Kathryn Costa - Collage Diva

Getting a "round" in a fabric store.

It is fun to revisit old photos and artwork. Today's post features a few photos I had taken in 2008. (Has it really been that long?) Look at all of those beautiful round spools of thread. I thought it was a perfect example of the Creative Every Day theme for this month.

Purple was my favorite color as a young girl and I have to say, I still love it.

I had so much fun taking photos in this store.

As you move through your day, see how many round things you can find. Or, do as I did, go to one store and get a "round."

Cheers!

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Eat this Mandala

I'm such a lucky girl. I not only get to come home for lunch but Mr. Wonderful makes me the best lunches. Check out the mandala salad pictured above!

Don't you just want to climb into this picture and start munching? Click to enlarge the picture to see what I mean and be sure to click and enlarge the first picture too!

With all of the stress that life has thrown me, I've strayed from my healthy habits and put on 10 lbs. This week I hit the "reset" button and I'm back on track. It is amazing how eating the right foods gives me tons of energy. 

Yesterday I stopped by the Creative Every Day website. It has been ages since I stopped by there. The optional theme for the month is to play with the shape "round." From the CED site, I followed a link to iHanna's site and to my delight she blogged about one of my favorite circle practices - mandalas! 

Be sure to visit Creative Every Day and iHanna for heaps of inspiration.

Go make yourself a mandala and eat it!

Cheers!

Kathryn, Collage Diva

 

Adding Sunshine

Mr. Wonderful and I have a new weekly practice. At the end of the week we pick up some fresh flowers and together work on a flower arrangement. Last week, Fernando picked up sunflowers and hot pink carnations. We worked for about an hour on the arrangement pictured above; it took us a while to select the right colored cloth to put on the table. We found the perfect combination to brighten up the corner.

There have been a lot of heavy things happening in our lives in the last several weeks - Fernando's eye surgery, my mother's death, my teenager arriving and leaving, and my dad's declining health. This bright and sunny arrangement sets a positive intention for the summer ahead.

We love this little corner of the room. It is a peaceful place where we come together to add a little beauty. Working with fresh flowers requires us to give this space attention each week. This is true of our relationships, they too require care and attention on a regular basis.

How are you adding sunshine to your life?

Namaste,

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Delivered by Silent Nightmail

I had signed up to take a class with Nick Bantock in Tuscany this fall. Sadly not enough people signed up to fill the workshop and it was cancelled. It was so thoughtful of Nick to send me a note.

It was delivered by "silent nightmail." Now how cool is that?

I have several of his books and recognize the little details on the envelope including this surreal banana shooter.

The envelope was covered with stamps and imprints a la Bantock.

Ever since I received this little piece of mail, I keep thinking about designing my own faux postage stamps.

I know you are so curious to see what was tucked inside.

The card design is so intriguing with all of the layers.

Here is a look when the card is opened up.

The note read, "Kathryn, One door closes and another... ever tomorrow is open. Best Nick"

Some other goodies were tucked in. I think it will be hard for me to cut them up and use them in my own collages.

More goodies.

I've admired Nick Bantock's work for so many years. It is neat to get something personally sent from him. I am disappointed that the trip was cancelled. I've had so many things happen in the last few months. I can't help but wonder what doors are opening tomorrow and the next day.

To learn more about Nick Bantock visit these spots on the web:

Website: www.nickbantock.com

Blog: http://nick-bantock.blogspot.com

For a real treat check out this video:

 

Nick Bantock, Author & Artist from Jenn Strom on Vimeo.

I think it is time to go make some fun mail art...

Cheers!

Kathryn, Collage Diva