Inspiration Avenue

Meet & Greet for Jennifer McLean

2012-02-01T00:45:00.001-05:00

We are so happy to have our newest member join our team. Jennifer McLean

of:

She is a great joy to us. She comes to us from Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. Our first Canadian Member! Fun fact her and Shel do not live far from each other.

She is a a watercolor artist and has been doing mainly macro flowers and plants. She also make original bookmarks, hoping small pieces will sell in her shop. The bookmarks are made from extra paper cut from the larger sheets of her artwork and allow small expressions of creativity when she only has a few minutes to spare.

She also says:

"I love allowing my heart and mind to direct my hand. When I stop trying to "make something happen" and just feel it, it always goes well. I also love the independence and joy I get just creating. I've done nearly every craft and kind of art out there at one time or another but painting is what I really wanted to do. I never get bored with paint and pen & ink. It's the color that I'm attracted to, that and form, balance. I've never been so happy in my life. I can't believe it took me until my 40's to do this. Now, I just want to put my art out to the world and see what happens."

Her blog is:

Jenn's Blog

Jenn's Etsy Shop

Some of her ART!!

~~~~

All of these are in her Etsy Shopand much more

And here is another one of her talents:

WOW right

So please join us in Welcoming

Jennifer McLean

to Inspiration Avenue

Our First Co-Host Challenge Elizabeth and Shelly bring you "Rocking Horses"

2012-01-30T10:14:00.006-05:00

Have you seen the box at the top of the left side of this page? I am honored to be the first co-host with Shelly of Pics by Shel of this new program. What an honor when I got to choose the theme for this week’s challenge.

What better challenge (for me, at least), than rocking horses. After all, I am an avid collector of them. As some of you know, I have a bit over 450. They come in every shape, size, material, and texture. which is my image.

Source

You don't have to look far to find a rocking horse image.

Your child's coloring book may provide everything you need for this challenge.

Do your tastes go to vintage? If so, you might prefer an old postcard

Source

Perhaps you prefer digital.

Source

Would a rocking horse mirror be your inspiration?

Source

Or maybe scrapbook paper is more to your liking.

Source

Rocking horses come in all shapes and sizes, like this zebra

Source

Or this unicorn one

Source

Of course, maybe a plush Panda is more to your liking

Source

Some of you may even want to bake your rocking horse

Source

Of course, you could always appeal to the man in your life with a motorcycle rocker

Source

And of course, we can't forget those of you who are inspired by pencil drawings and humor.

Source

Whether you work with paint, paper, pen, pencil, ink, clay, beads, wood, fabric, or plushies, Shel and I, Elizabeth, hope this challenge will inspire you to Rock along with us this week.

As always, whether you are new, or play along every week, please add your submission no later than Sunday 12 Noon EST. You do not need to have an Etsy shop to join this challenge. All you need is a blog, a relevant blog entry and a link back to this specific IA challenge entry, not just your blog. Shel and I thank you again for playing along, and I thank the entire IA team in advance for the opportunity to co-host this week.

Also do not forget
We choose one piece every week to feature
Here!!
Maybe this week it will be YOU!!

Red Carpet Gallery

Alphabet Art Challenge Results

2012-01-29T12:34:00.001-05:00

A - B - C - D - E - F - G!
No we're not back in the classroom,
but you're about to see another week's worth of amazing
creations, this time using words and letters.

Using words and letters in one's art is such a wonderful addition
to drawing and painting . . . it adds a new dimension.
Have a look at our gallery below and you'll see what I mean!

Thank you all for playing again this week!

Cory

Debbie

Vonny K

Bella-Rose

Listening to the Squeaks Inside

Priti.Lisa

Angie

Annie

Yogi

Gemma

Each week is proving so difficult to choose a Showcase Winner!

I truly don't know how it could be any more difficult to choose
just one from these beautiful creations.
But, after much deliberation, I chose Claire's entry:

I do love the quote, and the soft colors remind me of a springtime shower!

Congratulations, Claire!

Visit the Red Carpet Gallery
to see this and the other winners from this month.

Art Challenge January 23 - Alphabet

2012-01-23T15:23:00.005-05:00

Letters of the Alphabet

Do you like art with words?

Art with handwriting?

Art with a written message?

Then here is your challenge!

source

Create something that incorporates any kind of words or letters.

Typed, handwritten, printed, photographed, cut out, digital...

source

It can be as simple as one letter or a whole journal page.

source

It takes some imagination to pick out letters in everyday object shapes!

source

Vintage or brand new, words are a great addition to art,

especially postcards!

Many of you know how to participate in our weekly challenge.

If you are new to Inspiration Avenue, welcome!

The guidelines are in the sidebar on the right.

Hope you are inspired! Happy creating!

