Some more updates

If you noticed, I've added a list of blogs to check out on my blog. There are people creating art all over the world and now you it all one mouse click away. In addition, I will be adding other blogs you should check out not because they are necessary "art blogs" but because they contain important issues - at least to me.

Think Monday, Think ATC - Handwriting

I used a vintage bill that I purchased on ebay a year ago. There was someone selling a bunch of old attorney's files that were over 100 years old. The handwriting was pretty cool - as were the notes. Most of it seems to be with debt repayment.

I used some Distress Inks, Tattered Angels Mist Spray and some Pearlescent Blue Pigment ink to give the background it's odd color. I got the picture of the little boy from Lisa's Altered Arts and the crown is from Victorian Scrapworks.

Mixed Media Monday - Famous People

Here is my submission for Mixed Media Monday. It is Albert Einstein. He is very famous in Princeton and now his home is a museum (despite his wishes.) He lived a pretty down to earth life for someone who was always thinking about life beyond our earthly confines. But one of the things I like about him the most is that he extolled the virtures of creativity and imagination as being more important than intellect. The quote on the small plaque reads, "True art is characterized by an irrestible urge in the creative artist."

Four by Four Friday - Grungeboard

If you haven't had a chance to try the new Grungeboard by Ranger, do it! This stuff is great. It bends, distresses, cuts, and glues like paper or chipboard without the rolling or pilling or sagging that is common to many types of paper. I created this piece using grungeboard elements. The hinges, keyhole, and peephole cover are all Grungeboard, embossed with two coats of copper embossing powder. Then brads were added. I hammered the whole lot with a small hammer that I use for setting eyelets to give it a more distressed look. I then glued the elements in place using Crafter's Choice glue - one of my favorites. I call this piece of work "Speak Easy" after the bars that went underground during Prohibition in the United States.