Friday, March 8, 2013

Don't Quote Me....(And A Little About Keys4Art2013)

The most recent journal I received in Kindred Soul's round robin belongs to my great friend Elena.
Her theme is shabby/inspirational quotes.  Let me tell you, her book is an inspiration; Elena used old book covers and bound beautiful art papers inside, using a lovely exposed spine binding technique.  The book is fabulous just as it is. 

As my mailing partner is Mary-Beth in Canada, I wanted to get this done and on its way before I leave for Keys4Art (more on that later), and luckily my mojo and my deadline didn't fight with each other for a change.

This isn't the greatest photo in the world (I tried to improve upon it too many times to count), but I think you'll get the idea. 

 
 
 
The backgrounds are gelli plate prints done on deli wrap, using many Stencil Girl stencils.  If you look closely enough, you'll see stamps from Tim Holtz, Wendy Vecchi, Dina Wakely, Graphic 45Claudine Hellmuth, and Stampin' Up.
 
The flowers are Tim's idea-ology foliage collection, all colored with his new distress paints.  I LOVE the way these paints color metal!
 
The silhouette stamp on the lower left (Dina's) was stamped with clear ink and embossed with faded jeans distress embossing powder.
 
The inspirational quote is a Wendy stamp, stamped onto white tissue paper and glued to the background.  In case you have trouble reading it, it says:
 
The purpose of life is
To be useful
To be responsible.
To be compassionate.
Is above all, to matter,
To count.  To love.
To stand for something,
To have made a difference
In this wonderful world.
 
 
You know that old hair dye ad that says, "don't hate me because I'm beautiful?" I think I should entitle this portion Don't Hate Me Because I'm Lucky. On Sunday I head out to LaGuardia to meet up with Pat and Teri for the start of the fourth (!) annual Keys4Art retreat in Key Largo. It's always a memorable (and fun) experience, but this year is going to be extra special. We've outgrown Elena's wonderful home, so she went ahead and rented this waterfront party house for us! I'll even have my own bedroom! There's a pool too. I think a few photos are in order.
 
 




 
 
Did I mention that I'm lucky?  Add blessed, happy, excited, and grateful.  I get to spend a week in paradise with some of the best, most talented women on earth.  And yes, in between laps in the pool and mojito breaks we WILL make art!


20 comments:

Helen said...

I'm not jealous (much!) Have a fabulous trip.

Kathy Eddy said...

Wow, looks like a great place! Have an awesome tme with the "Art Ladies". I know you will!

My name is Cindy said...

Jealous? Moi?You bet I am! Love the sentiment you have used for your journal page - oh, and have a fabulous arty time!!

Scrappin' Stacy said...

You are definitely one lucky, blessed woman! I am just a tad bit jealous. Have fun and create lots.

Unknown said...

What a great yearly get-together. Say hi to Daisy!

Dorothy said...

You do such awesome work Eileen!!
Have fun!!!

SusanK said...

Have a fabulous time relaxing, creating art and making memories!

teri said...

Your book pages are great! So excited for next week!

Patzee said...

Your pages are joyous! Love all the layering, colors, and sentiment. I am giddy with anticipation about our wonderful week in Key Largo!

Socrates said...

Gorgeous pages and the quote certainly fits the lady.
Have a fantastic time in the keys! It will be spectacular.

Beverly Sager said...

So, how do you feel about party crashers? LOL What a fabulous & gorgeous place for your get-away - hope you have a wonderful time!

Beverly

craftyM said...

Have a great time in the Keys and think of us over a Mojito or two!!! We will be missing all of you so much!!!!! Wish we could be there, too!
Marita

Lori said...

Do you need a luggage handler? lol...First, your pages are just wonderful, and that is an excellent sentiment..second, we're not jealous at all! lol Hope you have a fab time, can't wait to hear some details!

Bearcrazyman said...

You know you are flying over Atlanta on your way...hint hint
Have a great time

Elaine A said...

Eileen,
I love how your pages turned out! They are really beautiful. Have a grand time on your retreat!

Elaine Allen

Mary-Beth said...

Oh my gosh, how on earth do I follow pages like that! Gorgeous Eileen!!
I'm sure you'll all have a fabulous time at the retreat!

Lynn Stevens said...

What a beautiful and colorful page for Elena's journal.
As for your trip. I'm the most amazing shade of green right now! LOL
Have a wonderful time!
hugs Lynn

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Have a blast!!!! Say hi to Karen!!!

Helen Pigott said...

I love the journal page. I am soon to attend my first Gelli plate class with Andy Skinner so I hope to be making my own stunning pieces like this.
I have popped by after finding your blog link on DecoArts Facebook page.
Helen x
http://acraftykindoftruffle.blogspot.com

Seth said...

How exciting Eileen! And I love the color palette you chose for the journal pages.