stepping outside the box...

this was something new for me...

NOT the art...that's the same old me...
but what's behind the art...

I was asked to be a guest artist @ creativetherapy...

and I was given this catalyst...

"Create art around someone or something that you still have unfinished business with (something that’s been bothering you for a while)".

I immediately had this idea...
for the ART part of the article...


But, since I don't scrapbook, I have no experience journaling...

I only write goofy stuff here to make my friends laugh!

Anyway...

Hmmm...
did I really want to share the thoughts behind the art???

Would it sound stupid?
Would it make me sad?

SADDER?

Still thinking...

I'll stall around a bit more...trying to decide...

You KNOW...

All my art MUST have at least one flower somewhere!
Here's a look...

Ok...I'll be brave, since the journaling is posted on the site...

it says...

Mom…

I’d love to talk to you just one more time.

It’s been 20 years since your passing…but it seems like forever. So many things have happened since then. My life took an unexpected turn, in September of 2007, when fate stepped in. I wish that you were here to enjoy my new career.

After 30 years, I’m no longer a surgery nurse manager…now I’m an ARTIST! Imagine that…

If you remember my kindergarten report card, one of the comments that Mrs. Yazbeck wrote was...

“Wendy is very creative”.

I had no clue until recently, but I’m sure this creativity came from you.

So now instead of working in a sterile controlled surgery environment, I do my best to get my fingers inky every day! I’m not as shy as I used to be. I bet you’d be surprised to know I travel around the country (all by myself!) helping others to enjoy this art of stamping. I’m working hard & having a blast!

I have some awesome art & business friends who you would just LOVE! I’m so sad that I’ll never get to introduce you to them. They are all very kind and so supportive. I really lucked out here…they are THE BEST!

I wish you could see how totally happy I am with my life. I think you’d enjoy seeing my art and what has become of me. I’m sure you would be proud of my success.

There’s lots more to say…lots more I want to tell you.

I just need to talk to you..

one more time.

Love,

wendy

*PHEW! DONE!

Now for a laugh...

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If you've taken a class from me you've heard the longer version of the story about the rest of the report card...

we found it when we cleaned my dad's house after he died a few years ago...

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I'll make it the short version...

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Her comments...

Very sociable....

Very creative...

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Here's the good part...

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TENDS to be BOSSY! Always wants to be in control!

That was @ age 5...imagine me now!

YIKES!

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Before you ask...

Here are the project credits...

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The base is one page from Maya Road's Rectangle banner book

The chipboard letters...from Maya Road too.

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So is the yummy brown double stitched ribbon and my favorites...the microchip hearts.

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The base is inked with Ranger's brushed corduroy distress ink...lately I'm using it more than my usual vintage photo...

I know...it's shocking!

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But I REALLY love it with broken china...

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The stamping is done with both jet black & coffee archival inks...

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the flower is grungepaper...

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The stamps...studio 490 of course!

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So...I really was OUTSIDE MY BOX...

but I did OK...

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Now I really need to...

make art!

wendy

ps...there's MORE art from others on the creativetherapy site...check it out. See how others interpreted the catalyst...