New Article

The Winter 2010 issue of Art Journaling by Somerset Studio has hit the stands. I feel very fortunate to have been asked to write an article for this issue.


The article entitled, "Faux Paintings: A Beginner's Approach to Watercoloring," chronicles my enthusiasm since discovering watercolor pencils and the addition they have made to my art journaling experience.


I also write how the watercolor pencils are the perfect companion when traveling with your art journal. During our long road trip this past summer, it was a wonderful way to pass the time in the passenger seat.


I may be biased, but this issue is CHOCK full of beautiful pages and journals that are exquisite. My dear friend, Pam Carriker, also has an article that is sure to interest the beginner as well as the experienced art journaler. I encourage you to pick up a copy at your local bookstore.

Happy New Year!

© Nancy Lefko

Mixed Media/Collage Workshop IS BACK!

For those of you who missed it the first time, my Mixed Media/Collage Backgrounds Workshop is back at Creative Workshops commencing January 11, 2010.

This workshop is OPEN ENDED. You can join at any time and not miss a thing. Once you register you will have unlimited access to the instructions, video and teacher assistance and can take this course AT YOUR OWN PACE.

Why not while away those long, cold winter days immersed in a creative workshop experience. Hope to see you there.

We Need a Little Christmas

At this busy time of year, both my art studio and my blog suffer from neglect. My attention is focused in readying my home for Christmas.


Tomorrow is the last day of school before vacation and thankfully I am finished with all the shopping and wrapping and decorating. Wednesday will be spent filling my home with the scents of cinnamon and sugar while the Christmas carols play in the background.


My Christmas wish is that all my friends, family and those who read this message are blessed with their heart's desire this Christmas and New Year.

Merry Christmas!

New Publication

The newest edition of Somerset Studio Gallery has hit the shelves and I am pleased to share my artwork that was chosen for publication. "Glamour Girl" (below center) was submitted in response to a call for work created solely in black & white. I had received an email from the editor informing me that this piece would be in the magazine.


What I did not know was that six of my Halloween pieces, submitted for a call for Vintage Halloween art, were also going to be featured in the magazine. What a pleasant surprise!



It is truly a joy to be published in the beautiful magazines from Stampington and I feel very fortunate for the opportunity...an early Christmas present for me.

Images © Stampington, Inc.

Mixed Media Monday ~ JUST HANGING OUT

This week's challenge offered by Mixed Media Monday is JUST HANGING OUT. Topping the list of my favorite things to do, would be hanging out with my best friend over a cup of coffee. We can talk and laugh for hours on end; it's wonderful. That is the gift that I would wish for myself this Christmas season..."just hanging out" with my best friend.

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

Mixed Media Monday ~ ON THE WINGS OF LOVE

This week's challenge offered by Mixed Media Monday is ON THE WINGS OF LOVE. I enjoy combining hearts and wings in my artwork, so this was an easy one. The text reads, "My heart sailed with open wings." Isn't that just what love feels like?

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

Illustration Friday ~ CRUNCHY

This week's Illustration Friday prompt is CRUNCHY, and given that we are having our first sizable snowfall, I thought of the CRUNCH that snow makes beneath my boots. I love the very new, pure snow...so clean and fresh that it crunches and squeaks beneath your steps...that is winter magic to me.

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.

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

"Mix It Up with Melange" Challenge ~ WANDER

This week's challenge over at the Melange Team Blog is WANDER and I offer a collage from the archives that features a wandering little soul. Sometimes I think I'd like to join him...just for a bit.

© Nancy Lefko

Mixed Media Monday ~ PINK

This week's challenge offered by Mixed Media Monday was the inspiration behind this collage in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. We have all been touched in some way by this awful disease. I am thankful that it is receiving the attention, and funding for research, that it so desperately needs.

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

Melange on YouTube

Collage Play with Crowabout ~ Week #56

This week Collage Play with Crowabout offered a fabulous collage sheet with "wild west" images. I wasn't quite sure where to go with this inspiration, so I headed to my journal and created the image pictured.

