Creative Slump

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, sometimes it seems that life just tends to just take over, or at least that's the excuse I'm going to use.

I really haven't created much physical art since the journals. Not sure if the brain just needed a rest or the fact that my in-laws are coming this week, so we been rushing like made to finish our paved garden in the back yard (that we've been working on for over 2 years) .

My DH & I poured every single one of those 75 concrete pavers. (Kind of reminds me of a patchwork quilt). I have to say, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.


While mom & dad were finishing up in the back yard, our little 16 pound boy, Matisse (below) was kicking back and enjoying the day :)

You wouldn't think it would be comfortable sitting like this, but he seems to do this quite often.



I would have shared some pictures of my DH & another good friend of ours trying on some kilts at a store called, Utilikilts, in Seattle, but he made me promise to not post ANY pics of him in a "skirt", so all I can do is post a picture of the front of the store :)

And the winners are...................

Lynda-aka Purple Missus & Morning Dove

I'll be contacting you today to verify mailing addresses.

Thank you all for visiting my blog & posting such kind words. I now have a new set of blogs in my favorites that I will be visting often :)

Please come back & visit often (amongst other ideas, I have about 4 journal ideas, made from funky materials, screaming to be created.)

Thank you & I look forward to meeting up with you again in cyberspace!!

100th Post & 2 giveaways!!!

This is my 100th post (& also my birthday), so I will be hosting 2 giveaways!! :)

All you need to do, to be entered, is post a comment to this post & make sure I have a way of contacting you, should you win.


Through blogging, I have met some wonderful artists that create beautiful work, which often inspire me & as an extra bonus, I have made some wonderful friends along the way!!! Thank you to all of you!!

I wanted to share with you what a couple of very kind "blogging" friends sent me for my birthday. The first photo was a gift from Fannie.

Fannie contacted Michelle at EyEmbellishments & asked her to create something for me because she knew I loved the work that Michelle created. The funny thing, is that Fannie, didn't know that I have been in contact with Michelle, a few times, to have her make me some "squiggle" buttons for some of my journals that I have plans to create. Fannie, I just love it, the squiggles & the green color, they're fabulous, thank you, thank you!!

The next wonderful gift was from Michelle (the same artist). How cool can that be?!! The pieces are absolutely fabulous & the "squiggles", I just love, love, love them!! Thank you Michelle, for thinking of me on my birthday & your generosity!!

Now for the giveaways!!

I took this Starbucks bag, below..........

And made this!!!!

© 2008 Tracy Borders

© 2008 Tracy Borders

I painted it a nice sea green color & then I used a robin's egg blue stamp pad over the top of that. I tried out a new clasp idea for the journal & I'm pretty happy with it.

This journal, I can happily say is made 98% from recycled items. The journal, a Starbucks hand bag, the signatures inside are actually the bottom of fax confirmation sheets from where I work & the light blue cord was actually given to me from a left over knitting project from a friend. The interesting thing about the cording.....................it's made from corn. Yes corn!!! I tried to dye it a deep turquoise, which didn't take, but I think the color worked perfectly for this project. The light blue paper was the only thing that I had to go out & purchase. The beads are mood beads that change in color & the dragonfly button (that I just love) came from one of my hoarding stashes.

The next journal, I may have a little bit of a hard time parting with. I hand dyed bamboo poplin, rubber stamped & layered it with hand dyed cheesecloth, more rubber stamping & metal spiral clips.

I'm pretty excited about this journal! I tried out a new closure on this one as well & I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. The leather strapping I had to paint, I just couldn't believe that I couldn't find a store that carried orange leather :) The signatures inside are also from the bottom of fax confirmation pages. (I just can't see wasting perfectly good paper!!)

© 2008 Tracy Borders

© 2008 Tracy Borders

I had a wonderful time making these knowing that they would go to wonderful homes!! Thank you to all of you that have visited my posts through the past year & for leaving wonderful & often times helpful comments!!

I will draw two names from the comments left on this post Sunday night & announce the winners on Monday morning!! Thank you!!!

(for those of you that were wondering, I can happily say that I'm not 40 yet, I just turned 39!!)