Spoiler Katie--don't look! Inspiration Abounds

Isn't that saying so true? We need to be able to laugh with those we love...for those that we can never laugh with, are they really someone we are meant to love?

I'm sharing with you a sneak peek at my swap gift to Katie for our Sweet Goodness Swap: Parasols, Pink Lemonade and Polka Dots swap. I found this swap harder to find things to fit the qualifications then other swaps, not because of my partner--no Katie is a doll, wonderfully sweet, kind and so friendly....no I was just making it harder than it needed to be plus I had a hard time getting out to go thrifting or shopping other than at Michael's. This item fits into the recycled and partially polka dot portion of the swap as the cigar box was acquired through free cycle, many of the embellishments are tidbits given to me from other swaps, and the polka dots are positioned throughout the sides with affirmation sayings on it. Even though I do mixed media collage--I don't really do a whole lot regular collage so hopefully Katie likes this piece and finds use of it.

This vintage image was aquired from a dear Etsy and METSY friend of mine (and a published collage/mixed media artist herself, Miss Glenda)...do check out her shop if you're looking for some cool photos to use in your work. Right now, all of her images are 1.99 a sheet!!!! Hurry and pick up a BUNCH before she changes her mind!! :)

Other artful news--I have now sold the last 5 paintings that I have completed--Whooohooo! June was a fabulous month for my etsy shop and my other networks that I travel and have achieved sales through!! Very exciting. Now Ihave lots of restocking to do and inspiration to get from my head to the canvas. Now if work would just chill out, it would be all good and I could play a lot more..LOL

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!