I used a new journaling pen, that I really like, for the fine line lettering. It's the Sharpie pen and I really like how smoothly it writes.

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

Illustration Friday ~ FLYING

For this week's Illustration Friday prompt, I offer a fabric collage with the message "fly away home." I hope that is something my college bound son will remember to do from time to time.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

"Mix It Up with Melange" Challenge ~ FALLING

This week's challenge over at the Melange Team Blog got me thinking of autumn in New Hampshire and the FALLING leaves. And, of course, with the addition of a vintage couple the collage became "falling in love."

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

Collage Play with Crowabout ~ Week #55

The images this week from Collage Play with Crowabout were just TOO MUCH FUN ! Nancy B.of Crowabout really hit a high mark. Just looking at the collage sheet made me smile and I had a great time creating the collage pictured here.

I am happy that many of my friends are joining in on the fun that this group has to offer. 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.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

New Art Supplies

The wonder of new art supplies!

I had great fun creating this new mixed media piece using, among other things, my new Neocolor II Crayons (water soluble) and oil pastels. My muse stood at attention when the box from Dick Blick arrived and I satisfied her with a few hours in my studio. I love working on these chunky gallery wrap canvases...I love their compact size, yet wonderful depth.


Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Collage Play with Crowabout ~ Week #53

Collage Play with Crowabout offered up a wonderful collage sheet this week. Nancy B.of Crowabout really outdid herself.

As the mother of three sons, it was easy to create a collage that would be "all about boys."

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.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Bitten by the Halloween Bug

Whether it was denial that the summer was over or just the "Halloween Scrooge" in me, whatever the reason, I was having a hard time mustering up the interest in creating Halloween themed collages. However, the "Mix It Up with Melange" Challenge this week got my creative Halloween juices flowing and I had great fun making the collages featured here.


I really do enjoy working in the colors that I associate with Halloween and Autumn. I may not really be ready for that nip in the air, but the changing leaves here in New England really are spectacular.

Collages available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

"Mix It Up with Melange" Challenge ~ WEE WITCHES

The Melange Challenge was just the nudge I needed to begin work on some Halloween collages. Once I started on this collage, I was inspired to create three more.

If you are in need of some inspiration, please stop by the Melange Team blog and join in on the "Mix it Up" challenge....we'd love to see what you create.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Summer's Really Over

During the height of summer when the activity and just plain NOISE around my house reached a crescendo, I yearned for a few hours of peace and quiet. Uninterrupted silence...a few moments to create in my studio...seemed like a slice of Heaven.

And yet now that the boys are back in school, some days are just TOO quiet. After the chores are done and the errands run, instead of making a bee-line to my studio, I look for other things to busy myself with and yet nothing quite fills the void. It's almost as if I am looking for someone to nurture and they're not here. The emptiness is palpable and I don't like how it feels.

Oh, I'm sure that I'll adjust to the empty house in time and the silence will be less deafening. But for now, I actually have to force myself into my studio. Today I prepped some surfaces for future collage work and then took my journal out to the screen porch...my very favorite spot in the house...and put those feelings down on paper. Yes, journaling was a good idea. Just that little bit of creative expression got under my skin and I was sorry when I had to set my journal down.

Yes, I'll be fine...there are surfaces ready to collage.

© Nancy Lefko

Collage Play with Crowabout ~ Week #52

Collage Play with Crowabout is an exercise that truly stretches your creativity and gives your muse a workout. This week the collage sheet from Nancy B.of Crowabout was filled with wonderful images that I was immediately drawn to, and yet it took a while to formulate an idea or a direction for my collage. Even then, the collage you see pictured above is not at all the one I began...there were many changes along the way.

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.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Collage Play with Crowabout ~ Week #51

This week's collage sheet at Collage Play with Crowabout was the nudge I needed to get my Halloween juices flowing. I have been in a state of denial regarding the end of summer and therefore none too anxious to begin creating Halloween inspired art. But the wonderful collage images that Nancy B.of Crowabout supplied in this week's challenge certainly made me more receptive to the chill in the air that is approaching and all the fun and beauty that the Fall brings.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

"Mix It Up with Melange" Challenge ~ NAUGHTY

It wasn't much of a stretch for me to find an image to use in a NAUGHTY collage for the "Mix it Up" challenge. More than a few of my lovely vintage ladies might be referenced as such.

