Friday, June 10, 2011

My 500th Blog Post!!!!

This is the 500th blog post since I began this whole sharing thing back in March of 2008.  It's hard to believe that I thought I had something important to say 500 times in three years.  LOL.  Seriously, I think what is important to me is the sharing.  I am fortunate in that I not only have forged relationships with wonderful artists in the online world, but I am  in a community of like minded souls in the "real" world as well.  I know there are many whose only connection to people who share their passion is through online groups, classes and blogs.  Even though I am blessed to have artsy peeps I get to see and share ideas with and create with, there are days when I wake up feeling alone, and when I write here I feel like I'm talking to friends.  And when these friends pause for a moment to leave a comment, it feels like a real conversation, and I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.

Well, that is way more than enough seriousness for me!  Now, on to something fun.  Speaking of my community of art pals, I recently hosted a page swap, and the other night we met so I could give everyone their completed books.  I did covers for everyone and bound the books with my mighty Cinch.  We also had some good food and drink.  Our theme was Spring/Nature and these pages are just packed with flowers, birds, and  butterflies.  I think the books are wonderful, even more so because my friends worked in them.

Even using the largest coil available, the books don't close flat....lots of embellishments inside!


the cover:



my page:



Laurel:



Heidi:



Kahena:


Gayle:



Michele:


Pat:



Corris:





Heather:


Now, what to do as a 500th post celebration.......if there was something I showed you on this blog that you really liked, leave a comment here and whoever Mr. Random.Org picks will get something I'll make especially for them, inspired by the piece they mention.  Or maybe, if I haven't already given it away, they'll get the original piece.  And yes, even if you live ten time zones away, if you are picked, I'll send it to you.

Again, thanks everyone for stopping by, leaving a comment when you can, and helping me feel like I'm part of a much larger community that "gets" me. 

xoxo
Eileen
at

59 comments:

  1. SusanKJune 10, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    I love reading your blog and seeing what you've been up to. Continue your journey...it's amazing!

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  2. AnonymousJune 10, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Oh Eileen......I LOVE this book.....each piece is SO amazing!!!!!! I also loved reading the reasons why you blog and agree with your thoughts 1000%!!!! I remember the ART Pedistal you created....it was SO VERY GORGEOUS!!!! I would be HONORED to receive one of those or ANYTHING you create!!!!!! Thank you for the opportunity to win!!!

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  3. AnonymousJune 10, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    I love love all of the work you do... You are truely amazing.
    I love the book you have on this post... it is absolutley beautiful. One of my favorite projects was the Science specium piece of art....

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  4. DorothyJune 10, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Eileen!!
    all of your art is a must have!!!
    You are so very talented and to be able to share 500 times is amazing!!!
    Keep on sharing!

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  5. bockel24June 10, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Congrats on your 500th post, Eileen! I really loved your Lynne Perrella and Zetti inspired things (especially that card for Elena), so anything like this would be a fabulous giveaway!

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  6. AnonymousJune 10, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Congrats Eileen! I am so happy you reached the 500 mark and i am looking forward to reading 500 more! Your work is inspiring and you are so generous with your time and knowledge. I am lucky to be able to spend time creating, laughing and traveling with you and our circle of friends. Keep up the fabulous work! Love ya, Corris

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  7. GloriaJune 10, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    I am proud to be one of your friends who "gets you"! Congratulations on your 500th blog, look forward to the next 500!!!
    Hugs!!

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  8. ModernaDesignsArtJune 10, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    Eileen, Congrats and a huge WOW!
    I got to know your blog from ATT and I enjoy reading it, you're an inspiration to me.
    One of my favorites is Buttons, A Ticket, And A New Dimension
    http://artsaveslives-paperqueen.blogspot.com/2011/04/buttons-ticket-and-new-dimension.html
    which I LOVE because it's so special - the way you combined all the materials and techniques into perfection is unique and amazing.
    I'd love to have a creation made by you, and I hope you'll keep posting and sharing - you're very talented.
    Hugs from across the ocean,
    Dorly Weitzen, Israel

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  9. SassyJune 10, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Fabulous. What a piece of art. Love, Sandy N.