When you leave a comment that you have an entry for the week,

don't forget to leave a link to your blog!
Also, please leave a link back to Inspiration Avenue in your post.

This will help us make sure we don't miss your entry and
that we have the correct post.

We want to be sure to see your link since

some of the readers commenting are just leaving us some love! :)

Butterflies Butterflies Butterflies

2012-01-22T03:31:00.003-05:00

Such beauty, such creativity, such inspiration!! Every link I opened brought something to savour, without fail. Please visit each entrant's blog, take the time to read their wonderfully warm, witty and inspirational blogposts, leave a comment and share the love.

Enjoy this amazing line-up of butterfly entries in this week's showcase and scroll down to see who will be strutting the Red Carpet!

http://thewhimseyasylum.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterfly-joy-ias-butterfly-challenge.html

http://alittlecoloreveryday.blogspot.com/2012/01/inspiration-avenue-butterflies.html

http://wwwpeggysamusement.blogspot.com/2012/01/inspiration-ave-butterflies.html

http://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterfliesia-skele-shoes.html

http://yogiemp.blogspot.com/2012/01/mc-jan12-bfly-cut-out-valentines.html

http://deepcoveflowers.blogspot.com/2012/01/look-mr-bear.html

http://kuviamatkalta.blogspot.com/2012/01/virasana.html

http://diondior.blogspot.com/2012/01/imagine-your-life.html

http://craftydvl.blogspot.com/2012/01/inspiration-avenue-and-butterflies.html

http://brainangles.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterflies.html

http://thebellarose.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterfly.html

http://wrightstory.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterfly-spirit-ia-ced2012.html

http://mywritings-ariel.blogspot.com/

http://www.justaddwatersilly.com/2012/01/little-extra-for-tuesday.html

http://marciabeckett.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterflies.html

http://creative-explorer.blogspot.com/2012/01/inspiration-ave-butterflies.html

http://traceyfletcherking.blogspot.com/2012/01/snart-or-snuffy.html

http://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2012/01/inspiration-avenue-butterfly.html

http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/ia-challenge-butterflies.html

http://annes-hobbyblogg.blogspot.com/2012/01/paper-bag-album.html

http://newendstudio.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterfly-dreaming-of-spring-its-only.html

http://vonnykart.blogspot.com/2012/01/crazy-time-with-butterflies.html

http://hergracedevata.blogspot.com/2012/01/inspiration-avenue-challenge-butterfly.html

http://all-the-wright-stuff.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterflies.html

http://enterimgirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterflies.html?showComment=1327219197141#c8358230788966227557

http://pritistudio.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterfly.html

http://kirstinmcculloch.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterflies-inspiration-avenue-prompt.html

http://jeanette-h20creations.blogspot.com/2012/01/things-happen-in-3s.html

http://intothemagpiesnest.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterflies-at-inspiration-avenue.html

http://shelinwa.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterflies-it-is.html

It took me longer to choose a winner, than what it took to do this entire challenge this week!! I kept on changing my mind as each one has something so special. Finally, I picked :

Michelle V Alkerton of Brain Angles

http://brainangles.blogspot.com/2012/01/butterflies.html

Congratulations Michelle! Visit our Red Carpet Gallery where your work has now joined our line-up of winners.

http://iaredcarpetgallery.blogspot.com/

Thank you everone for playing along and making this such a wonderfully fun affair - be sure to come back next week.

Happy Creating

Hettienne

BUTTERFLIES

2012-01-16T02:01:00.001-05:00

Butterflies digital sheet from MagpieMine on www.etsy.com

A butterfly will flutter by
It's lovely colors catch your eye
Let it go, let it go
A heart may sigh as it goes by
and you may catch it if you try
Let it go, let it go
It has but a few days to see the world
It is so short a time since it's wings unfurled
Give it a chance to flutter and dance
A few happy hours to sip at the flowers.
A butterfly will flutter by
It's lovely colors catch your eye
Let it go, let it go

Faith by Kim of IMGIRL on www.etsy.com

Butterfly Wishes

Yesterday a butterfly
Came floating gently through the sky.
He soared up through the atmosphere
Then drifted close enough to hear.

I said, "I'd love to fly with you
And sail around the way you do.
It looks like it would be such fun
To fly up toward the summer sun.

But I have not your graceful charm.
I haven't wings, just these two arms.
I've been designed to walk around.
My human feet must touch the ground.

Then magically he spoke to me
and told me what his wish would be.

He said, "What I'd love most to do
Is walk upon God's Earth with you,
To squish it's mud between my toes
Or touch my finger to my nose.

I'd love just once to walk around
With human feet to touch the ground,
But I have not two legs that swing,
I haven't arms, just these two wings."

And so we went our separate ways
In wonder and surprise.
For we'd both seen God's precious gifts
Through someone else's eyes.

