Card for Mother's Day

I just made these. I started with cracker box sides. It is a nice lightweight cardboard, I love to recycle. I made a pattern, marked it, cut it out and painted it white on both sides, several times. Then I drew with Sharpies and made pretty flowers. Each one is unique because I cannot draw the same thing twice, and signed on the back by me. Size about 4 1/2 x 9 inches. And it is free standing. You could even mount a photo in the "O" opening, just for Mom. For sale on my Etsy Shop. http://www.donnalda.etsy.com/

Some photos from the Lower Desert

Here are some pics that Stephen took of the desert around the Salton Sea.

I love the bright blue skies and all of the golden colors. This is actually the road to my desert house. See the tracks in the lower right area that indicate the dirt road.

Original Pop Up Easter Card

I love this basic design and have made a couple of cards using this mechanism. This is a little bunny with a big paint brush that you can move back and forth behind the empty basket. The painted eggs are also pop ups and the little chickie popping out of her painted egg! I put the printed parts on light green cardstock to keep the whole feel Springy. They are for sale in my Etsy Shop.

http://www.donnalda.etsy.com/

New Journals on Etsy

I am excited about creating these journals. Two of them use the accordian spine technique which gives the journalist a chance to easily add signature sections (just glue them to the side of one of the Accordians) and I made the copper rings that bind them myself. This might be the start of something that I will thoroughly persue. I also created an envelope journal. The pages are glued to small cardstock hinges that are glued together so the page turning flow is smooth. I have a couple of them for my own use. I keep all of my clip art in one with about 20 envelopes double decker style, a great organizer. I also have one for reciepts for business expenses that has 12 envelopes labeled for each month. How handy that is at tax time and when searching for proof of purchase when returning things. I will be making more envelope journals as well.

Gallery Show in Palm Springs

I am part of a group show at Images by Gideon Gallery on Cherokee Way in Palm Springs. If you are in the area check it out, it is a whole mini mall of galleries. Here is one of the paintings for sale there.

It is the front door from Cabot's Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs. Check this great museum out too, it is only 20 minutes from the Gallery.

Four Days Until My 60 Day Eviction is Up

I am getting a little hinkey, not sleeping, unable to focus on anything for more than a few minutes, etc. I have tried so many things, and I will do whatever God wants me too, including acceptance of this experience. I can only wait and see what happens. I have never been evicted before and find myself waffling between denial and panic. Something from my art journal to illustrate.

Zachary Michael Cruz Update

You may donate directly to the Website: http://www.zacharymichaelcruz.com/
Or go to this blog for a list of Etsy Sellers and their donated items: http://etsybeagles.blogspot.com/2009/03/for-zachary.html
The funeral is today.

New Thread for Zachary Cruz

Etsy closed the old thread, but a new one has started. People are posting the donation list on their blogs now.
New Thread Link for Zachary Michael Cruz Fund:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6067233

Zachary Michael Cruz Funeral Fund

This is a thread on Etsy of Etsy sellers who are donating items for sale to help the family of this little boy who was killed in a traffic accident. If you would like to help just click on this thread link:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6065506

New Sketch Tuesday Post

This is a book I am working on, I have written the text and am now working on the illustrations to go with it.

Homemade Videos on UTube

These are from my friends, Bo, Max and Jonah. They are the creators and the stars. Great fun.
http://www.youtube.com/user/baxevamo