Custom Scrapbooker-for-Hire!

I've begun to offer my services as a custom "scrapbooker-for-hire!" These are a few photos of a couple of the albums I've been commissioned to create. If you'd like to hire me, send me an email! :-)

Photos of My Layout in "Re-Bound"

I got an unexpected surprise this week when I received a copy of my friend Jeannine Stein's new book Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials. I have a project that is featured in the gallery section of the book -- page 112-113! It's the first time my work has been published in a book!

My contribution is a book I made as a keepsake of my 40th birthday. I used an old ledger as the front and back covers of my book, and vintage fabric for the binding. I used the birthday cards I received at my party as the pages inside the book. I thought it would be a fun way to keep the birthday cards and commemorate the occasion.

I was thrilled and honored to be a part of Jeannine's book. She is truly one of the most gifted artists I've ever known. I met her in the very first art class I took in California, and we became instant friends. She's been a huge inspiration to me ever since. I look forward to seeing what she does next!

The Second Act

It's been over 2 years since I posted anything to this blog. I considered deleting it entirely, since it's already gone to seed, but somehow that just didn't seem right. I've been thinking a lot about where I am in life, what I want, and where I want to be. I've recently reconnected with some long buried dreams which are taking me in a different artistic direction from where I've been going with my greeting card business. My focus has shifted to singing and performing, and I'm working on a one-person show.

As I was thinking about what my new focus might mean to my card business, it occured to me that this blog could be a space where I bring all aspects of my creative life together in one place for exploration. Whether it's posting about my handmade creations sold under the banner of my card business, or writing about the workshops I'm taking or the shows I'm performing in. It's all part of my artistic expression, all aspects of who I am.

I can't seem to articulate the thoughts that are running through my head at the moment, but I feel like I'm on the brink of some significant shifts and positive changes. As I embark on the second act of my life, I want to nurture the seeds that I planted in the first act, help them to grow, bloom and thrive. Maybe this space can somehow play a role in that. I guess time will tell.

Tagged by the fabulous Suzi Finer!

Nothing like having the dazzling light of Suzi Finer shine on me to get me off my but and actually add something to my blog! Being tagged means posting 5 blogs that inspire me on a daily basis (preferably blogs that haven't already been tagged by others.)

I must confess that the only blog that I read every day is Suzi's! However, there are other blogs which I do read on a regular basis, and here are 5 that I love:

Blissful Elements: I recently discovered this blog via a comment posted on my own. I just love all of the great vintage visual elements and the artistic and creative layouts.

Julia Sweeney: I love Julia Sweeney! I saw her show "Letting Go of God" last year, and was completely blown away. She's so smart, funny, and incredibly insightful. She always makes me think and analyze my beliefs and ways of looking at the world.

Curbed L.A.: This blog is all about Los Angeles and it's neighborhoods. I love reading about the various developments that are going on all around the city, and fantasizing about houses and lofts that I'll never be able to afford. Sigh.

Anna Corba: OK, this is a website, not a blog. But Anna Corba is an artist who I find endlessly inspiring! Her book "Vintage Paper Crafts" is my all-time favorite art book ever!

Suzi Finer: I know, I know, it's cheating to list Suzi (since she's the one who tagged me!), but hers is truly the only blog I read every single day! I love her creativity, and how she sees beauty in everyday things. I love that she takes her camera with her everwhere and documents her life, and then posts it on her blog for all the world to see. She inspires me every single day.

It's in the Cards

Welcome to It's in the Cards!