Etsy Update

New in my Etsy shop is a series of collages celebrating the graduates of the class of 1927. Each girl's original class picture is surrounded by elements representing what may have been among her life's choices. Did she work in an office, visit faraway lands, follow her passion for music or theater or raise children and take them to the picture shows? I welcome you to visit my shop and join me in celebrating the lives of Dorothy, Catherine and Vera, Class of '27.



© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ Memories

She was lost in her MEMORIES and could not find her way back.

My submission for Illustration Friday was published in the ZNE book, "Never Forgotten."

© Nancy Lefko

A New Treasury

My sincere thanks to Jodi of Sweet Repeats (aka lucysweetlucy) for including my "haunted" collage in her spooky treasury at Etsy. To be included among artists I respect is a great honor.

Be sure to visit Jodi's blog where you will be delighted by her amazing mixed media artwork.

Thanks Jodi!

Goodies in the Mail

These scrumptious goodies arrived in the mail today. With the beautiful painted and hand lettered address label, I knew before even glancing at the return address that the package had come from an artist!

I was lucky enough to win a giveaway from Aimee at Artsyville and my prizes arrived to absolutely make my day.

I was gifted with a collection of fun retro stickers, four fabulous glass bubble magnets featuring images from a 1920's newspaper (how cool is that?) and a decorative journal. Thank you SO much Aimee!

I run out of superlatives trying to express my gratitude for friends I have met through the art-blogging community. I may never meet these fine people face to face, but they brighten my day in countless ways regardless. Aimee is indeed one of these fine folks.

Do yourself a favor and visit her delightful blog. It will brighten YOUR day too.

Studio Time

I was able to grab a few, nearly uninterrupted, hours in my studio today. The result being five new Halloween collages which are available in my Etsy shop. I have my Esty forum ATC swap to thank for getting me into the "Halloween groove" so early. I am usually rushing at the beginning of October to list Halloween inspired artwork.

Thanks, gals!

© Nancy Lefko

Finished Work

As promised, here are the finished pieces that were begun as part of the Inspire Me Thursday Challenge. I did not keep track of how long each piece took to finally complete, I just enjoyed the process.

I have decided to list them in my Ebay shop. (I wouldn't be at all surprised if by week's end they are in my Etsy shop .) Last year my Halloween pieces sold very well on Ebay, so we'll see what happens.

The first piece is an ACEO and the second was made on an old 6x9 book cover.



© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ Routine

Ahhh, summer.

As it draws to a close, we anticipate the ROUTINE that the school year brings.

With apologies, my post for this week's Illustration Friday is pulled from deep in the archives. It has been one of those crazy weeks...far from ROUTINE...with not much time for art.

© Nancy Lefko

Arty Girlz Challenge ~ Add Shapes to Your Creation

In response to the Arty Girlz Challenge this week I have created an ATC collage celebrating summer. It is so hard to believe that summer is coming to a close. Wouldn't it be grand to, just once, have an ENDLESS SUMMER.

This ATC is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Inspire Me Thursday ~ Create Against the Clock

The challenge this week at Inspire Me Thursday is to gather supplies and create for 10 minutes. When time is up, gather the same materials and create for one hour. The above work in progress is all that I could accomplish in 10 minutes. It's amazing how fast that time flew by!

The work in progress pictured below is what I could accomplish in the span of an hour. Neither collage is complete, but as you can see I did get a little further.


This exercise made clear to me just how much time it takes to bring a piece from idea to finished collage. Even one hour is not nearly enough time.

I will be sure to post both collages in their finished stage.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ Detach

Gladys and Jean were best friends forever. That one could DETACH from the other was unthinkable.

This collage, celebrating friendship, is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Inspire Me Thursday ~ Opposites

This collage, part of an altered book, is my submission for Inspire Me Thursday's prompt OPPOSITES.

"Young or old...love is love."

© Nancy Lefko

A Big Thank U

A special thank you to the very talented Kathy Hare for this adorable award. When an artist as talented as Kathy finds enjoyment in visiting my blog, I am deeply flattered. And to be named along with other artists whom I admire is a thrill for me as well.

The rules of acceptance are as follows:

1. Choose 7 of your favorite blogs to nominate and link back to them.
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Leave a message on the blogs that you've nominated.

Simple, huh? Yes, all but choosing JUST 7 blogs...that's like walking into a candy store and choosing JUST 7 pieces of candy. But you know me...the rule follower...so here goes.

Here are 7 of the many blogs I heart:

Pam Carriker
Alisa Nordholt-Dean
Fannie Narte
Lisa Rivas
Kathy
Valerie Walsh
Elizabeth Parsons

Arty Girlz Challenge ~ No Patterned Paper

For this week's Arty Girlz challenge, I created an ATC with a Halloween theme without using any store-bought patterned paper. I created my own patterned background with paint, ink and copies of vintage paper.

An Etsy forum group I visit has decided on an ATC swap around the Halloween/Fall theme, so I have been busy making a number of ATC's. This is an extra which I will add to my Etsy shop. I thought I'd run it up the Etsy flagpole and see if it gets any interest. If it does, then I may create more for sale along the same theme.

© Nancy Lefko

Thanks, Arty Girlz

My sincere thanks to Crissi and Julie of the Arty Girlz Challenge Blog for including my collage in the sampler of last week's art.

Now it's time to get going on the next challenge !!

Inspire Me Thursday ~ Wardrobe

This collage, my submission for Inspire Me Thursday's prompt WARDROBE, was made in honor of Carrie Bradshaw...who taught me everything I ever needed to know about fine footwear.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ Sail

Velma set SAIL on the bubbly...completely enjoying the ride.

This collage is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Still Inspired

This evening I have listed another seaside inspired collage in my Etsy shop. I am enjoying this theme and hope you are as well.

With rain every day this week, it is fun to be reminded of the joy we found at the ocean last week.

© Nancy Lefko

Thank You, Daisy

My thanks go out to fellow blogger Daisy of Distinctly Daisy.

She has chosen me as her first "Daisy Diamond" and featured my blog on her site.

I value the support and encouragement there is in the art blogging world...many thanks to you, Daisy.

Beach as Inspiration for Arty Girlz Challenge~Vintage

I returned from our vacation with so many images running though my head. I was so happy to find time in my studio this week to put those thoughts on canvas.

This piece was inspired by our week at the beach and vintage sand pails. I love those old pails with their vibrant colors mingled with years of rust.

This is my first entry in the Arty Girlz Challenge and I can't think of a more perfect topic for me !!

This collage is currently available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ Poof!

No sooner did I leave on vacation than...POOF! I'm back!

...and I already miss the salt breeze and the sound of the waves...

© Nancy Lefko

(visit my previous post for scenes from the coast of Maine)

** this is also my submission for SUMMER at Monday Artday**

I'm Back...

It was a glorious week at the beach...Kennebunkport, Maine...one of my favorite places on Earth.




We spend our days on Goose Rocks Beach where gentle waves lap at the shore and our three boys take in all the ocean has to offer.




This year the tide pools were a sanctuary of hermit crabs, snails, green crabs, clams, sea urchins and baby lobsters...more than enough to intrigue my youngest, the scientist in the group.



We walk into town from our Inn each evening and enjoy the best seafood and wander through quaint shops.





As the saying goes...

"Maine...the way life should be."

photos © Rich Lefko