Works From the Attic by Linda

I belong to a wonderful group on Yahoo groups called Altered_stArt. We have wonderful swaps within the group, but it is the camaraderie of the group that is unbeatable. Usually we have about 4-5 swaps to choose from every month. We make everything from Artist Trading Cards to altered charms, tag books, altered books, altered tins, you name it we have probably swapped it. If not, we just may next month! lol Kristal is a member of the group who started something this summer called "Kristal's Challenge". She challenges us to create something special in the style of an artist we admire and we may either keep it or give it away. This month, I chose to paint a tin plate with a design by Maureen McNaughton MDA. I love her techniques and designs. Since I finished the plate at the time I would need to in order to enter it in our local fair, I did just that. I was thrilled to win a second place ribbon on it. I owe many thanks to Kristal for inspiring all of us to keep on...

I joined in a swap on Swap-Bot called "My Selfish Swap". I rarely take the time to make jewelry for myself, it is usually something I am working on for others. The ladies in my beading group were learning coraling so I took the opportunity to learn the technique and make myself a pair of earrings in the process. I used a Swarovski crystal at the top for a little extra sparkle. The beads are an iridescent brown with matte brown beads for the picots. I had a lot of fun with the technique and really enjoyed making something for myself for a change. It has been a lot of fun to see what the other ladies did for themselves as well. I hope everyone enjoyed the swap as much as I did.

BEST OF SHOW-WESTMORELAND COUNTY FAIR It certainly has been one of the worst weeks of my life; however showing up at the fair today certainly put the spring back in my step. I entered 5 projects in the fair. This is the first time I have entered our local fair and the first time I have entered any fair in about...31 years! So, imagine my surprise when I walked in and saw that my "Shades of Green" (original design by Kelly Hoernig) won First Place and Best of Show! I was so shocked and so excited at the same time that it is surprising I didn't just pass out. I want to thank everyone for pushing me to enter it and giving me the support I have needed in the last week to get through all the family drama. I hope you will keep our family in your prayers, it will take a lot to repair what is broken. Thank you Kelly for your wonderful instructions and designs!