Gratitude - Day Five

Sixlets. Remember these? I loved grabbing a handful of these in the penny candy section of the little grocery store we'd walk to when I was little. Even now, I can't resist the shiny cellophane wrapper with happy candy colors.

Gratitude - Day Four

An eraser. This eraser. Really.

Gratitude - Day Three

Having someone to tell my worries to. Nothing against therapists, but I'm talking about friends & family here.

Gratitude - Day Two

Of course I'm thankful for friends, family, health, blah blah blah. But without color, design & frivolity, the world would be much a less interesting place. Sorting through my vintage button collection is like taking a big ol' dose of happy.

A week of being thankful

An easy one today. Really. Strong. Coffee.

Resigned...or Relishing?

Poor Midge. She was always the bad girl when Kathy and I played with our Barbies. Maybe it was the way her eyes were painted.

This card is going to Petra for reminding me that, while I may not be able to do much to stop a Tsunami or war, I can make art. And maybe bring a smile.

There was much to say

** My sister and I each had our own doll with little plastic records that fit into a slot in her side - we always called her Chatty Kathy. I have since learned that this is REALLY Kathy's cousin - Charmin' Chatty.

Nostalgic Toys are a real inspiration for me. Maybe this would be a good theme for more Postcard Project submissions!! Anyone?!

UPDATE - I had not sent this card to anyone. It's going to children's author, Hope Vestergaard, because she shares my love for nostalgic toys.

Things that Donna gave me

Donna is a family friend, and I think about her quite often because I see her in the treasures she has given to me over the years -- things that might not bring a big price on Ebay, but are valuable to me because of their history and because of the spirit in which they were given. A cookie jar from her childhood because she knows I like stripes, some vintage buttons to add to my collection, a locket that had belonged to her Aunt and a glass platter that she had received on her wedding day. Naturally, Donna will be the recipient of this card. Gouache on chipboard.

Winter by Laila Kujala

The perfect image for today - at least here in snowy Michigan! Teacher and artist, Laila Kujala, painted this sweet image, along with one for Spring, Summer and Fall for her classroom. Originals are painted with acrylic. Laila sent out cards printed with this winter image to her students' families as a holiday & thank you card.

Family Tree by Lydia Hess

This elegant image is from an old pal, Lydia Hess. Lydia's technique uses hands-on artistic methods combined with modern technology to create images that are mysterious and multi-layered. She created a montage using painted images and graphic elements and the result is this lovely digital image with personality and depth.