Cardboard Shamrock Art Journal

Hello everyone, Cyndi here.  It is my turn to be the guest blogger.  I thought I would share with you today a cardboard shamrock journal that I created. I have just finished the "bones" of the project, but I'm sure you can see what a great start it would be for a fun, holiday-themed art journal.

This art journal is a great way to recycle cardboard boxes you may have laying around the house.  I also adore the texture that can be achieved when you cut away the top layer of the cardboard.  There are a LOT of artsy possibilities here.

You can leave the pages brown and decorate with ink sprays, stamps, etc.  You can also paint the pages as I have here, or add decorative paper or fabric. We would love to see your versions of the project.  You can share your efforts on our Facebook page.

You can see more of this journal, along with a tutorial at: Still Life With Stilettos. 

Somewhere In Time

Cyndi Duncan here.  I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be teaching classes at Artiscape Artist's retreat March 6-9th.  This wonderful event is held in Columbus, Ohio.  I have been participating in it for many years and can tell you that it is top-notch.  People travel from all over the country to attend.

Ever the perfectionist, I spent time the last couple of weekends making additional samples for my classes (I know - I'm crazy!).  Below are additional samples for my "Somewhere In Time Necklace" class.

 This image shows the raised detail on the front cover.   The inside images are from ARTchix Studio.  The cover image is from another company whose name I cannot recall.  I just recently switched computers and I know I have the name saved on the old one.  When I can, I'll let you know where it is from as they have wonderful collage images.

A little glitter goes a long way...

by Cyndi Duncan

I am blessed to be part of a wonderful art group.  A group of seven of us get together once a month and create lovely things.  One of the ladies from my group hosted a "holiday" craft party for a few of her friends right after the new year.  At the party we made these lovely glitter girls along with glitter houses.  How apropos considering that the winter issue of Altered Arts has "All That Glitters" as one of its themes.  This project was presented by my friend Lorel, so I can't claim any of the awesomeness. We each did personalize our creations, though,  through our selection of focal image and embellishments.

Inspirational Arizona - Montezuma Castle

Continuing my inspirational Arizona series....in reverse chronological order.  :-)

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My last day in Arizona was jam-packed with fun! I left Sedona in the AM and stopped at Montezuma castle and Jerome (another blog post) on my way to the Phoenix airport.

Montezuma Castle is one of the first four sites to be declared National Monuments by Theodore Roosevelt. It is a prehistoric cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua Indians who occupied it for more than 300 years.






This was further down from the castle and is the ruins of another dwelling.




There's a short scenic trail that loops out around the park. This sign was a reminder that nature abounds! Rattlesnakes are common in this area.

After leaving Montezuma Castle, I headed toward Jerome, a must-do for any art-loving person.

~Cyndi

Arty Jerome, Arizona

By Cyndi Duncan

Blogger is new to me...not completely, but I will have to relearn it.  Bear with me as I relearn the program.  Our talented design team will be posting here as well, and they are much more blog-savvy than I.  :-)

Last year, actually a year ago last October, I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona after selling the Mailbox Muse to the owner of Altered Pages.  I went out to go over inventory and train her in how the business and website worked.  After spending time with her in Phoenix, I visited the Grand Canyon, Sedona and also some other fun spots.

I had the following post saved in draft mode on our former blog, but never got around to writing about the first part of the trip.  The whole trip was such a wonderful experience, and all the little arty jaunts I did so much fun, that I want to be sure to share them with you here....

Arizona - Last Day 

I ended my journey with a stop in Jerome, an arty community nestled on the side of a hill.  Literally...it was on the side of the hill.  Getting there was a little hairy as I had to traverse up several switchbacks.  I was glad I didn't have to go up it in the dark.


The view from Jerome


The whole town was full of art galleries and shops.  This shop on the corner was a leather shop.


Another gallery




At the very top of the hill is the Jerome Grand Hotel.  I was told I should definitely eat dinner there at the Asylum restaurant. 


The view of Jerome from the tippy-top...at the Grand Hotel.


This rusty vintage automobile was sitting in the parking lot of the Jerome Grand Hotel.  Loved it!


I'm not sure if it is always decorated this way, but as I was visiting on October 23rd, the Asylum restaurant was totally decked out for Halloween.  The waiters/waitresses were in costume.  It was great.  I don't recall off-hand what I ate, but I do remember that it was good.