Author Unknown

This week we are challenging you to create with Butterflies. The first butterfly in the garden heralds spring and always such a magical sight!

Butterfly spring girl

Butterfly Art Doll by Artfully Musing Blogspot

Waiting by Artfully Musing blogspot

Culinary Art by The Art of Living Blogspot

IA Red Carpet Gallery

Each week a winner will be selected from that week's Showcase Gallery of entries. The weekly winner is displayed in Inspiration Avenue's Red Carpet Gallery. A monthly winner will be selected and her/his entry will be showcased on the Red Carpet for the entire year.

Well done to Sherry of A Little Colour Every Day :

First winner on the Red Carpet

Happy creating and I will be visiting all blogs that participate in the Butterflies challenge. Be sure to return on Sunday and see our Showcase of all the entries.

wishing you a great week

Hettienne

Art Challenge Results January 9

2012-01-15T12:42:00.001-05:00

Paper Doll Gallery

This is the most awesome collection of whimsical paper dolls!

But before we get to the Gallery...

there is an announcement to make!

(drum roll please...)

Starting with this challenge,

we've decided to honor the talented people

who play with us each week by selecting a

Showcase Winner from each challenge.

The winner will be featured in our Red Carpet Gallery.

<<<(click the link in the left sidebar to go there)

The weekly winners will be displayed for that month.

At month's end, a monthly winner will be selected from

those entries and will be on display

in the Red Carpet Gallery for the year!

(As is the case with the bi-monthly giveaways,

Inspiration Avenue members are not eligible.)

Now on to the Paper Doll Gallery!

Kim

A tough, tough decision...

the winner this week is

Sherry!

For the use of color, materials, and an awesome background!

That red really pops!

Art Challenge January 9

2012-01-09T08:59:00.001-05:00

Paper Dolls

click

Did you ever play with paper dolls when you were little?

It may depend on your age (not asking for disclosures here lol!)

My mom, who was born during the depression,

played with paper dolls all the time.

She and her sister would make their own.

She made me paper dolls when I was young and I was enchanted

for a while, but soon abandoned them for Barbie or Chatty Cathy.

Those of you younger than me may not

have ever played with paper dolls!

click

Paper dolls are everywhere in the art world today

and now is your chance to get creative and make your own,

because that is the challenge this week!

Think of making them into

bookmarks

wall art

digital collage sheets

cupcake toppers

assemblage pieces

gift tags

greeting cards

journal pages

I'm sure you can think of more!

Design your own, or take images of historical figures

and turn them into something new and whimsical.

click

Dolls don't have to be human figures.

This one is perfect for the new year,

since it is the Year of the Dragon!

click

How would your pet look as a paper doll?

Of course, irresistibly cute!

click

I can't wait to see the creations you can come up with

by Sunday, January 15.

Any medium is welcome.

There are guidelines in the sidebar >>>>

if you haven't played with us before.

Something new this week!

Starting with the January 9, 2012 challenge,
a Showcase Winner will be selected from the entries.
See the info in the right sidebar for details!

Happy creating!

2012-01-06T23:16:00.002-05:00

Wonderful expressions of Damask
Love them all
Sit back put your feet up and
enjoy
SOME
EYE
CANDY
of
DAMASK

Also welcome to new artists
These are great blogs to visit
I have had a blast!!
Here we go
3
2
1

_______~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_______
Marcia

Peggy

Grannie Annie

Come back tomorrow

to see what is next!

"Damask" this weeks Challenge

2012-01-02T14:33:00.001-05:00

Quick deffinition: Damasks used one of the five basic weaving techniques of the Byzantine and Islamic weaving centres of the early Middle Ages, and derive their name from the city of Damascus, which at the time was a large city active in both trading and manufacture. Damasks were scarce after the ninth century outside of Islamic Spain, but were revived in some places in the thirteenth century. The word "damask" is first seen in a Western European language in the mid-14th century in French. By the fourteenth century, damasks were being woven on draw looms in Italy. From the fourteenth to the sixteenth century, most damasks were woven in a single colour, with a glossy warp-faced satin pattern against a duller ground. Two-colour damasks had contrasting colour warps and wefts, and polychrome damasks added gold and other metallic threads or additional colors as supplemental brocading wefts. Medieval damasks were usually woven in silk, but wool and linen damasks were also woven.[2][6]

So with that Happy Creating! If you are new here the "How to" is on the right side bar. Happy New Year!

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue Gallery

2012-01-01T12:12:00.001-05:00

Can you think of a better way to start the year

than with an Art Gallery you can view from your cozy home?

When I wrote this challenge,

I was hoping you would take time and reflect,

I was hoping to see a glimpse of your soul.

I am pleased to share the first art collection of the year

in the order they were submitted.

Please take a moment to visit each blog...comments always mean so much.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth

Priti.Lisa

Gemma

Thank you all for participating in our challenge,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Let's make this the best year yet.

♥♥♥

Weekly Challenge Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

2011-12-19T09:17:00.001-05:00

This is our last challenge for 2011.

Since it is the busiest time of the year,

this challenge will run for 2 weeks.

The deadline will be Sunday, January 1, 2012 at noon.

I wanted this theme to be extra special and meaningful...

something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

The original saying is from the Victorian Era:

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
and a silver sixpence in her shoe."

Traditionally, we think of this as a wedding custom for brides,

but I realized I often used all of these components in my art.

As I share the meaning of each item,

let's use the word Artist in place of Bride.

* Something old symbolizes the artist's connection with her family and her past.

Eyes from the Past
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/eyes-from-the-past-mostafa-moftah.html

*Something new represents the new life she (the Artist) will soon begin.

New Life
http://www.imagekind.com/New-Life-art?IMID=6da83003-ff32-437a-bcd6-11acf629a185

*Borrowing an item reminds the Artist that her friends and family are there for her should she ever need their help.

Best Borrowed
http://art.berkeley.edu/gallery/carnwath/carnwath_detail3.php

*The color blue symbolizes faithfulness and loyalty.

Love and purity.

Blue Veil
http://junesartyretreat.blogspot.com/2010/03/blue-veil.html

As for the sixpence...

A sixpence was a silver coin worth six pennies in England between 1551 and 1967.
The custom was to place it in the left shoe to attract wealth.
(I know this what will be in my left shoe NewYear's Eve:))

Song of Sixpence
http://society6.com/gigigarcia/sixpence_Print

I hope I have inspired you to reflect on the past year,

to imagine the possibilities of the new year,

and to bond with the artist within you.

Remember,

you have 2 weeks to complete your artwork

and post the link in Mr. Linky below.

Please link the post for this challenge

and not your blog's home page.

May all of your celebrations be merry and bright,

and thank you all for being a part of our challenges

and our lives♥

Challenge Results December 12-18

2011-12-18T12:54:00.002-05:00

A Festive Gallery

What a lovely and varied collection
of festive activities and decorations we have to show you!

I feel like we are invited to each of your holiday celebrations

and what an amazing time we are going to have!

*I feel the exhaustion creeping in already, but it's a warm and fuzzy

exhaustion brought on by sharing wonderful

traditions and festivities with hospitable friends :) *

So without hesitating any longer, here is our Holiday Festive Gallery:

Elizabeth (and Bleubeard)

Terrie

Lesley

Maggie

Michelle

Evil Edna

Be sure to visit each blog to read about the

inspiration behind these holiday creations!

Come back Monday the 19th for our two-week Holiday Challenge!

Art Challenge December 12

2011-12-12T07:01:00.000-05:00

Festive!

There are many days of celebration during the month of December.

Some are religious holy days. Many of them celebrate the winter solstice.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Festivus,

or many others, the common thread is lighting the dark days of winter.

source

What better way to buoy our spirits during these too-short days

than with warm gatherings of friends and family?

The challenge this week is to take

any of the words above for inspiration

(or come up with your own)

and create something festive.

What do holiday gatherings mean to you?

How do you keep your spirits up when the stresses of the season

make you feel like doing anything but celebrating?

Any kind of creation whether it is digital, painted, fiber art,

jewelry, cards or tags, photography, assemblage,
or anything else, is welcome.

(Our friends in the Southern hemisphere will have
a little extra challenge to imagine the days are short and dark

even though you are going into high summer!

So sorry to make you work harder, but of course we are envious too :)

source

So, Happy Creating, and we will gather the results on

Sunday the 18th to display in our little gallery!

****************

A note about our weekly challenge during the

two weeks of Christmas and New Year:

The Christmas challenge will be a two-week challenge

(December 19 - January 1)

so we hope it will give you plenty of time during

the busy days to continue to play with us.

Stay tuned for the topic . . . I think it will be a fun one!

We will be playing with Mr. Linky during those two weeks,

so you will leave the info for your entry via the Mr. Linky method

which many of you have done on other blogs already.

There will be another post to explain everything, so don't worry!

And this will only be for the weeks of December 19-January 1,

after which we will go back to posting the normal way,

i.e. leaving a comment and having your entry posted

in our results gallery the following Sunday.

So stay tuned for more info on that, and remember that

today's challenge will take place the normal way!

"What is in your Christmas Ball?" Gallery

2011-12-11T14:02:00.001-05:00

Come one come all
To the Gallery
OPEN
of the amazing
Delight
Of

There is also a great tutorial from
our very own
Angie

Grannie Annie

Shelly

Thank you all for Playing with us!!
