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

Retro Swimsuit Challenge

The very talented Lisa Bebi has come up with another great art challenge. For the latest challenge Lisa posted the following on her Facebook page:

"my new challenge will be retro bathing/swimming/water sports beauties."

My answer to the challenge is the mixed media piece pictured above. With a combination of vintage image & paper, decorative paper, Caran d'Ache water-soluble crayon and fluid chalk ink, I give you, 'By the Beautiful Sea.'

© Nancy Lefko

Mixed Media Monday ~ PLAY THINGS

This week's challenge offered by Mixed Media Monday is PLAY THINGS. With three boys of my own, I know a lot about that subject. In fact, there is a multitude of PLAY THINGS scattered over my family room floor at this very moment...oops, watch your step!!

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. Collage images courtesy Collage Play with Crowabout.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ BREAKFAST

"Black coffee is a necessity..." especially at BREAKFAST!

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

© Nancy Lefko

The Magic of Maine

A weekend getaway to the beautiful coastal town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine...renews the soul and fills one with endless inspiration.








Maine...the way life should be.

Images © Nancy Lefko

Paper Doll Swap

Don't ya just love it when magic arrives in your mailbox?

Today I received this extraordinary paper doll from the very talented Elizabeth Gaydowski via Kathryn Antyr's Paper Doll Swap. Entitled "Bloom Where You Are Planted," this lovely doll will be a daily inspiration in my studio. Thank you Elizabeth and Kathryn!

The doll that I sent along for the swap can be seen at this post.

Paper doll © Elizabeth Gaydowski

Lazy Daze

Just enough energy today for journaling and dreaming.

© Nancy Lefko

Let Freedom Ring!

A quiet and relaxing Fourth of July; church and then watching the Cubs game on the screen porch and sketching in my journal...soon to be followed by BBQ and fireworks with friends.

Always remembering to be grateful to the soldiers and patriots who came before, guaranteeing our freedoms.

Happy Independence Day !!

© Nancy Lefko

Too Pretty for Words

Sometimes you just need to buy yourself a little present...and that's just what I did.

I have LONG admired the beautiful jewelry by the very talented Lisa Leonard. Last week I decided that I really did deserve a special treat. This is the petite original necklace (from Lisa's custom necklaces line.) I requested the word "dream," as a reminder to always believe in my dreams.

I am stunned at the speed in which I received this custom piece. And the sweet packaging with its attention to detail was a delight.

Thanks so very much to the folks at Lisa Leonard Designs and the talented lady herself. I will wear this piece with joy.



Necklace © Lisa Leonard