Introducing Michele Maule {mixed media painting}

I am loving these mixed media paintings by Michele Maule. She makes you look at ordinary items in a new way. "Favorite You" pictured above is an original painting with a combination of collage, drawing, and beeswax on a pine panel. Below is a print of "My Little Blue Typewriter" which was inspired by an actual typewriter she picked up at a thrift shop for $5! Be sure to check out more paintings by Michele in her Etsy shop.

Reminder: Today is the last day of the 20% sale on Touched Creatively's printed issue. Tomorrow it goes back to $6.29. Happy Monday!

Fall Issue has Arrived!!!

Touched Creatively's Fall issue is now available in printed format or download version. This modern elegance themed issue features pottery, jewelry, photography, drawing, graphic design, mixed media and clothing. Artists include: Kris Haas, Megan Lane, Amy Mathews, Maleah Mathews, Heather Russell, Renée Stevens, Lisa Weiss, and Lee Wolfe. Modeling by Adriane Ehmann and Photography by John Cowie. Thank you so much to all the contributors for making such an amazing issue possible! If you are interested in seeing this issue's creative talents click HERE to go to the main website to purchase. Printed version is currently on SALE but only through August so hurry to get a great deal! Have a GREAT weekend!

Introducing DeShawn Marie {handmade soap}

Natural and exotic ingredients make up these beautiful bars of soap made by DeShawn Marie. Her shop is full of different kinds to choose from. You may want to go with her set of six deal where you can pick from a list of 28. This deal is $25 and shipping is free in the US. Spoil your self or give them to a special friend. These freshly made soaps would make a lovely gift!

Introducing Peg Lozier {custom paintings}

If you are looking for a realistic watercolor or oil painting of a pet or a loved one, you must check out Peg Lozier's shop. Her work makes you feel as if your witnessing what's going on first hand; like you could just reach out and pet the dog! The contrast of lights and darks that she captures in her paintings is beautiful. The above painting was done in watercolor and the dog pictured below was done in oil.

Fall Issue of Touched Creatively Coming Soon!

My husband and I are busy remodeling our home so during the craziness and mess I thought I would share a sneak peek of the next issue coming the end of this month. The talents in this issue are absolutely amazing! The theme is modern elegance. I'll let you know as soon as it is available for purchase. Have a great week!

Introducing Kristy Rice {stationery designs}

Getting married and looking for an invitation no one will forget and that has a personal touch? Look no farther. I am seriously blown away from all the detail in Kristy Rice's custom wedding invitation designs. Each piece is a unique work of art. Kristy says, "Let me be the first to tell you, it is mind boggling, requires tremendous patience and skill, but YES, here at Momental Designs we have been hand-painting each and every invitation since our beginnings in 2003." Isn't that unbelievable?! To read more about her process and how it has become a little bit easier check out Momental Design's blog. As you can see from the photos, Kristy will work with you to get an illustration that will perfectly represent your special day. Momental Designs creates more than just wedding invitations too so be sure to browse through Kristy's website for more information.

Introducing Hayley Hackler {sewing}

In between being a home maker and raising two little girls, Hayley Hackler designs children's appliqued shirts with a twist. She says, "Each piece of wearable art is created one at a time using everything from recycled home fabrics to contemporary prints. I like to add dimension to my shirts by incorporating 3-d or contrasting stitching. I also strive to live greenly by using organic cotton American made shirts. I have also started a line of accessories using the scraps from my many sewing projects! Art and fashion truly come together seamlessly in unexpected yet cohesive pairings of pattern, color and images!" To see more fun children's tops and hair accessories check out Hayley's Flying Frog Apparel shop.

Introducing Talented Teen Marci {pottery}

I'm so excited to see what comes of this talented teen. Marci has grown up with a great role model in the creative world. Her mother, Lee Wolfe, has been a full time potter for many years so now Marci is following in her mom's footsteps but coming up with her own unique design ideas. I'm loving her bird trinket trays. The one pictured above is Peace Dove. Make sure to check out her other creations in her etsy shop! Also see and read more about her mother Lee in Touched Creatively's second issue that will be coming out the end of August!

Introducing Leslie Chisholm {jewelry}

Talented Leslie Chisholm from Charlottesville, Virginia creates jewelry from actual pieces of nature. The silver leaf above as well as in her on-line shop are made from real leaves she picked. They are covered in precious metal clay and once fired, she is left with a solid leaf of 99% pure silver. No two are exactly alike. Above is a morning glory leaf - The natural heart shape is beautiful! It hangs from a silver twisted neck wire, making a simple, dramatic statement. Leslie says, "I am passionate about creating refined, organic, and elegant jewelry. I also love to recycle vintage findings to use as a finishing touch to my work. My jewelry is designed with a focus on symmetry, texture, and color. I take pride in making each piece myself and I spend the time to do it right. My attention to detail assures the wearer that what they have is hand crafted and high quality; no two pieces are the same." Below is a solid bronze blanket flower strung with champagne colored coin pearls. "I made the mold from a flower I picked at the beach and used bronze precious metal clay; the detail is amazing."
View more amazingly detailed jewelry by Leslie on her website.

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.