And Welcome to new Artists!

Check back with us tomorrow
For a new Fun
Challenge

What is in your Christmas Ball? This weeks Challenge

2011-12-05T10:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Inspiration Avenue weekly Challenge

So in thinking

what to do...

what to do

I thought

Christmas Balls

So many works of art can be

uniquely

placed

drawn

Painted

etc

in this array of art

Here are some fun ideas

VintageBeth

rosebudshome

Mixing Christmas Balls with everyday stuff to make art

Steampunk

Personal reflection

Join in the fun this week! The directions are in the right sidebar

have fun and all will be posted this coming Sunday at 12:00 noon EST!

Happy Creating

English Literature results

2011-12-04T13:21:00.001-05:00

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a woman in possession of a good idea for a challenge must be able to produce something herself...

Except I didn't... For the first time as hostess I have failed miserably at taking part which is a very sorry state of affairs.

You, however - yes you there reading this. You let Dickens and Gaskell, Hardy and Shakespeare be your Muse. You created what I could not and so I applaud you and present your masterpieces!

Grannie Annie

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life...

...For never was a story of more woe Then this of Juliet and her Romeo.

Peggy

Miss Potter and Nutkin

Michelle - Brain Angles

Edgar Alan Poe

Tracey Fletcher King

A scene from North & South where Mr Thornton shows his depth of character

Bleubeard & Elizabeth

English Literature book cover

Crafty Moose Crafts

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Abby J

Please Sir... Can I have some more?

Gemma

A celebration of English gothic novels

Deep Cove Flowers

Waiting for Mr Darcy under the mistletoe...

Bella Rose

Shel

Edgar Alan Poe and his ravens

Evil Edna

M R James and the warning to the curious!

Hettienne

Miss Havisham fading away...

Maggie

A Midsummer Night's Dream with our little friend Puck!

Meet and Greet for our newest team member, Dee

2011-11-30T18:00:00.002-05:00

We have a lovely new team member here at Inspiration Avenue and her name is Dee. Please join us in welcoming Dee from New Jersey. Dee was sent to us by our team's creator, Sharon of Plumrose Lane. Dee is a card designer. Her etsy shop Designs From My Heart is full of pretty vintage inspired cards and hangtags. Dee has a personal blog of the same name where she hosts and participates in lots of blog hops. I believe we have a social butterfly in our midst.

Here are a couple more examples of her cards. She offers everything from Birthdays, holidays and Pet Sympathy cards. Check out her shop.

When we asked Dee to tell us a little about her work, this is what she had to say, "I create one of a kind altered art greeting cards. Made of high quality card stock and my photo's are printed on an artisan printer that is wonderful. I use photo paper and sometimes presentation paper to print my photo's on because the card stock can be too thick sometimes to print on".

When we asked what she likes most, she said," I love that I can create something that someone else likes just as much and will purchase the item. I also love the finished product since I have no idea of what kind of embellishments I am going to use for each item I create.

We asked Dee to tell us something unexpected about herself and this is what she shared, "I am a dog lover. My husband and I have adopted 6 dogs since 2004. We rescue them for 2 reasons, they are wonderful dogs with nothing wrong with them and if someone doesn't adopt them, they will be put down, just because there is no room left in the shelters, rescues and/or foster homes. I am married with 4 fur babies". So there you have it. We have a social butterfly with a big heart who makes beautiful cards for all ocassions. It's so nice to have you on our team, Dee. Welcome aboard!

Interested in co-hosting a challenge?

2011-11-29T13:37:00.004-05:00

Weekly challenge - English Literature

2011-11-28T17:09:00.001-05:00

I'm pondering... Now what could the theme for Inspiration Avenue be this week? And when will my intended ever turn up for this wedding.... the cake is being eaten by mice and I've ahd to let the dress out four times...

I wandered lonely as a cloud... beware my Lord of jealousy.... Last night I went to Manderley again.... It is a truth universally acknowledged.... tyger tyger burning bright....

This week I want you to travel to the shores of my birth - ancient, magnificent and blessed with some fine writing talent.

Take Shakespeare, Dickens, Chaucer, Keats, Austen, Byron or the Brontes as your Muse. Let their stories and verse seep into your creative soul and bring forth magic anew...

Be inspired by English Literature in whatever form you choose. Perhaps you'll craft Elizabeth Bennett a bonnet, let yourself loose with the fairies on a midsummer night or wander across bleak moorland catching a nasty cold (do wrap up... we don't want to be responsible for terrible fevers...).

Just leave us a link to your entry by Sunday at 4pm GMT and we'll delight in your fictional encounters!

Aged Beauty - Entries

2011-11-27T12:30:00.000-05:00

i had a lot of fun hosting this week's challenge and felt so very welcome :) thank you ladies!! i missed you guys!!

