Mixed Media Monday ~ I AM WOMAN

This week's challenge offered by Mixed Media Monday is I AM WOMAN. Running the risk of dating myself, the first thing I thought of was the Helen Reddy song. Although not including "hear me roar," I offer a collage complete with the many attributes of a woman.

I encourage you to visit the Mixed Media Monday blog and view the wonderful creations inspired by this prompt.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

New Melange Team Slideshow

You can also visit Melange teams members via their blogs posted at the Melange Team Blog.

More Artful Goodness

Imagine my surprise and delight when I found this charming piece of art in my mailbox today. The immensely talented Roberta Baird, whom I have known in blog-land for quite some time, was inspired by one of my collages to create this cutie. What a delightful treat!

Roberta and I were two of many artists involved in an Art Exchange. I had no idea who would wind up with my name on their list, but I am ever so happy that it turned out to be Roberta.

The kindness I have found in the online art world never ceases to amaze me. Folks whom I have never "met" and probably never will, go out of their way to spread sunshine in my life. Thank you, Roberta. I feel truly blessed. Do yourself a favor and visit Roberta's website. She has the most wonderful artwork to share and she is always creating something new.

The collage that inspired Roberta can be found below, and what d'ya know, it's available in my Etsy shop.



Image © Roberta Baird
Collage © Nancy Lefko

Thanks DJ and Stacey

I was one lucky gal the day I won a giveaway at Stacey Merrill's blog. Stacey's blog is a treasure trove of art, information, studio tours, interviews and YES, giveaways.

My prize was this lovely original piece of art created by the talented Dolores Jablonski (DJ.) It is so much more beautiful and vibrant in person and was delivered to me with my choice of mat size and color. DJ, I am immensely grateful for this gorgeous piece of art.

Please do yourself a favor and visit the shops and blogs of these talented gals.

Image © Dolores Jablonski

Doodle All the Day

What do you do when you are sitting on the couch with your sick child, keeping him company as he recuperates, and you've logged at least 10 hours of "Bewitched" reruns?

Before going a bit stir crazy, you reach for your art journal and...what else?

...doodle all the day!



© Nancy Lefko

Art at the Speed of Life by Pam Carriker

I am overjoyed to announce that my dear friend Pam Carriker has a wonderful book deal in the works. This triumph of Pam's is so well deserved; she gives so completely of herself and is so committed to her craft. She shares generously with other artists and is a constant source of inspiration to those of us who struggle to manage family and art time. Okay, so I'm a groupie, what can I say?

I know the hard work that Pam had put into her book proposal and the tenacity she has for achieving her dreams. I was over the moon when I found out that the book was accepted for publication and if that wasn't enough, Pam has asked that I be a contributing artist! I am honored beyond words to be a part of her adventure and blessed to call Pam Carriker my friend.

Pam is sharing her adventure with the fine artists listed below. I feel privileged to count myself among this group of talented people.

Brandi Butcher-Isley
Dawn Edmondson
Gail Schmidt
Jodi Ohl
Julie Bergmann
Laurie Blau-Marshall
Lisa Bebi
Lisa Kettell
Michelle Dobell
Chrysti Hydeck
Seth Apter
Sharon Thomlimson
Sue Pelletier
Suzan Buckner
Suzi Blu
Two Cool Texans

You can visit Pam's blog and read about the evolution of her book and the journey she has begun.

Image © Pam Carriker

New Melange Team Slideshow

You can also visit Melange teams members via their blogs posted at the Melange Team Blog.

"Mix It Up with Melange" Challenge ~ CHANGE

Change. Change of heart. Change of plans. Change in health. Change in mood. This week's challenge over at the Melange Team Blog is CHANGE. There couldn't have been a more perfect prompt to fit my week than this word...change.

My youngest came down with a flu bug of some kind and at that instant, anything I had planned for the week changed. Instead of accomplishing my tasks, my hours have been filled taking care of my little patient. While sitting with him I was able to work in my journal. That's one of the wonderful things about a journal...their portability. When my plans to create in my studio changed, I could still create art and sit beside my little buddy feeding him spoonfuls of Italian ice.

Come on over and join in on the fun of the Melange challenges. They are posted every Wednesday (with a sneak peek on Mondays) and are open to everyone. Hope to see you there!

© Nancy Lefko

Collage Play with Crowabout #58

Collage Play with Crowabout always offers a fabulous collage sheet; this week the images focused on those of the soothsayer persuasion. The thoughts that stirred in my mind seemed best suited to a journal page. I am a chronic worrier...world class, really. So, I pondered...what would it be like if I knew what the future held? Would I still worry? Probably...

If you haven't yet visited the Collage Play with Crowabout blog, you really must do so. There is an abundance of inspiration and fun waiting for you there.

© Nancy Lefko

Mixed Media Monday ~MARVELOUS MOUSTACHES

This week's challenge offered by Mixed Media Monday is the whimsical MARVELOUS MOUSTACHES. I began this collage with the search for a gent who would fit the bill. After finding the fellow featured in my collage, my very first thought was, "that must tickle." The collage was born.

I encourage you to visit the Mixed Media Monday blog and view the wonderful creations inspired by this prompt.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

"Mix It Up with Melange" Challenge ~ BELIEVE

This week's challenge over at the Melange Team Blog is BELIEVE. Before beginning this collage, I began to think about what's worthy of belief and the first thing that came to mind is "love." As they say, it conquers all.

Come on over and join in on the fun of the Melange challenges. They are posted every Wednesday (with a sneak peek on Mondays) and are open to everyone. Hope to see you there!

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

New Melange Team Slideshow

© Melange Team members

Mixed Media Monday ~ MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS

MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS is this week's challenge offered by Mixed Media Monday. As the mother of three, I know the magic in moments such as these. I can still enjoy them with my youngest son...but they do grow so fast, so I cherish every "snuggle minute" that we have left.

I encourage you to visit the Mixed Media Monday blog and view the wonderful creations inspired by this prompt.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

New Melange Team Slideshow

Thanks to Glenda Bailey for her efforts to promote the members of the Melange Team at Etsy. Another great slideshow is posted on YouTube and we are all grateful for Glenda's efforts.

Illustration Friday ~ FROZEN

How appropriate that the prompt for today's Illustration Friday is FROZEN...we awoke this morning to our first snowfall of the season and that's just about the way I felt at 6 AM...FROZEN!

This collage offers a look at a delightful winter pastime; however, my idea of winter bliss is curling up next to the fireplace.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko