The original version of this I found in the new Somerset magazine called "Apprentice". I altered it in that I did not put it on foamcore as my backing but used a canvas instead as I felt it would be a better quality and sturdier. I also wanted it to be a little softer in color so it is my own rendition. The father of this baby to be is a fisherman, so I used the spinner swivels on the bottom to hold the letters and some jump rings. Hopefully, the baby will not be playing with this so as to swallow it's parts. Also, instead of paper tags on the bottom with the B A B Y, I used tiles from an old scrabble game I found at the thrift store.

The original in the magazine was done by Lisa Martin-Bowman and she can be found at her blog at www.feychilde.livejournal.com.

It was much fun to make and I think maybe a girly one would be pretty in pink.

Also, the colors appear very subdued here but are somewhat brighter in realit

Here is a collage done not by me but by my Grandaughter Kyra. She decided to pay Grandma a visit and I guess you could say I pushed her into doing a project. I only suggested she pick out papers she loved and colors and put them anywhere on the canvas she wanted. This is what she created and for a 12 year old, I think she did a pretty good job. It is her first. Imagine where she could go from here.

It has been awhile since I have posted. So many things going on and so little time to work on anything big. These will have to do until my Gary leaves to start a new company in Maryland and I am loaded with free time to work on things. I see my art friends are all working on wonderful pieces and you all lift my spirits and give me hope of joining in on some of my own. I am grateful for all of you and the variety of work that you do.

I went to the bookstore today and broused through some collage books and paper art books and magazines, and came away with the feeling that I didn't need to buy these books as I can do this on my own. After awhile, you realize they all use the same techniques but different papers and objects, and so it is that makes each one individual. To do the same as them would not be my art so I must go it alone and I look forward to it.

Today was a working day in my studio. There are so many swaps in our groups to sign up for and even though I don't have to do them, I want to as I really like the themes. The three pictures I posted here were for our Stampassion Swap for March with the theme "Lace". I used a lace paper I purchased in S. Carolina on top of different background papers and then added my embellishments.

In some respects I wish I didn't want to do so many, cause in the back of my mind I am wanting to challenge myself and do many more paintings on canvas. Perhaps I will do some mini paintings on canvas atc's.

I am seeing many new and wonderful art pieces on the blogs I follow. Definately inspiring. Maybe I will eventually give up these exchanges for something bigger and grander. I find these little pieces of art to be a good practice ground for learning how materials work with one another, and which work best in given circumstances. This practice is my "schooling", so I can become a better artist.