Makin' A Change

When you know better you do better, right? Well, if you are stopping by here to see what has been keeping me busy please note my location change.

http://paperpedaler.wordpress.com/

See you over there----

Happy Together

Happiness is being with those you love, especially those that know how to have a good time. This little lady is peeking over to see her silly friend who is dangling from her wings on pink thread. Life should be splattered with silly friends and I am so blessed to have a few of those. ;)

The image of the woman is embellished with rhinestones on her dress hem, and touched up with some blue metallic rub-ons. She is embellished with pink metallic rub-on wings, which every girl deserves, and a hat with pink whispy strings coming off the top. Her legs are stamped chess pieces turned upside down and the shoes are from another stamped image and were handcut and adhered for the perfect pair. So do you like the paper doll ATC?

If you want a silly friend, then be a silly friend. :)

Funny Boys

Here they are....The Three Stooges......

This ATC for a theme of The 3 Stooges is all created on a piece of thick groovy black paper. This background gives a nice textured background and the dark color makes the red numbers stick right out. The numbers have their word name adhered to them, cut out from a magazine, and the letters for "stooges" were individually cut out from the newpaper. This was a fun card to create and always brings a smile. Those boys were pretty funny, eh?

You Know Teddy, Right?

The theme for this ATC is "teddy bears." You are probably getting to know my art well enough to recognize, that for every theme, I like to add a little spice, a little twist, to allow the mind to see a theme with some dimention. So who could resist using a piece of history to create a teddy bear ATC?

I all began, in November 1902, when Teddy Roosevelt showed some compassion to a bear cub and thus beagn the makings of the teddy bear. Did you notice the little bear sitting on his shoulder? That is a little stamped image positioned just right to give the idea of a forever friend. The bear hood that Roosevelt is wearing was adorned with a tiny button stitched with brown thread.

Pick-A-Little---

Pick-A-Little-Talk-A-Little

Pick-A-Little-Talk-A-Little

Pick-Pick-Pick-Talk-A-Lot

Pick-A-Little

Do you know what musical the little song came from? :) Couldn't help but think of this little tune while creating and brainstorming the theme for this ATC of chickens. In fact, couldn't get this song out of my head.......Agh!!! Regardless, thought the beauty shop idea with the chickens sitting in the parlor chairs would be a cute way to express the theme. The image is also sparkling with glitter, because a trip to the beauty parlor should always include a little glitz!! Also, loved that all the chickens looked so different, no two cuts and colors alike at this salon. :)

So have you thought of the musical yet?

And The Winner Is.......................

The winner of the inchies is....Wen!!!

Thanks for visiting my blog, and leaving a comment!! Please send me an email, so that the inchies can be sent. ;)

Time To Share Penny Candy

A penny is worth one cent, and an inchie is one inch, so by blog penny candy is up for grabs. My 100 inchies are signed, sealed and delivered. So what does that mean? CeLeBrAtIoN!!! It is time for you to leave a comment and win the 4 inchies posted above. All names, of comment leavers, will be placed into a drawing.............and you never know----it could be YOU!! So leave some of your thoughts, and this drawing will take place on April 18, 2009. Good Luck!

A New Tradition?

Do you think you are ready to start this tradition? What a beautiful sight!!!

Here are the details:
Volker Kraft decorates a tree with some 9,200 Easter eggs at the garden of Christa and Volker Kraft, in Saalfeld, eastern Germany, Sunday, March 29, 2009. The Kraft family have decorated their tree with Easter eggs for more than 40-years during the Easter time.

Singin' The Blues!

Only a spring bird can pull off a successful concert of singing the blues, because it's those spring birds that feel the agony of the season changing from winter to spring. This poor little bird was ready to wear his new sunglasses, and yesterday instead of the sunglasses he needed snow boots. Now that is a good title for a blues song......Sunglasses for Snow Boots! :)

Which Came First?

Which came first the Granny or the Apple? :)

Since I was unsure of the answer to this question, thought I would make an inchie to celebrate them both. Until someone can determine the "Original" Granny Smith, we will just have to give them both credit for the sweetness they add to life. Afterall, nothing can top a Granny Smith pie, right?

!! Just Ordered !! (Tingtura Design)

I am always on the hunt for new images that are different and can capture the best of the imagination. When I purchase new images, I tend to search and search, with the idea of getting just the right image with just the right "artful" look.

Here is a link to the images that I have stumbled upon and am already in love! Just can't wait to get these in my hands and to begin inking them up. I spend months and months searching for the best image deserving of my hard earned money, and then once I order, I have no patience in waiting for them to arrive in the mailbox. ;)

http://shop.textalk.se/en/artgrp.php?id=6263&grp=133179

I ended up buying...

Pirate Captain
Scheming Girl
Pig Standing
Tough Girl - NEW VERSION

Check them out!
Enjoy browsing the webshop listed above, and hopefully you find a few images to put in that ole' shopping basket. Let me know if you order something--I would love to know what YOU picked out.

More Inchies..................

This little mouse has a great imagination. The disguise appears to be working, that sleepy black cat, hasn't moved a muscle. :)

This little boy is a new generation of lava lamp lovers. The "lava" in the lamp is colored with glaze gel pens, and it really looks like "lava."

This is just a touch of golden royalty! Every girl wants to be a princess, right? Well, I am past the point of wanting to be a princess, now I am at the age of demanding the title of Queen.

This is a more artsy approach to inchies. This little guy poking his head in around the corner to show his support for always being yourself.

Just Had to Share!

This little inchie didn't photograph well, but the zebra is all decked out with a little touch of sparkle on his black stripes. The background is colored with prismas and gamsol and is a very light blue.

Who isn't trying to save a buck these days? This was an inspiration after a trip to the dollar store. Love that place!! If you didn't know EVERYTHING is a dollar. :)

This little retro guy is snapping a photo. Do you remember a camera that worked like that? Whew, that is retro! The smile stamp is a little stick image from Stamps By Judith.

This happy little lark is welcoming spring and the Easter season with a huge smile, and some BIG hair bling! Maybe, she is getting her picture taken, quite possibly by the handsome guy above.

Hope you enjoy-

All About Space

I am a really funny person about personal space. (just ask those who are closest to me.....hee-hee)

This little inchie is almost as overbearing as a person who can only interact with you if they are "inchies" from your face.

Blechy......

Anyway, since I love humor, thought that creating an inchie with some interesting perspective and giving a "shout out" or maybe I should say "snout out" to those of you who are also possessive about personal space.

Hope this little pink pig, who is all up in your face, brings a smile to your face this fine Friday--

Few Inchies

This little cowboy inchie is ready to greet you at the ranch with this handmade sign. Sort of a "wild west way", to say "we'll leave the light on for ya." So this little howdy goes out to all of you, my creative paper loving partners!

I'll end today's post with a sweet no fat, no calorie piece of cherry pie. May not gratify your tummy, but hope it serves as some eye candy. A tiny red cherry on the top of the pie is a delicate little button. :) The title , is decked out with glitter! Yummy!!

Underneath It All

Have you ever met anyone who looked so rough and tough and intimidating on the outside, and yet once you got to know their heart, they were actually full of love and laughter? Isn't that the best? I have recently experienced this exact situation, and thought that creating an inchie would help remind me that although the outside shell appears tough, give them a chance, because you just might be surprised at what's underneath. It is wonderful to find such a beautiful glittery red heart, and even better to find a beautiful new friend. :)

Splish-Splish..

Splish-Splish, I was takin' a bath,

Long about a Saturday night.

A rub-a-dub, just relaxin' in the tub;

Thinkin' everything was alright!

Saved this inchie to show you on Saturday, because I love that Splish-Splish song. There is something to be said for taking a few minutes out of the weekend to just relax.






This elephant is standing in a puddle of water that was coated with clear epoxy, and the flying drops of water are stickled with clear glitter. The arrow in the corner is just to remind the elephant that although, bathtime is fun, there is the purpose of cleaning up!

Enjoy your Splish-Splish Saturday!

A Can of Worms

Nothing says spring like a "can of worms." We watched a robin pulling one out of the ground last week, which was pretty entertaining. (Have you ever felt sorry for a bird trying to eat? Birds really do need hands) Ok, back to the point. A can of worms, brings a smile to my face because it contains only joy. While some of you are saying "yuck" with a furrowed brow, let me explain. Little kids love collecting these slimy things and watching them twist and turn, all for the purpose of going fishing with the dream, that this hand-picked bait, will bring them the catch that only their imagination has seen. Isn't that joy? And usually kids go fishing with an adult.......a grandma, grandpa, a dad, mom, uncle, the list goes on, but that time of investing in a mentor relationship is joyful. Can you now see the joy in a can of worms?

This inchie was stamped with a Stamps By Judith stamp and then painted with watercolor shimmer paints. The green background was done with Prismas and Gamsol, and the edges inked with black ink. There is a metal hook going through the can, and that was created with silver jewelry wire.

ThiNK GrEeN

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Thought that creating this inchie would be a wonderful way to celebrate all that is green. St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite holidays, not for anything very deep, just because anything green (well......almost anything) is a welcomed sight here in the North, and green is my favorite color. So imagine having everyone wearing your favorite color on the same day, pretty cool, huh? (There you have it, told you it was nothing deep.)

So here is an inchie to celebrate our new "green" lifestyle.

State Inchie

This little art is for an inchie swap with the theme of states. I signed up for Michigan, and this image could not be resisted. Can you see why?

The One That Got Away

This ATC combines a few techniques to make it a great catch. The paper is embossed with the CB usin the circle pattern to give the impression of bubbles in the water. That is always a sign of a sure catch, right? The embossed strip of paper behind the fish was inked with black ink to give it some nice variation, as well as draws the eye to the "one that got away." The fish is stamped on glossy paper and then colored with white crayon in places that I desired the ink to resist. After coloring the desired places white, I smeared a green and blue ink over the image which gives the fish it's underwater color. You can see where the image was colored white because it resisted the green and blue ink giving it some nice white detail. The ATC was finished off with an inchie of a little boy who was proud of the fish he DID catch. Over on the left side of the card you can see fishing line tied to a hook made from jewelry wire. Sybil, this ATC is also heading your way, thought this might make you happy for the theme of "boys." Enjoy!

Back to Creating

The delay in posts is due to a recent side-stop on my bike trail for a family vacation. What a great time we had together, and certainly many memories were created.

Now that the laundry is under control and the suitcases stacked for another year, I couldn't resist turning on the light in my art studio. It was fun to sit at a desk, that had been cleaned and organized prior to vacationing. Hard to believe that my desk could ever look so good, but is was refreshing to sit and begin pulling out supplies to create an ATC for a friend. We have our own little swap going right now, and it was great fun to have her in mind as I created a card for her chosen theme.

So here is the ATC that will be headed south....and this ATC is also a celebration of refreshed inspiration, that can only be aquired by going on vacation.

Life is a Party

This party hat inchie will hopefully put you in the mood to celebrate a new week. I couldn't resist using a jester's hat because, well......you know me, I love to laugh and have a good time. The words on the inchie were hand-written. I have been practicing a doodle technique, and this is a portion of what I have been learning. It is a fun style, and always enjoy doing something by hand, it gives more of a personal art feel. Enjoy this new week, and try to be the life of the party for someone along the way.

Walk A Mile

Here is another inchie fulfilling the theme of "shoes." The laces were stitched by hand, with navy thread, doing a double stitch on each lace, so that it would be nice and thick. It was my desire to try and keep it simple and clean.

While working on lacing up 12 shoes for 12 inchies, it gave me plenty of time to think about walking a mile. Don 't worry, not talking about any physical exercise here, just the idea of trying to be more understanding of others, through the idea of taking a few steps where they live. Making an extra effort to cut folks some slack, because the shoes they are wearing come with a history, a past. Even if the shoes are non-marking soles, they always, with each step of the journey, mark your soul forever.

~~~All About Style~~~

I am calling a time-out from the inchie reveals because I just couldn't wait to show you this ATC.

This ATC is all about my kind of style---"relaxed." Can you relate? There is just something comfy about pulling up your hair and slipping into that warm housecoat. If you don't know what a housecoat is, it is also currently known as a robe, and for the older generation it's called a "moo-moo." Regardless of what you call it, there is no better way to relax in style then with a fluffy housecoat in the color of your choice. :)

This ATC was created with a Stamping Bella image. The housecoat is colored with prisma colored pencils and gamsol. The trim of the house coat was painted with puffy velvet markers. That little bit of added fluff created such a sense of style for this relaxed card. The word "style" along the side was cut out from the cricut, I disposed of the letters and used the paper from which the letters were cut. A little black ink goes a long way, in making the word really stand out. The stamped title, is stuck on with 3D foam squares. A dictionary definition of relax is lining the side of the card. So there you have it Kelli, my take on "style." Can't wait to get my hands on that style ATC from YOU!!!

Thanks for stopping by the Paper Pedaler--and I enjoy reading all of your comments. If you like the little image, check out www.stampingbella.com and let the shopping begin. ;)

Wanna Eat?

Since I am big into all-things retro, how can a hamburger not come to mind? All of those retro drive-ins, where you holler out your order and before you know it a waitress in roller skates delivers your perfect meal. MMMmmmm....a big juicy burger with a chocolate shake anda side of onion rings. Do you want to join me for supper?

Sorry, a little off track. :)

Here is an inchie that celebrates the joys of days gone by, ---Enjoy!---

1 X 1

Have you ever heard of an "inchie?" It is a one inch X one inch square! Simple enough, right? Well, that inch is a canvas for expression. Creating inchies was something I said I would NEVER get into. They are TOO small, and there is no possible way, to create something so small with so much meaning. As the old saying goes, "Never say Never!" I have not only started to create inchies, but have also added them to my swapping resume.

I am excited to share with you over the next few days some of my first attempts with inchies. These little squares were created according to a theme, and are already shipped off to the swap hostess, but thought you would enjoy seeing them, and maybe, just maybe, you will find yourself thinking on a smaller scale.

The first inchie reveal is actually a "whatever you want to create" theme. Basically anything goes.............

I created this inchie in honor of my Grandma. I am very blessed to still have my Grandma around and we even share the same birthday, isn't that cool? She is exactly 50 years older than me, and a person I admire and love greatly. She told me last summer, that she loves to look at birds on a wire, while riding in the car. Isn't that cute? And ever since she mentioned it, they are quite fascinating. :} So every time I see a wire loaded down with birds or even a solitary bird enjoying the wire all to himself, it reminds me of a sweet someone, who finds pleasure in absorbing the details, "even on just a ride to town."

The birds are stamped with a "stick" stamp from Stamps by Judith, and the wire is a piece of black thread. They are colored and shaded as if sitting in the sun, and the background is a coating of metallic rub-ons.

A Southern Love Note

A little southern love note from my swapping friend, Sybil. This was such a surprise to receive a little Valentine. It reminded me of the days when decorating a shoe box for the purpose of collecting classroom Valentine mail was the highlight of February. This ATC was great fun to receive, and has been a joy to look at these last few weeks. Valentine's Day is like a breath of fresh air in the middle of winter. You might have to live somewhere cold and snowy for that to make any sense, but the bright red and pink are a welcomed change of pace. Regardless, thanks Sybil for creating this ATC with such love!

Where Has The Time Gone???

If there was ever any resource that we so frequently run out of, it has got to be time. Days run together, schedules conflict, weeks fly by, Monday always comes too soon, seasons change, months of the calendar are torn off, and before you know it, we find ourselves wondering where has the time gone?

Well, in this case, it has gone Cuckoo!! (Were you worried that I was going to get carried away?) :) We all know time flies and in this ATC it REALLY does. The theme was cuckoo clock, so a rubber stamp in my collection was quickly pulled out to incorporate into this ATC. The little bird in the middle of the image is popping out on a piece of wire. This gives the impression that little crazy bird is actually swinging out to chirp that one hour is gone, but a new hour is just ahead.

Wouldn't it be fun to own a cuckoo clock? It would be a....... hhhmmmm...... noisy reminder, that a new hour belongs to you. A fresh 60 minutes! Sixty precious minutes to do, what you wish you did the hour before. This little bird who is blamed for being crazy is really singing out to all of us----to savor the time. The cuckoo bird sits behind closed doors, just waiting to burst through, to proclaim that a new beginning is ahead. Maybe not such a crazy, bird, huh?

A Quilt Fit For A Queen!!

The theme for this ATC is "quilts." This was one theme that I spent several weeks thinking about the plan of attack. With the pressure of constantly trying to think outside the box, have to admit, this theme was tough for that to happen. It required great effort! Regardless, this is the final layout, that passed all inspections.

The image is several mini Queen Playing Cards placed side-by-side to give the impression of a quilt. Then with the use of the sewing machine I stitched around each Queen Card with dark green thread. The top of the ATC is trimmed with ribbon looking like a measuring tape, and topped off with a "I Love to Quilt" charm hanging from a safety pin. Of course, since this quilt is covered with queens--it could only be a quilt fit for a queen. Can you spot this title on the card somewhere? It's in there!

{Where There Is Love}

People crave "peace." Peace in the world, peace in the home, peace in the community, peace at the workplace, peace in the family, peace of mind, peace.....peace.....peace! But if we focus on "love" wouldn't the end result be peace?

Here is an ATC to celebrate this very thought, where there is love there is peace. This ATC is for you, Jan. The theme she chose was purple, green, and cream. (Hope you didn't have something more elegant in mind. ;) The paper is right down yummy, with all of those velvety dots. Can I use the word velvety? The little purple "love" is stamped and placed throughout the background. The main image is colored with prisma colored pencils and gamsol. The peace sign is coated with metallic rub-ons and the word peace is painted with shimmery watercolors. Did you notice the purple shades? He is one cool hyppie, yeah? The shades are also painted with the shimmery watercolors. It was a tremendously fun card to create, so Jan, hope you are thrilled with the results. Can't wait for you to see it IRL.

{Peace}

A Little Glitz!

This is a beaded heart pendant I made for a friend of mine. She is a good person with a big heart, so it seems only appropriate that she wear a little heart with a whole lot of sparkle added to it. February is the typical time to think hearts, and this year, I wanted to incorporate doing something special for someone who makes a difference in my world. More than I would like to admit, I find myself not taking the few minutes necessary to let people know what they mean to me. It's amazing how little it takes to encourage someone else, just a little "something" to bring sunshine into their day........... and yet how often in a day, week, or even month, is time set aside for such a task? Have you ever heard the phrase Little Is Much? Hopefully, this little "something" will return the sunshine that is often shown to our world, community, and me. May this project inspire you to spread a little sunshine. Ironically enough, today while making this for my friend, with my mind set on the excitement of surprise, and the motives of my heart to spread some sunshine in the life of someone else. I received a letter in the mail, from someone who did exactly that for me. It was a letter full of surprise and encouragement, from completely out of the blue. It just goes to show when you make spreading sunshine a priority........is usually comes full circle.
That my friend, is not coincidence!

A Thousand Words

Have you ever heard that phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words?" I believe this statement to be true, so how does anyone, professional writer or not, decide on an appropriate caption for a picture? A caption is usually only a few words, and since the picture is valued at a thousand words, which words do you choose to portray the message of the photo, and yet still allow the imagination of the viewer to be included. Whew! Tough assignment, huh?


Below is a picture that totally cracked me up, and so many thoughts came to mind as I studied the photo. Since tricycles are used to describe my little place here -the 3 wheeled blog- how could I not bring this up? However, this photo deserves a caption, so let's work together and brainstorm some ideas.


I would love to use this photo as an award to pass on to fellow bloggers, but not sure how exactly that works. If you can help me out with this information, that would be great. Until then, I can't wait to read your suggestions for a caption. So leave a comment with your suggestion--can't wait to read what few words out of a thousand made the cut. Let's get started!!!

Work Hound

This is where my creativity took me for a theme of "Archeology." This theme has been spinning around in my head for a few weeks, and it took a turn toward man's best friend. Man's best friend shows incredible determination when it comes to digging holes, right? Regardless of the work it requires, there is no denying that they love to dig holes for the sole purpose of hiding a bone, that they will again try to find hours later, and dig it up again. Sounds like a pretty crazy routine to me, but they find a tremendous amount of joy in finding treasures that they worked so hard to hide, days prior. So enjoy this little "work hound" as he digs and digs. That shovel makes him look like a real professional archeologist!

Must Confess......

Here it is.....a confession. Not a great way to end a Monday, but none the less, has to be done. Are you sitting down? Here it goes..... I lack "balance." I could only wish it was my inability to stand on one foot, or my lack of coordination to ride a unicycle, or even my unwillingness to try and inch my way across a high wire. Lack of "balance" shows up in my daily life right around noon every day. The uneven-ness cannot even be disturbed by countless resolutions, rigorous journaling, or short-term goals, despite my honest efforts. So I suppose it is just time to confess.


I feel a great deal better having included you in on my unbalanced lunch hour. So now for the details of creating this ATC. The image of the man was too cute to resist---his teeth are coated with clear epoxy. The tie is pieced with green ribbon and completed with a brad for a tie-tac. The question marks are stamped with cranberry ink and cut out. The pop can is 3D and is out of this world adorable, the bag of chips was found in the button section, only had to cut off the loopie thing at the back. :) Yes, "loopie thing" is a technical term. Have a great week, I will be posting more ATC's later in the week. Oh, Kelli--- thanks for inspiring me to create a card in honor of my horrible unbalanced lunchtime habits. Although, after so many years of enjoying such a diet, I am beginning to believe it is balanced!

Out Of This World

I have taken a trip to outer space! (Ok, only through creating this ATC. )

This ATC was created using rubber stamps from Starving Artist. The combination of the shimmery watercolor paints and background paper reflect a tranquil atmosphere, where taking in the stars and planets can begin. I would love to blast off in this retro rocket!! It is glittery and painted with such fun colors, that are perfect for the destination. The window in the rocket is cut out, so that our little creature, who is bound for "Saturn," can look out and take in all the glitz and glamour. Does he look like he is having the time of his life? ;) The planets are clear stickers, and I thought they were pretty realistic for being stickers. The stickers were arranged a little off of the edge of the paper to give the impression that the journey is underway, right in the middle of all the galaxy has to offer. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Ready to join the adventure?

Still Ringin' Around Rosie

Here is the final creation to honor the women, every "Rosie," who stepped up in a time of turmoil, and altered their lifestyle in an effort to better America and support the men they loved. Isn't that a neat "pep-talk" from the women who didn't complain about the situation? They sacrificed and accepted change, not only to find a solution, but to BE the solution.

This ATC started with a base of black and white, and then I paper-pieced Rosie's shirt and headband. A little sparkle was added to the whole card using glitter gel pens, and a small crystal was added to Rosie's collar. Every woman, working or not, needs a little bling. ;) The card was finished off with touches of distressing. Hope you enjoyed a little walk down memory lane--whether you are meeting Rosie for the first time, or have known her all your life, she still exhibits a powerful message, even through an ATC.

It's All Rosie

Rosie the Riveter is such an American icon. It was a turning point in the history of women. When the men went off to war nearly 6 million women stepped up and began building planes, bombs, tanks, and other millitary equipment. Thus, beagn the motivational phrase "We Can Do It!" Even if you don't know much about Rosie--you have to admit she is a good lookin' retro lady. ;) Below is an ATC to celebrate all that Rosie symbolizes........

!!! SURPRISE !!!

One of the coolest things about trading ATC's is the opportunity it provides to meet many people from all around the world. I have met some very wonderful people, who are talented and use those talents to impact the world of art. These little cards pack a BIG punch, when they arrive out of the blue. There is nothing sweeter than opening the mailbox to find an envie packed with treasures from a friend, who values the small canvas as much as I do. Here is what I received this week from my friend Kelli--

Thanks Kelli--I just love 'em and you can count on them being an awesome addition to my collection.

Introducing.......

I would like to introduce you to Mr. Einstein. The famous photo, taken in 1951, of Einstein sticking out his tongue, cracks me up. It makes me wonder if his mother carried around this photo in her purse. Did she pull it out whenever she had the chance to show off her boy? Why wouldn't she? Afterall, she is a mother, (we all know how mothers can be,) and he was a genius. This picture of a "silly" Einstein sticking out his tongue became his trademark, what he was known for. Isn't that funny?

