...And More Samples...

Grabbing a few moments between gift wrapping to finish up two samples that I'd started a while ago. Always a good feeling to finish a project...or two.



© Nancy Lefko

Workshop Sample

Although it will be months before the workshop, it never hurts to get those samples created when the mood strikes!

© Nancy Lefko

Major Etsy Shop Update!

A big update in my Etsy shop today...this new canvas created on 8" x 8" deep profile gallery wrapped canvas and many, many art prints.

More originals to come later this weekend. (For now I need to give my "mousing arm" a rest :)

© Nancy Lefko

Christmas Comes Early!

Yes indeed, Santa arrived today in the form of a UPS driver with a big box from Faber-Castell. HUGE thanks to Christa for supplying Mixed Media Samplers for my art journaling students.


I tried the products recently and was really excited about the combination of media in a single color family. They're a great art journaling supply, especially when you're traveling. Toss them into a tote bag with your journal and you're all set.

If you haven't sent your list to Santa yet, you may want to add this product. You'll be so happy that you did!

A Gift to Me!

This arrived in the mail today....this sweet little bag hinted of something glorious inside. And glorious she is!


I know that this is the time of year to be shopping for others, but really, I just could not resist. I saw this amazing assemblage necklace in Kecia Deveney's Etsy shop and I was smitten...big time. I visited her every day and tried to think logically...."It's Christmas...the season of giving...you can't be shopping for yourself!"


And as I stopped by the shop every day to see if she was still there, a payment to my Paypal account for the exact amount (more or less) arrived and I knew it was a sign. I didn't let too much time pass before I scurried over to Kecia's shop and clicked on my mouse. Funny though, I still felt just a smidgen of guilt. Kecia's words took those feelings and set them aside.

"Do not feel guilty. We as mothers, wives and instructors are in a constant "give" mode. Sometimes we have to give to ourselves to make the circle complete. You've been good to yourself today and that's just fine!"

Thanks Kecia, I needed to hear that.


Run, do not walk, to Kecia's shop. She is an amazing talent and a wonderful soul. The card attached to the necklace says, "MADE WITH LOVE." I know that is true!

Somerset Studio GALLERY Winter 2012

The Winter 2012 issue of Somerset Studio Gallery has hit the newsstands. I am pleased to have two of my mixed media collages featured in this issue.




I encourage you to pick up a copy of this extraordinary magazine. It is chock full of beautiful artwork that is sure to please and inspire!

© Nancy Lefko

And...It's Done!

My final sample for Saturday's workshop at the Sharon Arts School of Art & Craft is complete! Now I have quite a few samples to share, and after I pack supplies tomorrow, I am all set. Whew. Time to breathe...sort of.

This piece, I believe, will actually find a place in my home rather than my Etsy shop. My three boys were the inspiration, with my oldest having taken his flight off to college. Seems like this painting should stay right here.

Workshop Samples in Progress

Getting ready for a workshop on Saturday at the Sharon Arts School of Art & Craft and busily creating class samples. I already had a few prepared, but wanted to have a couple more to show a few different mixed media techniques. Looking forward to a full day of artful goodness and "Mixed Media Mania!"

© Nancy Lefko

She's Here!

My wonderful "treat to myself" arrived today!

Ever since meeting the lovely and talented Kecia Deveney at the Art Is...You Retreat in October I have wanted to own a piece of her wonderful jewelry. (I have repeatedly kicked myself for leaving vendor night during the retreat without making a purchase!) Since returning home I have checked Kecia's Etsy shop time and time again, but knowing that she was traveling and very busy, I wasn't surprised that her shop hadn't been re-stocked since the vendor night.

When I read on Facebook that Kecia's shop was back in business, I made a bee-line there and saw the sweetest necklace; one I'd had my eye on last October. With a few clicks of my mouse, she was mine!


Happily, she arrived today just in time for me to wear to the art fair where I'll be vending tomorrow. I can't wait to show off this little beauty.

She arrived carefully wrapped in dressmaker's tissue, which immediately went into my stash to use in mixed media collage. (A little bonus!)


Kecia has an amazing talent for jewelry assemblage and her shop is a joy to behold! Thanks, Kecia, for this gem. She is a joy to wear and a reminder of the special person that you are.

Illustration Friday ~ VANITY

"Unfortunately, Marge realized the cellulite hadn't vanished overnight." She merely made an observation...she could never be accused of VANITY!

Be sure to visit Illustration Friday and follow the links to all the great art created for this week's prompt.

© Nancy Lefko

*broke: The Affordable Arts Fair

In a very short time I'll be vending at *broke: The Affordable Arts Fair to be held in lovely Peterborough, NH on Saturday November 26th from 10 am-4 pm. This is the only vending I'll do this year outside of my Etsy shop. I hope that if you live in the southern NH, northern MA or western VT area, you'll stop on over to see a great gathering of art and artists!

Illustration Friday ~ STRIPES

In the past month I haven't had time to relax and play in my art journal. I was really itching for some time to do so, and found that time today.

Working the Illustration Friday theme STRIPES into my journal page reminded me of a time when MANY of the ladies in my artwork wore striped stockings. Not so much anymore. But it IS fun to add that element to a collage...or journal page...from time to time.

© Nancy Lefko

On My Desk

Creating a workshop prototype and daydreaming about the wonderful time had with my art peeps in workshops at the Art Is...You Retreat last month.

Royal Pear

And the commissioned piece is DONE!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Lots to do and so few hours in the day! Funny, it feels that way sometimes, especially when there are so many "irons in the fire" that need tending.


I've been trying to seriously tackle my to-do list...I LOVE to cross things off! Today I have 'nearly' finished a custom piece (just waiting for a reply from my customer), started a workshop sample and have completed and sent this series off to my licensing agent.


Of course, all that 'mom stuff' needed to be done as well, so I juggled laundry and cooking and chauffeuring while going back and forth to the studio and/or computer.


Whew!!

Featured collages soon to be available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko