Instead of sharing my own work today, I thought I would share with you a giveaway I recently won as well as some art I purchased from a very talented artist, Marsha @ Tumblefish Studio last month.

The top photo shows the ephemera package I won on her blog giveaway - quite an array of lovely goodies. I've already scanned some for digital work and will have fun using the remainder in upcoming art pieces. Didn't she do a beautiful job of packaging? The bottom photo shows the original collage I purchased (8x10) along with a package of postcards and two limited edition prints (5x7). The original collage is absolutely amazing - the detail astounding. Marsha cuts each piece and glues it down to create her characters as well as background and embellishments. I LOVE THEM MARSHA! Thank you so much!

The caption reads "scientists say there is a tiny drop of mercury in our brains that gives us a sense of direction. But the truth is, it is the heart that leads the way".

I spent the day yesterday on the computer working on a challenging very special digital piece that I will share at a future date - this one is a suprise.....

Onto some other digital work today and in the studio to get in some more trouble!

Have fun whatever you decide to do! Welcome to my new followers.....

The story! Awhile back I arrived in the parking lot of the thrift store with a box to donate. A woman and her husband were unloading boxes of things from their vehicle as I passed by and sitting by her feet - this wonderful birdcage. I'm containing myself here... conversation went - "so, are you donating the birdcage" (be cool Lowie) "yes, did you want it?" (be still my racing heart) "oh yes, I'd love it" - "it's yours - here". (I continued to keep my cool but bubbling with excitement inside). I had the biggest grin on my face! My enthusiasm erupted on arrival home. My DH chuckled and said - reminds me of the Ikea commercial - start the car, start the car - too funny.

I started by re-painting the cage cream which I felt blended too much and since I needed a little contrast, decided to spray it black (DH suggestion) which looks much better in the new location. Hanging from the bottom are my ribbons which I store on ribbon rings and inside are some bird nests. At the top inside of the cage are some candy lights which are fantastic! At night this gives a lovely soft glow in the room - sometimes I like to just sit there and enjoy the ambiance!

Enjoy your day!

Look what arrived in the mail yesterday! Somerset Studio. Am very excited that one of my submissions has been published. The block ornaments on the upper right corner are mine. They are very easy to make and quite fun. I purchased the blocks in varying sizes at Michael's then covered them with decorative christmas scrapbook paper. I added some stamps then added an eye hook. The chains are from my thrift store finds. Lots more possibilities here. What about making fabric blocks or painting the blocks with a background design followed by stamping. If you decide to make some, I'd love it if you sent me a photo!

At the end of the week I'll be revealing my surprise followed by a celebration and giveaway so stay tuned.....