Paper crush

So I love paper. I mean, in a not so natural way. It started with first grade, I think. I am pretty sure I laid eyes on the myriad of spiral notebooks, loose leaf papers and {oh my} colorful construction paper in the cart when my mom took me school supply shopping I was hook line and sinker. The smell of paper. The feel. The possibilites. As an artist and a writer, the potential of a blank piece of paper is almost intoxicating.

Even still, the idea of scrapbooking paper has never been a favorite of mine. I feel a bit wasteful, almost like I am cheating. It is a luxury and since I don't scrapbook myself I never feel at home at a scrapbooking store. What is a crop anyway, right? I mean, cropping to me is tool in photoshop, not a Saturday night activity.

Even still, as my paper arts have evolved these types of papers (in limited amounts) have become really handy and helpful. So, I pick up sheets sparingly and remind myself it is no different than fabric. It is a tool, and oh my some of these papers are gorgeous, right?

Whenever there is an opportunity my first choice is to upcycle a used greeting card or shopping bag, pages of an old book or even the dictionary. But, some days, like today, I just had to indulge myself in some crispy new sheets and my, my, I think I have a paper crush! You?

88 flowers for grandma

My grandma's 88th birthday was this year. I created this canvas to showcase an 88-flower bouquet just for her. And because Natalie Merchant's song Kind & Generous is one of my all-time faves, I used the words as a way to make it extra special. I love doing personalized canvas gifts. I made up a special one for my parent's 40th wedding anniversary recently as well. And for Christmas gifts last year I created flower bouquets for my co-workers using flowers punched from the pages of our magazines. Those were extra special because of all the time we (lovingly) spend on each page.

{Pssst....the flowers are punched from a Vera Bradley shopping bag! I know, I am so green...I do love to "up"cycle!}

I love John Denver...still.

OK, so if you know me well at all, you know I'm a huge fan of John Denver's song, "For Baby." Especially on those occaisions where you need a good cry about your kiddos growing up too fast. So, on such a day...after a long first week back at school, voila! A new version of For Baby art. I'm considering adding it to the new blog shop (coming soon!) but as an "unframed" print? Or maybe a framed option as well?