i do love you design

I am so excited about the second issue of Touched Creatively. It will be sent to the printers in about two weeks and will be available for purchase for everyone the end of August. Since I have been working on it pretty constant the last few days (in between my teething one year olds fits anyway) I decided to take a little break and play around with a bunch of papers. After 21 layers the above design was finished. Playful and colorful. Love isn't always perfect but it is the good and bad combined that make such a strong relationship right? I like to focus on all the positives.
(Not that I have many complaints about my husband... I'm just saying in general for everyone.) I plan on doing a kid design next. We'll see how that goes.

Crocheted Creations by Beautiful Bridget

Add a fun and unique accessory to your outfit! One-of-a-kind scarves and hats are made by beautiful bridget. I love the colors and playfulness of this scarf! Her shop can be viewed on 1000 Markets. Click HERE to see more pictures and info about the prairie lariat pictured above and be sure to check out her shop to see more of her lovely creations!

"Bike Love"... A Handmade Card

My mind is exploding with ideas now! I used my bike outline from my last painting and tried a new idea I had been thinking about for quite awhile. Kind of funny because it was what I was going to try doing with my bike design in the first place but I'm so used to painting I just didn't have the guts to attempt it, which is crazy. There are so many new things to try and who cares if it doesn't turn out, at least you learn something right? I love colors, textures, simplicity and complexity all at the same time. I can't choose what I like better... graphic design or fine art so I did a combo of both and was pretty happy with the result. The above is the front of the card but the back side is also designed with the bike on the right and the background images wrapping around. I can't wait to start designing more images for cards and prints using this style.

Pottery by Clear Mountain Craft

A cheerful way to start your day would be to have cereal in one of these bright beautiful bowls. Didn't get time for breakfast? Then use it later on for some ice cream! These were another Etsy find made by Clear Mountain Craft. Check out their shop for many more pottery creations. Happy Monday!

First Issue of Touched Creatively is on SALE!

My printing company is celebrating their first birthday with a 20% Sale on all magazines. If you haven't ordered your issue of Touched Creatively yet now is the time to get one. The issue will be on sale for $5.17 now through August. Don't miss meeting talented artists and reading their inspiring stories! Lots of great gift ideas throughout! Click HERE to preview and purchase your copy.

Introducing Maryanne Taylor {sewing}

Looking for a stylish cozy for your heated beverage? Bagel Creations will have just what you are looking for! Maryanne Taylor from California designed the cozies and has several pouches and key fobs that match. You can read how the Chico Cozy was born in Touched Creatively's first issue. To see a wider range of Maryanne's colors and patterns, head on over to her website and Etsy shop.

Jewelry by Wired Design

Happy Monday! I thought I would start off the week by sharing one of my favorite Etsy finds. (Just one favorite out of many!) What is not to love about the color and the modern flower design!? This Quince Flower Stack ring can be made in your size for $42. You can view more photos of it HERE or check out Wired Design's shop to see more amazing jewelry.

"Bike, Love & Life" Mixed Media by Jodi Ulschmid

Here is a fine art piece I completed last week that is a little different from my usual style. I combined acrylics with ink on a wooden panel. Two different yet similar bikes come together and represent us as individuals. The illustration is also a representation of love and relationships. It's our differences that make us unique and what draws people to us. I wrote the statement, "different yet similar... a perfect combination" under the bicycles. If your interested in one of these modern meaningful prints, they are available in my Etsy shop. Have a great Thursday!

Introducing Behnaz Ahmadian {collage}

Colorado artist, Behnaz Ahmadian reveals her touching story of discovering her creative life in Touched Creatively's first issue. She is a great inspiration of following your heart and dreams. Behnaz's collage above is titled "Saba" meaning 'a gentle breeze in Persian'. The piece measures 18"x24". Her choice of medium for all of her work is fabric and paper which gives lots of color and texture. View more of Behnaz's nature inspired creations in her on-line shop. I encourage everyone who has creative dreams to read her story in Touched Creatively's magazine or download and be inspired by the possibilities that you have in your own life.

Are You an Artist Who Would Like to be Featured?

All artists with any kind of handmade talent are welcome to submit work to Touched Creatively. Just send a link of your on-line shop and I will get back to you. If your work goes well with other artists you may have an opportunity of being featured in a magazine issue of Touched Creatively. You can buy a download version for $1.89 to see what the magazine is like HERE. Email me your submissions at touchedcreatively@gmail.com. I look forward to meeting you!

Artists who have already submitted but have something new they would like to share, feel free to email it to me and I would be glad to feature you again. I'll try and post one of my new pieces next week. Have a fun and safe Fourth of July everyone!!!