Black Friday Sale

I'm having my first ever Black Friday Sale in my Etsy shop and you're invited!

Now through Cyber Monday, all items in my shop are 20% off when you use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2010.

Happy Shopping!!!

© Nancy Lefko

Thoughtful Gift Giving

Here we are again; that time of year when we are consumed with the notion of shopping for the perfect gift. While trying to find the perfect gift online or at the mall, perhaps take a moment to choose a gift from the heart.

Sherry Richert Belul has created a wonderful e-book that overflows with ideas for meaningful gift-giving. "Present Perfect" is a gift from the heart, all about giving from the heart.

I am honored to be a featured artist in Sherry's e-book and I am blown away by her wonderful creation.

May the most abundant gift you give and receive this holiday season be the gift of love.

Image © Sherry Richert Belul

Facing My Creative "Funk"

This condition is not new to any artist...the demon known as "artistic block" sidelines us all at one point or another. Lately, I have been feeling a drought of sorts and have had little to no interest in creating at my art desk (even if I did have the time, which has also been in short supply.) The combination of outside commitments, limited free time and near zero interest, has led to an awful creative funk.

I've gotta tell you, I'm not enjoying this drought/funk/block...it's filling my head with all sorts of self-doubts and pesky insecurities. So...what to do...what to do?

"Turn to an art friend and pour out your heart and you will be heard, nurtured, encouraged and kicked in the pants."

Yes, that's what I did, and I knew I would get sage advice and cheerleading and just what I needed to get off my duff. This is not to say that my funk is gone entirely, but I did throw myself back into creating and actually wished I had more time to devote to it today. That's a good sign.

This journal page started out as a lesson for an online portraits class that I am taking. However, en route to becoming a portrait page it took a U-turn and became more of a collage when I didn't like the direction it was headed. And that's okay. I'll try again on the portrait and perhaps will have better luck next time. In relying on my tried and true collage/journaling tricks, I took the page from..."eh, not too hot" to "yea, it's okay." Reworking is okay. Not everything needs to be perfect the first time nor wind up the way it started. This realization was supported when I read an article by Samantha Kira Harding in Somerset Studio. (Funny that I should read that article today right after reworking this page.) Samantha speaks right to the notion that going a different direction than what you had intended is A-OK. Thanks for that affirmation, Samantha.

And thanks to my dear friend Pam Carriker, for always being there and for an awesome portraits class too...and I promise, I won't flunk out...I'll keep trying.

© Nancy Lefko

Journal Page

Whenever I feel like there is just too much on my mind, it's a good idea to grab my journal for a "brain dump." Artistically done, of course.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ BURNING

Bitzy had a BURNING desire to be...you guessed it, naughty! (But not all the time.)

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

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Collage Play with Crowabout Week #102

There have been so many other commitments pulling me away from my studio lately. I walk past and look at my desk and art supplies longingly, knowing that I haven't the time to begin anything. Crafting, writing and just being a mom have taken up all of my available time.

Today I happened to peek at the collage sheet for Collage Play with Crowabout and just knew I had to MAKE time. And so I grabbed my journal, scissors, glue stick and markers and simply had fun. No deep, reflective journal page today...just pure fun for no other reason than to enjoy the creative process.

It had been FAR too long since I'd enjoyed taking part in Collage Play with Crowabout. It felt good to play in my journal with the wonderful collage elements that Nancy B. provides.

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 ~ BOXING CLEVER

This month's challenge offered by Mixed Media Monday is BOXING CLEVER.

I'm not sure that this qualifies as clever, but it is indeed a box...one that was meant for a seamstress. I know that within my sewing box I have many other little boxes that hold notions and other sundries. This little box now belongs to the mother of a dear friend, and I hope that it has come to good use for that seamstress.

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

© Nancy Lefko

"Mix It Up with Melange" Challenge ~ HOME

This month's challenge over at the Melange Team Blog is HOME.

Come on over and join in on the fun of the Melange challenges. They are posted at the blog on the first (or thereabouts) of every month and are open to everyone. Hope to see you there!

© Nancy Lefko