Livre Changé

These are the first two pages of the altered book I am currently working on...

An altered book is a form of mixed media art in which the artist takes a book, be it old or new, and alters its appearance and personalizes the book using a variety of ephemera.

I took an antique book and plan on covering most of the pages with various papers, French sayings, seals and stamps, pom-poms, ribbon and rick-rack, antique buttons, sheet music, vintage playing cards and LIFE magazine clippings, ticket stubs, lace, metal works

and lots more.

I have a few other things going on right now as well, including two canvases and an altered suitcase, both of which I promise I will post as soon as they are finished.

I hope you enjoy the first few pages of my altered antique book...there is more to come in the next few weeks, so stay tuned!

Plateau Changé De Cru

BEFORE

AFTER

Ta Da! After keeping you all in suspense for a day and a half, I have finally completed my altered vintage tray project...I turned it into a blackboard! The final touch was the chalk, which I could not find anywhere. I went out with mum in search of it this morning, and it wasn't until 2 pm this afternoon that we came across a box in a teaching supplies store. I just knew I couldn't hold the reveal off any longer and felt guilty enough holding you all in suspense since Saturday morning. But, what's a blackboard without a written message in chalk?

I added a simple black and polka dot ribbon and a nest filled with eggs, a bird and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. I am so pleased with the result, and hope you are too!

Livres Français-Inspirés De Chiquenaude

I'm sorry to have to keep you all in suspense one more day longer, but I haven't finished off the tray...there is just one more last edition required before I post pictures, but I will be out to the craft store first thing tomorrow morning. I will post the finished product tomorrow afternoon, I promise!

However, as I've told you all before, I always have one than one thing going so I haven't completely disappointed you. I have been working on French-inspired flip books all afternoon, and completed them about five minutes ago! They took some time to complete, but I'm really happy with them.

The first book is a flip book inspired by the theme of wishes...birthday wishes, travel wishes, everyday wishes...whatever the wish may be what better way to celebrate the everyday than with a wish!

The second book is French-inspired and is meant to look like French postcards. And on both books are antique playing cards and buttons, vintage lace, music notes from antique music sheets, pearls, metalworks, seals and ribbon...ohh lala!

Samedi Trouvailles De Brocante à domicile De Matin

Mum and I did our usual Saturday morning garage sales and came home with some fabulous finds...

Our first stop was a multi-family garage sale packed to the brim with home decor items. I came across a gorgeous red enamel fisherman's lantern from Pottery Barn for $1 and a wire purse and pair of shoes, which I will place next to my wire dress form...I think it will look très chic!

Then I came across a gorgeous vintage tray that was tossed to one side...and I snagged it for 50 cents! I have something creative in mind...you all know how I like taking different pieces and giving them a twist, and the shape and design of this is perfect for what I have in mind...I'll show you the result tomorrow! But first, I'll give you a few hints as to what I may be doing with it:

1. It takes 24-hours to dry


2. You probably loved doing this as a child


3. It's silver and black and write all over!

Now I'm heading off for a girls night. Tonight we're off to see 'License to Wed' which I've heard is hilarious, stuff our faces with buttered popcorn and then finish off the night with a trip to a dessert bar! Have a fabulous night, ladies!

Meme

My friend Q tagged me for a meme, Eight Random Facts about myself.

1. I have been a vegetarian since I was seven, am an animal rights activist (if you see a girl with red hair and a picket sign in front of a circus, call out 'Hi Kate!' because it's probably me!) and a member of PETA


2. I have dual citizenship - British/Canadian - and have lived in America...an experience that was wonderful for my family and I. The American people went out of their way to make us feel welcome wherever we went, and we love their patriotism


3. I have had my art displayed in an art gallery downtown


4. I love to swim and sail...anything having to do with the water, true to my birth sign: Aquarius, the fish


5. I love, love, love to learn...one of the most comfortable places for me to be is in a classroom and I love to teach


6. I always carry around a book with me...usually a non-fiction, fiction and an autobiography so that if I get bored with one, I can move on to another!


7. I am a chocoholic...but hey, everyone needs at least one vice, right?


8. I am a perfectionist - I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken!

Now, since tag was one of my favourite games as a child at recess, I am tagging all of you!

Here are the guidelines:

*Players start with Eight Random Facts/habits about themselves.
*People who are tagged write their blog and their eight random facts.
*At the end of the post, players choose eight people to be tagged and list their names.
*Don't forget to leave a comment on each tagged blog telling them they have been tagged.

Un travail en marche...

It feels like it has been ages since my last post, but I have been busy trying to complete these composition books that I have neglected for a few weeks now. I am almost finished, I just have a few more finishing touches to add, but I thought I would post what I have completed so far...

I am working with two of my favourite materials, which are these gorgeous glittery block letters and 'Art Blanche' composition books...my version of a blank canvas!

I will post the finished products later this week...Enjoy!

140th Anniversaire Heureux Canada!

Picture of small cabin in the Maritimes

I was too busy watching the fireworks and being part of the festivities yesterday to blog, but the thought is still there...Happy 140th Birthday Canada! Our town, even though it's small (but still growing), always puts on a huge celebration every year that takes place just steps from our home at the lake. So I knew that within minutes of being home from work that I would be on the phone to my friends, planning on where we would meet.

My family and I had just enough time to celebrate with our traditional Canada Day dinner, which of course, has to include a red and white cake...for us, that's cheesecake with raspberry sauce!

The fireworks display never disappoints and at the end of the display we all rise to sing O Canada...a wonderful tribute to our country.

This is my 90th post and in the theme of celebrating, I have put begun to put together three packages to celebrate my upcoming 100th post...only 10 more posts!