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  10. Angie Hall HavilandJune 10, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    You're such a DOLL, Eileen!! I'm so glad that you blog and share your beautiful ART and FABULOUS spirit with us all!! Happy 500th! and You know I LOVE LOVE LOVE all your ART :)

    Yipes always forgot to say....WOW they book turned out great...just WONDERFULLY FABULOUS!

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  11. paddyJune 10, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Congrats on making the 500 mark - you blog is always interesting and has fab examples of things you have made and sometimes one of your friends made. I LOVE the book your group made - sounds like these are all local gals...you are very lucky! paddy

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  12. MichaelJune 10, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Eileen,

    I love checking out your blog all the time. You do fantastic work! My favorite of yours is the Grungy Monday 5, Added Demention. I've been obsessed with the Sewing Die!
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful art and congrats on 500 posts.
    Michael

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  13. DebbieJune 10, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Congrats on 500. Thanks for sharing your art. I love it.

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  14. Kelly OJune 10, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Wow congrats on 500!!! That is exciting! Thank you for posting all the pages I love to see them all! I love your blog!

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  15. LoriJune 10, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS! And, I would always love to hear what you have to say, regardless of how many times a week or day it is. lol. You always write your posts so well, it does feel like you're talking directly to us. Not to mention the humor. I love it. Your book is amazing, everyone did a wonderful job. As for my fave pieces of yours.. well, I really love the backgrounds you do, especially the recent ones with stencils. I always love your journal pages that you have made for others. Really outstanding!

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  16. VicJune 10, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Great book! Congrats on 500 posts. I love all your art and especially the pieces I already own!

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  17. LaStamperJune 10, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    This is great! 500 blog entries - who woulda thunk? Love all your art, especially your take on the weekly challenges. Anything you do would just be marvelous. See you in September!

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  18. craftyMJune 10, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Well you are 500 posts ahead of me since I still have not ventured into the blog world of my own. So I LOVE yours!!! What art piece do I like... OMG.... ALL OF IT!!! From long ago there were necklaces you made that I LOVED and most currently, it would have to be all your Lynn Perrella work. You are an amazing artist and a wonderful friend and I am so glad that cyber space gave me the opportunity to meet you IN PERSON!!!! Love ya, my friend! KEEP DOIN' WHAT YOU DO! I'll be here for #1,000 still routing you on! Marita

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  19. BearcrazymanJune 10, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Congrats on 500! Woo Hoo!!

    Since I am fortunate enough to have already shared your art, if I do get picked any piece would do.... How could I choose anyway?

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  20. Nancy LynnJune 10, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Congratulations Eileen on your blog posts, your artwork and all your fun art adventures. The book you all made looks wonderful. I look forward each time a post comes up from you to see what you have made or where you have gone.

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  21. grannypoppyJune 10, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Congratulations Eileen, on reaching this milestone!

    I first found your blog about this time last year, when we were preparing to go on our first Tim Holtz cruise. I was so drawn to your creations and spent a night, reading back ... almost all the way to the beginning of your blog! So much was all "new" to me but I came away, thinking, "This is a style I really LOVE." Your work is amazing!

    ATCs were one of the discoveries .... I was so happy to get your "Lady Liberty" ATC on the cruise. It captured the feel of the cruise, for me.

    Hope I'll get to spend some time with you on this year's voyage ... and here's to continued joy for you ... and us .. with your blog!

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  22. NancyJune 10, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    Congrats on your 500th post!! I very much agree with your "why" we do this - well said!
    I already own something you made - remember the grungepaper flower I won? I still wear it - I love saying "an artist friend, Eileen, made it!" But if I won here, now? Your button angels are so cool!
    Said with an imaginary drink in hand, raised to you: Here's to 500 more!

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  23. Cahos' ChaosJune 10, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Congratulations on the 500 Blog post. I am working on my 300 YoutTube Subbie's, and another at 500 subbies Giveaway, but blog posts?! Awesome!

    Diana/b4ustamp

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  24. PatzeeJune 10, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    This is the 500th time I've clicked and been delighted by what I read. The art is amazing, and sharing the techniques and tips really has helped my art. If Mr. Random picks me, I'd love an Asian-inspired stencil creation. Just sayin' (and prayin'). Here's something I've said to you almost 500 times: thank you, thank you, thank you

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  25. UnknownJune 10, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    just found you through everything tim blog....lovin it!