While creating this ATC, I was asking myself.......what is my trademark? I came to the conclusion that if a genius could find the time, in the midst of E=mc2, to be silly, so could I. We all use the phrase "Life is Short," but seldom change our lifestyle to fit that phrase. We find ourselves being stressed out over.....well,......... everything,............ and our lives are in sync to calendars, due dates, and demands and before we know it the opportunity to be just "plain silly" is gone. It is in that silly moment our soul is saturated with the best medicine...........laughter.

Make being silly a priority this week, make it your trademark!

Repurpose

Drinking Coke and Thinking Green......got my brain to thinkin' about how to use an everyday item on an Artist Trading Card. The correct term is to "repurpose." Don't you just love that word? It sends a message of hope for something that with just a glance would appear to be an item with no value, used up, and no good. It may of had a great past, but no place for today. Not the case with "repurpose," though. Repurpose finds a treasure in the forgotten, a task for the useless, offering value and appreciation.



Could you use a little "repurposing" (not sure this is even a word. :) in your life? Then let's start with incorporating this mentality in your art. I want to encourage you to create an ATC, card, or inchie that repurposes something, the options are limitless, and the rewards are so satisfying. Do you want to play along? If so, please post here what you have created so that we can all be inspired. Never know, might be the first of Paper Pedaler blog candy. If you want to play along, I will randomly choose a winner from those who post their creation, and send you a little blog candy. Here is my contribution.......Can you spot what was repurposed?

It's All Refreshing!

Along the trail of life there is nothing that refreshes like an ice cold Coke. Drinking a Coke is like wearing the fluffy pink bunny slippers, it is a luxury. It's that simple little treat that can put life in perspective and a strength back into pedaling. It seems like over the years our world has gotten so advanced, so trendy, that we forget to take a break. We forget the simple act of slowing down and enjoying the moment. If there is anything that I never want to regret, it's missing the moment, missing the joy in the simple everyday activities. Taking the time to soak in all routine has to offer like..... a warm house, food to eat, a husband to love, children to nurture, grandparents to visit, clean laundry to put away, water that comes with the turn of a knob.........The list could go on and on. Never miss the ordinary moments of sipping a Coke, and when it's gone, fill it with flowers. Kelli, this ATC is for you.......enjoy!

Apple Of My Eye

This Artist Trading Card is for a swap with the theme of black, white, and grass green. The color combination was great to work with because green is my favorite color. A dreary cold winter inspired me to capture some humor, and there is nothing better than a play on words with a traditional disguise.

The white background paper is coated with a touch of apple green color from a set of metalic rub-ons. The wiggle eyes are tiny, but add some tremendous personality. If only this little guy could talk, he probably has quite a tale to tell.

wear FuZzY slippers

LiFe Is MeSsY!!!

There is no doubt about it--when pedaling a bike there is always a mud puddle. Sounds a lot like life, huh? Sometimes the puddles are just too big to go around, so riding through them is the only solution. So if you are facing a muddy mess, put a little determination in your heart, and start pedaling like there's no tomorrow, because there is a fuzzy pair of pink slippers on the other side. ;)

This atc is for Sharon, who has chosen a swap theme of pink, brown, and white. This little card, although appearing to be a mess, was made with great love and precision. The torn pieces of paper and brown inky edges add an emotion of wear-n-tear, and the word "fuzzy" is velvet and puffy, to bring comfort and luxery. The slippers on our worn-out little friend are attached with foam squares to add dimention and provide a focal point. Hope you fall in love with this worn-out adorable creation, and most of all if you are feeling worn-out be encouraged that the sun will shine again, and most likely, you will be wearing new pink fuzzy slippers.

Mini Taxi

This mini taxi is ready to take you for a ride in the big city. This is one city where painting the town will not be necessary because it is already painted with Niji Pearlescent Watercolor Set. This watercolor set is so easy to use, and it adds just the right amount of shimmer. The only supplies you need to use this product is a small paintbrush and a little water. The watercolors are very reasonably priced and since a little color goes a long way, should be something that will give you lots of creating without running out. :) Good news, huh?

The taxi was stampped on shrink plastic and colored with Sharpie fine tip markers. Sharpie markers are wonderful for coloring on shrink plastic. These fine tip markers are easy to use in small spaces and give the image lots of color, especially after the baking process. The little yellow taxi is placed on the ATC with a foam square to add a little 3D effect. The foam square makes the scene a little more realistic. (Don't forget to check out the little 'copter in the corner. A backward brad gives impression of real blades.)

Are you loving these stamps? They are from the Doodle Factory Collection created by Starving Artist, so if you have a chance stop by their website and browse the selection.

http://www.starvingartistamps.com/