Good Mail Day

Isn't it great to go out to the mailbox and find not one, but TWO wonderful goodies?

Today my new business cards arrived and also the much anticipated September/October issue of Somerset Studio magazine.


My Halloween artwork was accepted for this publication, which is always a thrill. Many thanks to Nancy Baumiller for the inspiration for "She Loved the Ghost"...it was my entry in her Collage Play with Crowabout last year.

This issue of Somerset Studio also contains a wonderful article by my friend Pam Carriker and a great deal more of glorious artwork by the best in the mixed media field.

Images © Stampington, Inc. and Nancy Lefko

"Art Is...You" Art Auction

Art Is...You -- The East Coast Art Retreat will be holding an art auction during the retreat this October. The money raised will directly benefit the work of Dr. Thomas Romo III, and the Little Baby Face Foundation.

I have been working on my donation and believe that it is ready to send.

I am honored to be teaching at the retreat next year with such wonderfully generous artists.

© Nancy Lefko

Interview at JoyfulArts Studio

Thanks to Jeniffer Hutchins of JoyfulArts Studio for the wonderful interview at her website. I am truly grateful for the "kindness of strangers," and their willingness to take the time to promote my art.

The online art community is filled with generous souls. Thank you Jeniffer, for your generosity.

© Nancy Lefko

Blue Day

Changes are on the horizon...changes for which I'm not quite ready. Today those changes loomed large and the thought of them changed my mood for the worse. The rain and chill in the air seemed to sink deep into my soul and bring me down even more.

In an effort to snap myself out of this mood, I turned to my journal. I'd like to say the artwork was cathartic and changed my mood for the better. It did not, but at least I felt as if I'd accomplished something.

I suppose some days are just meant to be blue.

© Nancy Lefko

New Notecards

Thanks to the lovely Valerie Walsh and a giveaway at her blog, I was the winner of 50 free notecards from UPrinting.

It's always great fun to take an image of my own making and see it transformed into a notecard, postcard, business card, etc. I enjoy the process on the computer (most of the time :) and when the finished product arrives in the mail...well, I LOVE that! (I secretly dream of having my artwork licensed for greeting cards, so I suppose I get a chance to pretend when the cards arrive.)

Thank you, Valerie and thank you, UPrinting!!

© Nancy Lefko

Journal Inspiration

Just when I needed a little "kick in the pants" to get creative, along came some wonderful tutorials by my very dear friend, the talented Pam Carriker. (applause, applause)

Pam has posted a tutorial page at her website and after viewing the first one, Mixed Media Art Journaling Techniques, I was SO inspired that I promised myself I would make time for my journal that very day.

You will see that on the journal page above, I followed Pam's example rather closely, with a little spin of my own. Using the paint-over technique Pam describes was new for me, and so much fun.


My second page was a bit more of a challenge in the paint-over department as the face I chose was so small. She really turned out looking more like an "evil" queen, but it's just practice and a learning experience--that's the beauty of an art journal, right Pam?

I plan to try more paint-overs in my journal with more than just faces, and see what that's like. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, make sure to visit Pam's website where there is more than just tutorials to whet your creative appetite. And if you didn't know, Pam's first book will be released soon and is now available for pre-order at Amazon. I am honored to have been a contributing artist on Pam's book and share in her joy upon its release. Woo Hoo, Pam!

© Nancy Lefko

Workshop Sample

Finished a workshop sample today. I used some of the great vintage ephemera from Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake and the "peeling paint" technique from Claudine Hellmuth's book, Collage Discovery Workshop.

I had fun and accomplished a task all at the same time. It's a good thing.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ STAR GAZING

I'm not sure if they'll actually be GAZING at the STARS, or simply enjoying the ambience.

I encourage you to visit the Illustration Friday website, follow the links and find all of the wonderful artwork and blogs.

© Nancy Lefko

Don't Miss this Giveaway!!!

The talented Michelle of Allen Designs is sponsoring a wonderful giveaway at her blog. There is so much artful goodness to choose from, should you be the lucky winner. You simply MUST visit and enter....good luck!!

Custom Collage

There is something very special about creating a custom order. I love the back and forth emails and the ideas flowing from one to another.

I am invited into the customer's personal story and given the privilege of creating a piece of art using the bits and pieces of their lives. I don't take this honor lightly and I really strive to make their piece of art the best that I can create.

Happily, my customer is very pleased with the outcome and has graciously agreed to let me feature this custom collage on my blog. I am happy to help her celebrate her 40th wedding anniversary in a special way.

© Nancy Lefko

Vacation Journal

On our beach vacation this year, I didn't finish nearly the number of journal pages as I did on last year's vacation. It seemed that by the time we settled back into our room, I was simply too tired; that beautiful king-sized bed and flat screen TV called out to me and I just melted into the bed covers. Yeah, those long days spent laying on the beach can really wipe you out. :)

I did however journal on a couple of the nights, about the wonder of Maine and the magnificent vacation we were enjoying.

Maine, we already miss you.


© Nancy Lefko

Delicious Mailbox Goodness

The very talented and lovely Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake filled my heart with glee, and my mailbox with luscious goodies, when she sent this amazing package of vintage ephemera. I was bowled over by the enormity of the package!


Jennifer was kind enough to share some of her collage fodder with commenters at her blog, and I was a lucky recipient. My muse is in overdrive just thinking of the magic these pieces of ephemera will add to my collage work.

Thank you, Jennifer.

I encourage you to visit Jennifer's blog and Etsy shop for inspiration and delight.

Art Journaling Workshops

It will be my sincere pleasure to teach Art Journaling workshops at the wonderful Sharon Arts School of Art and Craft in Sharon, New Hampshire this Fall. Having been a student there in the past, I know what a fabulous venue it is and can't wait to begin.


I will be offering a 5 week workshop beginning October 7th, "Art Journal as Playground," meeting on Thursdays. I will also be teaching a Saturday workshop, "Art Journaling 101," on November 6th.


Kickoff for the fall term begins on Open House Saturday, September 11th, where I will introduce Art Journaling at a demo/make & take from 1-3 pm.

The Sharon Arts School of Art and Craft has a wonderful assortment of classes for all interests and abilities. If you live in or near Southern New Hampshire, I encourage you to take a look at the fall schedule of classes available at the website. Hope to see you there !

Great Giveaway!

Kristen Hubrick of Retro Cafe' Art Gallery is offering beautiful prizes at her giveaway. Join in the celebration of her blog and stop by for a chance, or two, or three, to win !!

Kennebunkport, Maine

Another great vacation; a perfect week at the beach. I "heart" Maine :)







© Nancy Lefko