Some new work...

It's been a few weeks and how time is flying... I have a few new projects to share with you all!  Wish I was at CHA with the rest of the scrapbooking/ craft world but my kids and work need me.  Maybe this summer I'll get to go again!  I thought I'd first share the rest of my Scrapbooking From the Inside Out January kit. 

Art

 This layout was created with lots of negative space scraps... I had cut some frames with my cricut and  decided I'd use them to frame journaling, but then I also found other scraps (like the backing to the chipboard shapes) that I could use as well.  I wanted this page to reflect creativity and art with random embellishments.  I love the colors in this kit and wanted that to be the focus so I used Kraft paper as the backdrop.  Those Cosmo Cricket words strips are AWESOME too! 

 The journaling talks about my love of teaching young artists and the hope that I allow them to explore techniques, concepts, artists, and their own creative decision making.  It is not just a job for me... it's a passion I have for inspiring kids to explore materials and be brave enough to try new things in their artwork without fear of being "right or wrong".

Another detail of "Art"

Be Different

 This is my favorite page of all the projects this past month!  I love the colors, textures, and the photo!  I had this photo taken at the Pepsi Co. sculpture gardens in Westchester, NY about 10 years ago!  I was saving it for something... The sculptures are from George Segal.  I love his Plaster cast figures. The simplicity of them but the story they tell which can be someone complex at the same time.  I find it fascinating that they are life sized and taken from real people. The need to interact with these artworks is irresistible!  This was when I was a young teacher and struggling to find myself as an artist.  I wanted to fit in but find my own style at the same time.  It was a conflict that still eats at me.  I understand now how artists can sometimes be either ahead of their time or not take enough chances because they are afraid of rejection.  I hope to find my voice where I can be certain that it is true to me and not just appeasing the "in crowd".  

Detail and journaling

Tags made from fabric, paper scraps, and chipboard shapes.

I Am

 I am a complex person who sometimes finds faults with herself where others do not.  I'm a perfectionist, procrastinator, moody, and much more.  I find myself dissatisfied with my world and my role in it sometimes.  I want to make a difference. I want to do and be more than I can imagine.  Whatever I am, I have to be the best I can be... sometimes I fail.  I try to do good, but I'm human and often fall short.  I can be overwhelmingly confusing to others.  I love my kids, job, husband, and life!  I am an artist...

Detail of "I Am"

 Now that January is almost behind us, we are looking ahead to the shortest month of the year (although one day longer this year as it is a leap year!).  The new Scrapbooking From the Inside Out (SFTIO) kit is due to be revealed on February 1st... so, I  thought I'd give you just a few sneak peaks from this amazing kit!  It's called "Dream" and I can tell you that it is in fact dreamy!

I can't wait to reveal my complete work for this kit!  It's one of my favorite kits ever!  You will love the colors in this one.

I have lots more to share but I think I'll save it for another post tomorrow... I'll be showing some of my CHA projects!

Stop by tomorrow afternoon to see!