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  26. AnnJune 10, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    cONGRATULATIONS!! 500 POSTS!!
    i AM ALWAYS INSPIRED BY YOUR ART..AND HAVE LIVED VICARIOUSLY THROUGH YOUR "TIM VACATIONS"..SOMEDAY,MAYBE i'LL BE ABLE TO GO ON ONE MYSELF!!
    THANKS FOR SHARING ALL YOUR WONDERFUL ART WITH US!

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  27. CherJune 10, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    congrads to you! I think I have only read half so far, but truly enjoy reading them and seeing your work...I envy your travel like your trip to florida...amazing results I must say. Im attracted to your journal pages as I have not tackled those. Good luck to all..and please keep sharing. We have similar tastes and addictions lol

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  28. HelenJune 10, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    What a great book - so beautiful.
    I love your blog and always read it. I know where you are coming from about blogging - I never thought I would open up the way I do on mine! Thanks for the chance of winning something in your giveaway!

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  29. BarbaraJune 10, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Hi Eileen,

    I love your blog and all the things you do. One of my favorite posts is the one with the business card holder. I sketched out my own version right away when I saw yours. I just recently got a vagabond so now I have to figure out how to emboss it (mine is a bit bigger than yours)
    Thanks for all the great work you share with us
    Barbara K

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  30. DebbyJune 10, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    You have a great blog and I enjoy seeing what you create. You are lucky to have people who you can swap with especially the journal projects. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

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  31. Kate BurroughsJune 10, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    Hi Eileen,
    I have been enjoying reading your blog for ages it seems. I know before the Frida journal started. In your recent work, I really liked the "Find Your Style" tag. But I have really liked a lot of your Wendy wall hangings. So much to love!! Congrats on your 500th post!! Does your blogger account count them for you?
    Aloha, Kate

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  32. Marjie KemperJune 10, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    Congratulations on #500! I love visiting your blog.

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  33. Valerie BrincheckJune 10, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Congrats on the 500th post of your blog! It would be hard to pick something of yours that is my favorite. It's all just so wonderful. I am liking the recent stuff you have done from the last Lynne Perrella class you took though.

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  34. KarenJune 10, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    I love seeing your art and following your travels via your blog.
    It's a beautiful book you have made as a group. I particuarly love the way you have coloured the kraft resist and Michelle's painted panel: All about the colour for me!

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  35. ClaraJune 10, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Oh Eileen! Congratulations on your 500th blog! May you have 10 times that amount & more! I have been the recipient of some of your fabulous art & anyone would be lucky & thrilled to have some, too.
    You are the best!
    Love,
    Clara

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  36. Candy CJune 10, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Congrats on your 500th blog post! You are always so wonderful with your posting. I love your sense of humor in your art pieces and your words. :) <3 Candy

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  37. LisaJune 10, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Congrats on your 500th post! I can't imagine...I think I'm at about 75. LoL! Eileen, all your work is amazing, but I have to say I would have loved to have one of your altered ancestors in my chunky book!

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  38. AnonymousJune 10, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    You are an amazing artist and I thank you for sharing that talent with us. I really enjoyed seeing the pages of your completed book. What an amazing community of artists! Congratulations on reaching 500. I look forward to the next 500. (Maria in WA)

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  39. Carol's CraftsJune 10, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    Wow Eileen,
    Your book is fantastic,and is filled with some of my favorite things like
    flowers, flowers and more flowers. LOL
    The piece that stands out to me is the cone caddy you made for one of our friends in Arthaven. If I remember correctly, I think it was filled with scrap fabric. I do remember how much I wished it was coming to me. Congrats on your 50th post, girlfriend.

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  40. ScrappyLibbyJune 10, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    gosh Eileen all these pages are fabulous. I do love reading your blog when you post you are just so creative.

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  41. Colleen OJune 10, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Congrats on your 500th blog entry. I've enjoyed following your blog since seeing your links on the All Things Tim group. Love the recycled tag ideas you had a while ago. col_olear@pacbell.net

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  42. goodling4June 10, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Eileen congrats on your 500 mile marker on the posts! We all love to follow your blog!
    As to what I would choose, hmn, I'd have to say anything you create would be my choice.
    XXO Gina G

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  43. ChrisJune 10, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Congratulations! This book is absolutely gorgeous. Asking what one piece of art from your blog appeals to us is a challenge in and of itself. They are all fantastic. I always learn something from your journey that influences mine. Anything Tim or Wendy would do. What a fantastic opportunity.