WOW!! just WOW!!this week's challenge entries are amazing .. seriously! You'll have to see them to believe me ... so without further ado, I give you ... Aged Beauty

Terrie :
http://creative-explorer.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-ave-aged-beauty.html

Blackdragon :
http://lynsblogger.blogspot.com/2011/11/dragonsdream-tio_23.html

Grannie Annie :
http://thewhimseyasylum.blogspot.com/2011/11/treasured-times-ias-aged-beauty.html

Danit :
http://dishvish.blogspot.com/2011/11/just-as-beautyfull.html

Hettienne :
http://hergracedevata.blogspot.com/2011/11/victorian-ballet-theatre.html

Corinne Marie :
http://diningroomtableart.blogspot.com/2011/11/aged-beauty-challenge-at-inspiration.html

Aisling :
http://artyventure.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/vintage-voyage-2/

VonnyK :
http://vonnykart.blogspot.com/2011/11/aged-beauty-ia-challenge_25.html

Bleubeard and Elizabeth :
http://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-avenue-aging-beauty.html

Belle~Rose :
http://thebellarose.blogspot.com/2011/11/aged-beauty.html

Stephanie Mealor Corder :
http://dragonflydegignstudios.blogspot.com/2011/11/weekly-challenge-at-inspiration-avenue_25.html

Michelle V Alkerton :
http://brainangles.blogspot.com/2011/11/shades-of-time-aedm-day-26.html

Craftymoose Crafts :
http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/2011/11/ia-challenge.html

Tracey Potter :
http://traceypotterartist.blogspot.com/2011/11/aged-beauties-from-new-technologies.html

Shelinwa :
http://javabeanphotography.blogspot.com/2011/11/aged-beauty-is-theme-at-inspiration.html

Priti.lisa :
http://pritistudio.blogspot.com/2011/11/aged-beauty.html

IM Girl :
http://enterimgirl.blogspot.com/2011/11/aged-beauty.html

Loretta :
http://lkaynana.blogspot.com/

WrightStuff :
http://all-the-wright-stuff.blogspot.com/2011/11/aged-beauty.html

Artangel :
http://artangeloriginalart.blogspot.com/2011/11/aged-beauty-iae-challenge.html

Luthien Thye :
http://www.alteredalchemy.com/2011/11/aged-beauty.html

Thank you all for playing!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T11:05:00.003-05:00

Each of us gathers here with grateful hearts everyday but we wanted to take this time to tell you all we are thankful that you visit us on a regular basis and participate in our weekly art challenges and for just being you. We love you all! To all of our American friends, have a Happy Thanksgiving Day and to all of our friends overseas you have a Happy Day!

This printable came from a fellow blogger last year and I am sorry to say I did not write down who it was so if it's yours than thank you for sharing!

Hugs to all of you!

Aged Beauty

2011-11-21T01:44:00.001-05:00

Wow!! It’s seems like a long time ago since I hosted a challenge at Inspiration Avenue. So when Shel asked me if I would like to do one … I said yes immediately!

This week I have chosen two words which remain my constant inspiration when making art … Aged Beauty. Aged Beauty can come in any form … patina of time, ravages of time, treasured memories, people from the past, or even tales of old. Create something … anything, in this theme, in your chosen medium. You can choose something old to start with, or you can choose to make something look old. Dream it and create it!

As always, deadline is 12noon EST on Sunday 27th Nov 2011. Please direct us straight to the post of your creation and we will take over from there. One entry per person and links should be left on this post. Further guidelines on our weekly challenges can be found on the sidebar.

Here are some images that I find inspiring … perhaps they might inspire you in some way too …

I will leave you with a little quote I found :

Age is not all decay; it is the ripening, the swelling, of the fresh life within, that withers and bursts the husk.

~ George MacDonald ~

source : http://www.oskarlewis.com/weblog/mupics/fernanda-in-a-few-years

Harlequin Challenge Results!

2011-11-20T12:00:00.002-05:00

WOW, I am thrilled with this beautiful collection- such a great combination of different takes on the theme.

Rhonda

Hettienne

Whimsey Asylum

Sherry

Terrie

Donna

Stephanie

Abby

Shel

Cana Jimo

Weekly Challenge- "Harlequin"

2011-11-14T09:00:00.009-05:00

I chose the theme "Harlequin" because of the variety of interpretations that can be applied to it. You could go with the traditional "clown-ish" interpretation with painted face, and playacting....

Harlequin Flapper

"All the World's a Stage"

or maybe a pun on the popular "Harlequin Romance" books......

Harlequin Romance

maybe you feel inspired by the diagonal patterns and bold colors that come to mind when you think of Harlequin.....

"I will Follow"

"Harlequin Cat"

"Strength"

you could even go literal and feature a creature with bold patterns....

