Steampunk Spells Envelope Book

What can I say, I just adore the new Steampunk Spells paper from Graphic 45.  I am also excited to show off my crazy wire binding that I just made up as I went.  It may be messy, but I can say it is certainly innovative!

I am not going to show off too much here.  In an attempt to engage readers in another format I have also included a video tour at the end of this post.

Inside the embellishing was done through the use of brads.  I capitalized on the fact that they were envelope pages, so I could hide the backs of the brads inside.   A lot of the embellishments were left loose, as I really like the element of movement in my work.

Did you also take note of my cool new watermark from Graphic 45?!?  I was so excited to receive this badge of honor!  I had to stretch myself to learn how to apply it, but mission was accomplished.   Without further ado, here is my little video tour.

Thanks as always for stopping by!

Cheers,

Rhea

Winter Inspiration III

While I am so tired of winter, I still continue to strive to take inspiration from it.  I created these little ornaments some time ago, but I decided to drag them out after reading this month's issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors (CPS).  This magazine is such an inspiration to me.  When it comes in the mail, I always have to wait to read it until I can be with it for a while because I savor each project, each image, even the advertisements are eye candy.

I am always stuck by the constant call for art.  I often wonder if I am good enough to submit and fantasize about doing so.  Well, yesterday I took the plunge.  I stopped thinking of all the reasons not too, stopped listening to that critical inner voice, and I just simply took action and did it. 

CPS was calling for several genres of art including holiday gift projects, as well as wired art submissions.  This made me recall these sweet little ornaments I recently created from wire, broken jewelry, found objects, buttons and beads.  So simple, so forgiving and so elegant.  So submitted!  It was an easy process.  I hope for this to be the first of many submissions.  Perhaps one day, I will grace the pages of my coveted zine! 

I have gifted these ornaments many times to family and friends and find they are usually happily received and displayed year after year.  I love the feeling I get when I see a bit of my artistic musing out in the world being enjoyed by it's recipient.  When this happens I feel affirmed on a very deep level.  It is important for me to create beauty in the world.