!!! 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/