Wednesday Hodgepodge - 02/21/2018

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. Where do you go when you need some inspiration?

For inspiration I go to our local Art Center in Blue Ridge, GA, an outdoor art festival, or the John C. Campbell Folk Art School.  I'm a jewelry maker and I also make hand drawn cards/envelopes.  Just being around other artists is always an inspiration. 

2. What's under your bed?

Fully grown dust bunnies, wearing my run-away slippers...

3. Thursday, February 22nd is National Chili Day, National Margarita Day, and National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. Of the three which would you most like to celebrate? Is that likely?

Definitely Cook a Sweet Potato Day...with butter and brown sugar please!  A possibility, but not likely; My husband and I are going to a prix fixe dinner on Thursday...not sure if sweet potato will be on the menu.  

4. What are you 'snowed under' with right now?

Medical bills and insurance companies...Getting everything billed and paid correctly for an accident I had one year ago.  It has been a daunting task....

5. Tell us three to five things that make you feel balanced?

1. Having a detailed online schedule that I can pull up easily. I was a professional project manager, schedules have been part of  my life for a long time. Without one I feel lost.
2. Setting priorities and staying focused on those priorities keeps stress and anxiety  under control.
3. I keep learning; I read, take classes, go to weekly trivia nights, travel and explore the world around me. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Has anyone taken the high speed ferry from Ft Myers to Key West?  I'm looking for information about the trip....was it bumpy or rolling?  I get seasick, but I don't want to take medications, they make me sleepy.  Also, any "must see" places in Key West.  I've been many times, but love to discover something new on every trip.

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Artist Trading Cards - (ATC) - Swap-bot

Have you heard of Artist Trading Cards (ATC)? They are small original works of art exchanged amongst artists. They are given away, never sold. The size of ATCs is 2.5 x3.5 and are typically made on card stock or heavy watercolour paper.  The tiny works of art are exchanged in person or online in group swaps. There are several swapping sites open to general interest people from all over the world. The ATC community accepts people from all abilities, using a wide range of  medium to create their cards. 

I belong to the online group Swap-bot.  This group is very large and has hundreds of themed swaps. They not only sponsor ATC swaps, they also have many other outlets for creative swapping. I've participated in fiber, collage, journal page, ephemere, and decorated envelope swaps, but my favorite is the ATC swap.

Here is an example of the card I'm sending this week.....

The theme of this swap was "Profile Based"; after I was assigned a swap partner, I took a look at her profile for ideas on what she like, where she lived, and any special requests.  She is an Emergency Medical Technician living in Cheyenne, WY; she said that she would like to receive a emergency services themed ATC...so that is what I made for her. 

I used a collage technique to create this card. I included a map of Cheyenne, Wy as the background, added emergency services ephemere, and vintage photos.  I like how it turned out. 

I drew and colored this cute little ambulance on the front of the envelope I'm using to send the trading card.  I hope she will like them. 

Additional Envelopes that I've created...

I always decorate the envelope I'm sending the cards in.  It is so much fun to open the mailbox and find brightly colored mail in amongst the bills and such....I love swapping! Below are examples of other decorated envelopes that I've sent recently...

Check out Swap-bot if you are looking for a creative outlet, but be careful, it's addicting!

Cheers,

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA