Christmas Card DIY

Everyone loves getting snail mail!  There is just something so special about getting a letter that email, phone calls, or facebook messages just can't begin to compete with. The thing I love the most about them is that they truly represent the person writing the letter. Through handwriting and doodles and even the scratched out errors and wrinkled paper.  I love snail mail!  Send me some now :)

So, Christmas time is the rare occasion in the year where most people send out said snail mail.  We receive lots of Christmas cards and letters from people in our lives who have moved away, filling us in on their endeavors.  Only recently have I sat down and begun making personal cards for my close family & friends (and a few artsy people who would appreciate the effort).  I hope it's a tradition I can continue as we grow our family and priorities change.  Nonetheless, I would like to share with you my Christmas card for this year in a little DIY post.  

Since I was somewhat late on getting these made, I went for a crafty approach rather than getting super artistic.  They turned out really cute and I hope they bring some happiness to those who receive them.  

I scoured the internet looking for ideas on how to do intricate pop up cards, but soon realized that they were lacking a certain "me"-ness.  So instead I did a simple pop up that really anyone who can cut is capable of.

Blank cards & envelopes

Scrapbook paper

 Hot glue gun

Hot glue sticks

Glitter

Tempera or acrylic paint

Pencil

Paintbrushes

Scissors

Back to Acrylics!

As promised!  Here are some close up views of the little projects that are currently in progress.  They maaaaay or may not be holiday presents so I can't show the full product.  They are acrylic on cardboard.  It's nice to switch it up with various mediums every now and again.  I'll be back to clay after Christmas!

Also, amazing what cheapo michael's paints can do!

Winter is Coming

Hello. My name is Ashley and I am a blog slacker.  

Sorry for the confession, but boy I really have been so slackin'.  The days and weeks have just gone by so quickly and next thing I knew it'd been like a month since the last post!  le sigh

So I actually had a wild Thanksgiving week.  The weekend before was the TAEA (Tx Art Educators Association) Conference and it was so fun! I got to see some old college (and high school) friends and learn some neat new tricks for art teaching (and art doing).  It was supposed to ice in Dallas, which of course didn't happen, but nonetheless I decided to stay the week and it was fun hanging out back at home.  

The husband and I enjoyed 3 deliciously large thanksgiving meals and lots of chats with family.  We also came home with a fried turkey in freezer bags for future dinners.  If you haven't had fried turkey, then you have never lived!  Do yourself a favor...inject one now...fry it...now!

After returning to ATX, I got straight to Christmas decorating! THE BEST time of year.  Take a little glimpse into our first Christmas in the new home.  

And because I couldn't bear to put away that Pam Garrison felt garland, I've added it to the dining room decor.

And I just noticed the stunning colors of the ripening fruit & peppers from the garden.  Basically, evidence of the last harvest before the next freeze (if we get those in Austin, I don't know exactly).

Here is a sneak peek of the art I've been working on lately.  

Check back tomorrow for a closer look at these little projects.