarker with it.

They are easy to make, like this one below:

I decorated white cardstock with a simple pattern, glued a paintchip sample from Home Depot, stamped a face from a rubber stamp onto white tissue paper and glued the tissue paper to the paint sample with a glue stick.  I finished it by punching a hole in the top, adding some colorful yarn and a wooden bead.

Bookmarkers make great gifts – with or without a book – and can be personalized with a special handwritten note on the back.

With a bookmarker, you don’t need to purchase a greeting card… It is a treasure like a good book!

Do you have a favorite book that you like to give as a gift?  Please share!

Cheers! 🙂

Leaf Notes

I know I left you hanging yesterday, like a leaf on a tree… LOL!  So here it is – the moment you have been waiting for – a before and after photo of my watercolor leaves!  😉

I finished them with gesso and added some “leaf” notes for my hubby and myself with pencil.  I thought these little reminders would be great to put on the fridge or left in unexpected places.  We all like to feel loved and appreciated!  🙂

The other images are gift tags I’m making for another project.  I painted these on both sides with watercolor and the gesso – here is an example of one I made for myself:

I added a little glitter to these tags too.  Other ideas are tucking them into a card for a friend, give as a bookmarker or use as a place setting at a special dinner, like Easter.  They are fun to write a message of inspiration on one side and a person’s name on the other side but you could do whatever you want.

Speaking of shapes, here are my leftover stencils:

One of the nice things about gesso is that it works as a glue so was able to complete their shapes by gluing there openings closed.  I could then use the negative and positive shapes on my gelli-printing plate!

The above is an example of using my positive and negative shapes with layers of Golden Fluid Acrylic paints.  Aren’t they just AWESOME?!

I will show you more of my gelli prints tomorrow – oh, the colors!!!  :-)))

Happy Creating!

P.S.  If you were to leave a “leaf” note for yourself or someone, what would it say?!  I’d love to hear from you!

Have A Seat!

I’m happy to say that I have FINALLY made a decision!  YAY!

The bookmark that I am going to submit to Uppercase is….

Yep, the wine and cheese!  🙂  I softened the background colors and decided I like this one best as it represents the art I enjoy making!  Lots of color and patterns!

I’d like to thank ALL of you who so graciously shared your ideas with me!  As a way to show my gratitude, I’ve decided to give away my chair bookmarker below:

So if you’d like to WIN this original bookmarker – please make a comment below.  I will make the drawing this Friday, January 29th at 6 pm PST and will post the winner on Saturday, January 30th on my blog.

Cheers to you, my friends!  🙂

Jill

And The Winner Is?

Thank you to ALL who shared your opinion yesterday I my bookmarks!  🙂

I currently have a tie for the vases and the wine and cheese.  So I’m posting them in color to let you choose your favorite once more:

They both look like a party or celebration is about to begin…

I look forward to hearing what you think!

Cheers!  🙂

Chairs, Vases or Wine?

I recently started subscribing to Uppercase Magazine – for the creative and curious –  check out my link to learn more about this beautiful publication:

http://uppercasemagazine.com/

They also have a free weekly newsletter you can sign up for at the above link!

I wanted to participate in their call for bookmarks but their deadline is fast approaching on January 31st!  Which of my 3 designs do you like best?

The chairs, flower vases or wine and cheese?

I plan to color them with color pencils.  I will show you my colored versions soon!

Thanks for your help!

Cheers!  🙂