Please stop by the Melange Team blog and join in on the "Mix it Up" challenge....we'd love to see what inspires you.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

FABRIC ART COLLAGE ~ A Book Review

Fabric Art Collage by Rebekah Meier is a wonderful resource book with a wealth of over 40 mixed media techniques.

Divided into nine sections, this book is well-organized and reader-friendly. The full color photographs showcase not only finished projects and techniques, but also key steps along the way.

Beginning with the section entitled TOOLS AND SUPPLIES, Rebekah offers an extensive and thorough overview of a wide range of products including fabrics, paints, dyes, inks, adhesives, tools, accessories and more. There is truly something for everyone; Rebekah's vast experience with a wide array of products and materials is evident.

PAINTING AND STAMPING illustrates 13 techniques for adding design to fabric. Concise instructions are given for each technique.

Eight techniques for CREATING BASE MATERIAL show how to combine materials such as fusible web, paper, Lutradur (a non-woven translucent web) and more.

CREATING TEXTURE offers five methods, including needle-felting and machine stitchery, utilizing a wide variety of materials.

Sections entitled EMBELLISHMENTS and FIBERS AND HAND EMBROIDERY offer up ideas and approaches for adding extra “punch” to your fabric collages.

HOT TOOLS explains how using the Creative Textile Tool, an iron or a heat embossing tool can fuse, emboss or etch a variety of materials to be used in your collages.

Rebekah demonstrates DISTRESSING materials with tea, coffee, dye, ink and paint and she offers guidance in ASSEMBLING THE LAYERS. A focus on creating composition, balance and construction of the finished piece rounds out the techniques presented in this resource book.

Five different quilt projects are found at the close of Fabric Art Collage along with a gallery of 17 beautiful examples of mixed media/fabric projects. Finally, the materials referenced throughout the book are listed in the “resources section” with detailed source information.

The author suggests creating a “techniques swatch book” as you move through the book. I think this is a wonderful idea and would make for a handy reference.

Fabric Art Collage will be a “go to” resource when you are looking to master a new technique for use in your mixed media projects. The techniques range from the simple to the more complex, thereby satisfying the novice or the experienced artist.

This book is available through C&T Publishing.

FaveCrafts is giving away a copy of this awesome book. Visit their site and enter every day, if you like, to increase your chance of winning. Contest ends September 8, 2009. Good luck!

Image © C&T Publishing

Collage Play with Crowabout #50 ~ A Celebration

This is a very special week at Collage Play with Crowabout. It is Week #50 and worthy of a celebration! Nancy B.of Crowabout has outdone herself offering three fabulous sheets for collage play. "Players" may submit up to three collages and in doing so be eligible for an awesome prize...a "seat" in Nancy's upcoming workshop. Well, say no more...I set to work...or shall I say "play."


The hardest collage to come up with was the third and for a while I thought perhaps I was stumped. And so I sat with the collage elements for a bit and slowly found a line from a song by "Stealer's Wheel," repeating in my head.

"Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right..."

Everything came together in the collage pictured below.


Special thanks to Nancy B. for the world of fun she offers up every week.

Collages available in my Etsy shop. **the great circus and beautiful dreamer SOLD**

song lyric © Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan
collages © Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ CAUTION

This week at Illustration Friday the prompt is CAUTION and I tried to think of a link between that word and my saucy ladies...PMS seemed to be the link. I chuckled to myself when I thought of "Caution: Entering PMS Zone." I hope it makes you chuckle, too.

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

I've Been Stalked

But in a good way.

Violet from Etsy Stalker has selected my 'call your mother' collage as an 'off to college' item. What fun!

Etsy Stalker is a wonderful site where you can view hand-picked Etsy treats. I always find it fun discovering new Etsy sellers and I don't always have the time. So it's great when a site like Etsy Stalker comes along and does all the leg work for you.

Thanks, Violet!