Harlequin Beetle

As always, anything goes- if you can dream it, we will post it! So, pick a medium, give it your own twist and interpretation and leave a link to your blog where you've posted your own Harlequin inspired art.

Guidelines are in the sidebar if you haven't entered before.

See you back here where all the entries will be revealed next Sunday!

The Story of the Craftswoman and Seamstress - Gallery

2011-11-13T08:48:00.001-05:00

This has been a wonderfully exciting week for me - so many inspirational stories, art and posts by everyone who participated! Take the time to visit the blogs below and read some of these stories and I am sure you will leave inspired to start creating and sharing!

http://thewhimseyasylum.blogspot.com/2011/11/self-embroidered-ias-sewing-challenge.html

http://hergracedevata.blogspot.com/2011/11/story-of-craftswoman-and-seamstress.html

http://marciabeckett.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-avenue-needlework.html

http://all-the-wright-stuff.blogspot.com/2011/11/getting-around-to-it.html

http://newendstudio.blogspot.com/2011/11/sing-to-clouds.html

http://creative-explorer.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-ave-needlework.html

http://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-avenue-homage-to.html

http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/2011/11/this-week-at-inspiration-avenue.html

http://vonnykart.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-avenue-weekly-challenge.html

http://wwwpeggysamusement.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-ave-seamstress.html

http://craftydvl.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-avenue-needlecraft.html

http://somewhereovertherainbowunicornsdream.blogspot.com/2011/11/remembrance-day.html

http://wrightstory.blogspot.com/2011/11/finished-embroidered-mandala-ia.html

http://kirstinmcculloch.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-avenue.html

http://brainangles.blogspot.com/2011/10/soul-journey-quilt-completes-north.html

http://traceyfletcherking.blogspot.com/2011/11/sew-not-talking-about-vomit-today.html

http://yogiemp.blogspot.com/2011/11/mc-nove11-double-emboss-thank-you.html

http://deepcoveflowers.blogspot.com/2011/11/art-of-sewing-on-button.html

http://dragonflydegignstudios.blogspot.com/2011/11/weekly-challenge-at-inspiration-aveue.html

http://gemmashouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/love-is.html

http://artangeloriginalart.blogspot.com/2011/11/iae-weekly-challenge-art-of-needlework.html

http://pritistudio.blogspot.com/2011/11/this-week-challenge-was-sew.html

Shelly

Thank you for all these beautiful entries - it was such fun to host this week!

Happy creating, Hettienne

The Story of the Craftswoman and Seamstress

2011-11-07T02:34:00.002-05:00

Wanted : a needle swift enough to sew this poem into a blanket - Charles Simic

I hope that this week's challenge inspires you as much as it does me. How often do you regard yourself as a craftswoman or a respectable artisan when you do mending?

Mending by Daniel Ridgway Knight

Needlework can be such a chore at times :

How much friendship and support have you received from your circle of creative women?

The Sewing Circle by Daniel Ridgway Knight

This week I would like to draw inspiration from the humble art of sewing, mending, seamstressing (is there such a word?), knitting and all kinds of needlework.

Where there are needlework, there is art and there are memories and stories to be shared. Share with us your creations that tells the stories that were sewn into your heart!

www.art-is-you.com

There is such healing power in the making of art and especially in the art of sewing and needlework. Do you remember the fairytale about the Twelve Swans?

A decoupage by Queen Magrethe of Denmark of the Wild Swan Fairytale

It begins with eleven princes, and their little sister, Elisa. An evil queen turns the brothers into swans (they change back to their true forms only at night) and sends Elisa to live with peasants in the country. After many hazardous adventures Elisa finds her way through the woods to the sea, where she meets up with her brothers. They carry her over the ocean to the country where they live, a place of forests, mountains and castles. As she sleeps, a fairy comes to Elisa in a dream and tells her she can lift the enchantment from her brothers, provided she makes each of them a shirt out of nettles. But she must not speak a word till she has done: if she does, her brothers will die. She begins the work, but she has only finished one shirt when the king of the country comes across her while he is hunting. He falls in love with her, takes her back to his castle, gives her ‘regal gowns’ and has her hair ‘braided with pearls’. They marry, and she falls in love with him too, but is determined to press on with her task. The archbishop, however, believes she is a witch. He follows her one night when, having run out of nettles, she goes to a churchyard to collect more. The archbishop accuses her of witchcraft, the king can find no other explanation for her trips to the graveyard, and of course she cannot speak: he declares that the people must decide on her fate. They do – they say she’s a witch and must burn. Still she keeps sewing, still she won’t speak. Just in the nick of time, her brothers appear. She throws the shirts over them, and they are transformed into their real selves.

And then there is the story of Rimpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and more! So there is definitely something very wondrous about the art of sewing, weaving, looming, and knitting!

