I really wanted to get into a rhythm of adding to my blog at least once a week, but I'm not doing so well with that so far. I really need to be in a certain mood to write & that mood doesn't strike me as often as I would like. Over the years I have started many journals only to have them stuffed together on a shelf, only partially filled with any journaling. Many I have changed over to use for sketching & writing down painting or jewelry ideas. But I will keep trying to blog as often as I can.
   I have begun a new art adventure this year. I have joined an Artist Trading Card  & Altered Book group. Artist trading cards have always intrigued me, but when I spoke about them to other artists they didn't know what I meant. I have found a local group trading these cards & I'm excited about meeting with them once a month to trade our cards. Artist Trading Cards originated in Sweden, I believe. An artist decided to make these cards which are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" & trade them with other artists, for promotion & networking or just to be able to have artwork from another artist they admired. Each month our group chooses a theme & we each bring about ten cards we've created to swap with each other. Here are some photos of some of the cards I've created so far this year.
   I'm also excited about the Altered Book activity. I've always wanted to do this, each of us acquires a book, can be old or new, must be sturdy enough to rip pages out & paint & glue over pages,etc. We pick a theme for our book & create a sign in page ( our books will be passed to each artist to add artwork about the theme on page spreads.) We put an artist statement in our books & start with a two page spread or more, then pass it to the next artist to work in. We will end up with a book filled with artwork about our theme by several different artists! I am looking forward to seeing the end result of my book.
   Have a good day!