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  44. Kathy EddyJune 10, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    Eileen, I love all of your work! I think most of my faves are your wonderful wall hanging things wendy and Tim inspired and your charms are so cute!

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  45. UnknownJune 11, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    Me ,me,make something for me! I love your work and I want something on red rosin paper as I have never seen it!
    Lee

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  46. Sherry GoodloeJune 11, 2011 at 1:16 AM

    What a great book that is!
    And of course everything you have ever made or given me (I wore the cruise t you sent me just the other day! :) I just cherish. xoxo

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  47. Pam AustinJune 11, 2011 at 2:05 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS! SO very impressive for someone who can't even fathom making any time to have a blog. I love looking at your posts and seeing your latest inspirations (and knowing the little staging trick... hehe. Especially love your blog because i have seen my name in lights here! Thanks for all your wonderful sharing! Love the Spring book pages....

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  48. 2amscrapperJune 11, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Congrats Eileen! This book is such a treasure. Each page a delight. I especially like your cover. I started following you about the time you were making those adorable paper doll/angel pin thingies--can't remember the exact name of them--they still are my favorites.

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  49. Sue YoungJune 11, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Congrats,Eileen!500!!!!!amazing! I love reading your blog,because it is not only beautiful,but so informative. You are so very patient to write down how you make each piece...I could never do that,as I am not patient enough,I guess. It is so very appreciated!
    You know that I love all your Wendy stuff,and also Lynns style that you have recently been doing!
    Again,congrats! Xo

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  50. BethanJune 11, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Well, congratulations on your 500th blogpost. Love your creations and look forward to the next 500!

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  51. ingeJune 11, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Hello Eileen,

    it took me three times before blogger let me say : " congratulations !!! ".

    500 posts... it's an amazing amount in only three years ! But you DO have lots to show and tell in every blogpost.

    I'm always happy you mention on one of the yahoogroups you have a new blogpost on newly projects. I'm not always able to comment immediately, but when I find the time I scroll through different posts to see what you have come up with.:)

    There are so many things I remember, but if I would be the lucky one I would chose papers or something like that you created in your Lynn Perella workshops...as long as it challenge me to learn something more or new :)

    Your book looks awesome : great to put in display in your house ! (I bought the cinch too and it does work perfect for fat books like this ! )

    There are several pages I really like. One detail I like a lot in your page is the blue/ grey background and the black butterflies that are off-center on the left of the page. Really nice composition !

    Enjoy your "party" :)

    greetings from belgium
    Inge

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  52. www.creativepointe.blogspot.comJune 11, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Congratulations on this HUGE milestone. Love to see all your artwork...too many great ones to choose a favorite!

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  53. teriJune 12, 2011 at 1:29 AM

    That book looks fabulous. Congratulations on finishing it! 500 blog posts is an awesome accomplishment. I remember your 100th!

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  54. MaiJune 12, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    I simply adoooore all the work you post. I'm a very young art student and many times I search the internet for inspiration but I was never really inspired until I saw your work.I found the 'shabby patchwork' piece very inspiring mainly because of the fossil technique.I reckon that your next 500 posts will be even better.

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  55. Tammy DJune 14, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Congrats on your 500th post. I always find something interesting and get lot of inspiration from your blog.

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  56. Sherri AuldJune 14, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Congrats on the 500th post. Thats a lot of art you shared. :-)

    Love the book, ther ==

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  57. Elaine AkersJune 14, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Congratulations for reaching 500 blog posts. I love visiting your blog and reading/viewing your creativity and art projects that you share with all of us. The book you just bound is beautiful. I would be happy with anything you created if my number is drawn. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  58. Lillian June 15, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    congrats on your 500 posts Eileen
    may you have many thousands more !!!!!
    Love all your art...
    Lillian mederak
    http://www.canadianscraptramp.blogspot.com/

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  59. Gloria L.June 17, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I have enjoyed both this blog, and the altered book blog. All of your book projects are wonderful, and the art dolls adorable. So, keep creating and sharing - it's all good!

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