Collage Diva

Light a second inner candle.

For my day job, I prepared some graphics and resources for Advent. Pictured above is the main graphic for this second week in Advent. I thought this message tied in so nicely with my weekly Journey of the Heart Journal theme on divine timing. 

There have been times when I've felt all wound up with desire for change in my life. When I let go of these feelings, to really surrender and trust in the divine, the pressure lifts and I fully enjoy the present moment. I no longer struggle.

May you find a little time each morning to light that second inner candle and fill your heart with hope and trust.

Namaste,

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Great Holiday Project Idea + a Giveaway!

I love it when a beautiful magazine comes in the mail. Yesterday the 2010 Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts special issue came in the mail. I pulled out my scissors and pretty papers and went right to work trying out the "silhouette ornament" project on page 47.

There is nothing better than already having all of the supplies needed to pull off a new project. I raided my stash of pretty papers and ephemera. Last summer I rediscovered in my dad's den the silhouettes that were made of my brother and me back in 1975. Karl was six years old back then and I was seven. I borrowed it from my dad knowing that it would be a great subject for a project one day. Little did I know that Sharyn Sowell would deliver an easy, fun project perfect for my silhouettes.

I can remember the day so clearly when the artist pulled out her scissors and black paper and cut out our images. I was in awe (and I still am) watching her as she turned and clipped the paper with ease. I scanned the images and resized them for this project.

The paper "window" is basically a simple origami fold. I decorated an edge with some polka dots and cut a fringe. I used some pretty striped wrapping paper to decorate the corners. Gel pens were used to draw in some little details. I felt like that little girl in the silhouette as I cut the paper and decorated my new ornaments. These are fairly big ornaments and would look lovely hanging on a child's bedroom door.

This special gift issue is really chock full of ideas.

I can't wait to pick up some canvas to paint to make the no-sew bags. I am a bit of a "bag lady." The totes featured in this issue are gorgeous.

Enter to win a copy of the 2010 Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts! - Contest is closed.

Winner Announcement: The random generator selected #13. Congratulations to Paula - Buenos Aires

Did you see my Advent Calendar project idea? It makes a great gift. CLICK HERE to check it out.

My free mini-dream journal makes a darling stocking stuffer. CLICK HERE to download.

 

Merry Christmas!

I posted this calendar on my True North Arts blog and thought I would share it here in case you missed it. I will be spending Christmas day tucked in to the tree house enjoying the day with my son and dog. I am up early excited for my day of play.

A selection of art journal pages illustrate this calendar. You'll recognize the images from various True North Arts projects and workshops as well as posts from CollageDiva.com. 

Feel free to print this calendar and give it as gifts! It is a great last minute artsy gift idea.

Here is how to get your calendar and to assemble it:

1. Print the calendar. I saved it large so you have the best possible print quality. (29 MB) It looks great on photo paper. CLICK HERE to download the 2010 True North Arts Calendar (pdf) 

A couple of people have reported problems with the link. Oddly it works when I click on it. Please let me know if you have any problems. Here is another link to try: http://collagediva.typepad.com/truenortharts-2010calendar.pdf

I've also posted the file to a public folder. Try this link if the first two didn't work: http://public.me.com/kathrynantyr 

2. Cut each month out following the crop marks.

3. The stand is a recycled jewel case. To assemble gently remove the panel that holds cd and the liner. Gently remove the cover, flip it around and snap back on.

4. Insert your calendar. Voila!

Enjoy!!!

If you do print it and use it, I would love to see a photo of it on your desk or wherever you enjoy it. Either send me your photos or post it on your blog. I'll link to your blog so everyone can see where in the world the calendar shows up.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday season!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn Antyr, Collage Diva

Pause 24 - Christmas Eve Lights Galore

Here is a look at a house in my neighborhood that really goes to town with the lights. As I stand in front of the house and look left, this is what I see. 

Here is the view looking right.

Around the side and down the driveway are more lights.

My neighbor was out tonight adding even more lights. Here he is showing me the spots that need some work.

Here is a closer look at the sleigh.

I couldn't resist playing with the lights and my camera.

It was fun to watch people looking at the display.

I like this old snowman. He looks pretty happy to be part of this Christmas light bonanza.

       

Pause 22 - Deck the Halls

Today's post offers you a peek at our holiday decorations. Little vignettes like the one above combine left-over greens from my recent Ikebana flower arrangements with holiday figurines. I love all of the blue berries in this little piece of greenery. This little scene is on my kitchen windowsill. 

More greens were tucked in this glass container along with my favorite vintage gnome. A silver bow and touches of ice and beads finish it off.

A closer look reveals the expression on this gnomes face. What do you think he is looking at?

This tree ornament is a family favorite. We had it custom painted to look like...

... our dog Fen. Our little place feels so cozy. As much work as it is to pull out the decorations, I love the warm glow of holiday lights. Happy Solstice!

Today's Pause: Take a moment to break from the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the holiday celebrations to really enjoy your home. What is your favorite ornament?

Related Links:

December Views

Creative Every Day    

Pause 21 - Ikebana for Christmas

 

This ikebana arrangement uses branches, amaryllis, and baby's breath. Stunning, isn't it?

Check out the interesting branch on the right. I carefully cut the branches so I could keep this section.

From this angle I like how the amaryllis are seen through the branches.

 This is how the arrangement looks from above.

 

I made this second arrangement to bring into the office. Materials used evergreens, ginger, and baby's breath.

In ikebana, baby's breath is only used during the Christmas season to represent snow. In the west we stuff arrangements with baby's breath and use it as a filler.

Related Links:

December Views

Creative Every Day    

To learn more about where I am taking classes visit: Ikebana Flower in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Pause 20 - Paper Ninja's recommendation for a last minute gift idea for your teenager.

Today I pause to introduce you to my very talented son, the paper ninja. Pictured above is a self portrait that he took and altered in Photoshop. He just published to his blog a book recommendation for those of you looking for a last minute gift for your teenager. CLICK HERE to see what he recommends!

O Holy Night

 

This 7-year old girl is incredible. What a gift!

Be sure to listen to the very end and the long note she holds.

What a sweetie!

 

Christmas Bundles

We had a creative day of baking cookies and wrapping presents. Pictured here are the note card sets that I put together for friends and family. Each bundle has eight different photos taken by yours truly. These are a great hit as everyone can use some extra note cards.

Creative Day #24
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Charming Christmas Ornaments

I finished making some ornaments for Christmas gifts. This is actually my first soldering project and well, the results are a bit rustic. Fortunately I have a number of gentle recipients on my list.

This one is my son's favorite. He likes the white bow.

They do look better hanging on the tree and the bow does hide some of the rough soldering technique.

Did you make any gifts this year?

Creative Day #23
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