http://amylulita.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-15-weaving-in-out-art-opening.html

http://kidsartmarket.blogspot.com/2010/03/sock-monkey-paint-weaving.html

By Angie of Artangel on Etsy.com

Kate Greenway

Whimsical Dress by Maggie

And finally, my own nostalgic musings on the happy memories of needlecraft

Happy creating and a great week!
Hettienne

Challenge Results ~ Art Nouveau

2011-11-06T12:48:00.001-05:00

The results are in, and as amazing as ever!

I learned a bit about Art Nouveau this week,

and have collected some fabulous entries.

Take a peek:

Darla

Check back here on Monday

to find the coming week's challenge theme.

See you then!

Inspiration Avenue Weekly Challenge

2011-10-31T07:06:00.000-04:00

Feast your eyes . . .

on languid female figures

veiled in allegory and sensuality . . .

on the flowing lines, and whiplash curves.

Sinuous plantlike forms

and lavish organic subject matter.

Art was part of everyday life.

This week's theme is the “new art”,

Art Nouveau!

No object was too utilitarian to be “beautified”.

From jewelry to furniture to architecture and stained glass,

Art Nouveau style was used on many everyday objects

from 1890 until 1910.

No matter the medium you create in, Art Nouveau style can be applied.

Give it your own twist and interpretation and leave a link to your blog

where you've posted your own “art nouveau”.

Guidelines are in the sidebar if you haven't entered before.

See you back here where all the entries will be revealed next Sunday!

Happy creating!

Maquerade results!

2011-10-30T13:24:00.003-04:00

Wow what a treat is has been to Host

Masquerade!

I feel truly blessed to be with so many

artists and talent.

This has been a blast

The Blogs and stories that go with the art is all fun and unique!

To get this

great Masquerade reveal going

we are starting off with a video from

Natasha May Art World

This weeks challenge is: "Masquerade Ball"

2011-10-24T12:43:00.000-04:00

Grab your finest dress

Put on your artist thinking cap

and a mask if need be

Enter this amazing place

full of creative minds and talent

Prepare to be amazed Sunday the 30th as

all the art entered will be posted!

In a gallery of splendor and

wonders!

Blog Party Thank you & the winners are:

2011-10-24T04:38:00.002-04:00

A big

thank you

to everyone for

coming to our

BLOG PARTY

A very fun and successful one at that!!

Thank you so much for showing us what Inspires you!

And the results form the

ARE:

Winner is Donna

Winner is New End Studios

Winner is Peggy

Winner is Kirsten

Winner is Gina

Winner is Dion Dior

Winner is Bleubeard & Elizabeth

Winner is Terrie

Winners please email

your mailing addresses to

Shel

Kae4him @ Gmail . com

~Congratulations~

"On the Wings Of Inspiration" challenge results...

2011-10-23T12:03:00.001-04:00

To celebrate our "On the Wings of Inspiration" blog party this week, we asked: what inspires you? And as an added bonus each submission counted as an entry into our party prize giveaway. The winners of these giveaway prizes will be announced tomorrow: Monday 24th October.

Meanwhile take a look at these gorgeous party challenge results:

1. Gina - day dream believer:

2. Falling Ladies:

3. Dion Dior:

4. Catharine:

5. Grannie Annie:

6. Peggy Gatto:

7. Julie - Julsartniche:

8. Katie- Adventures of an Art Teacher:

9. Michelle - Brain Angles:

10. Vicki - RustyRoosterVillage:

11. Cathy L Calamas:

Lisa of The Wright Stuff

12. New End Studio

13. Natasha May

14. Kristin Dudish

15. Crafty Moose

16. Amy

17. Gemma

18. Joni

19. Jo

20. Kelly

Hettienne

21. Kirsten

22. Lesley

23. Bleubeard and Elizabeth

24. Darla

25.Donna

26. Tracey Fletcher King

27. Terrie

28. Tracey Grgic Potter

29. Elisa

Stephanie

Priti Lisa

Angie

30. Brain Angles

Tammy

31. BuddhafulKAT

32. Siobhan Jordan

Thank you all for sharing your wonderful art and helping us celebrate our party. The results of the giveaway draw will be posted here tomorrow.

Give-Away #7

2011-10-19T11:13:00.001-04:00

It is time to announce another door prize for our Blog Party!

This time it is from Priti Studio.

A book marker made form a print of my artwork.

It is heavily laminated and adorned

with fibers and medals.

The text is part of the Beatles song Let it Be.

To see all of the prizes visit our Freebies and Give Away page

HERE.

There are a lot of free gifts that you can pick up right now.

Enter the October 16 art challenge to be eligible

to win one of the door prizes.

Good Luck!

♥♥♥

"On the Wings Of Inspiration" party week challenge!

2011-10-17T01:00:00.002-04:00

As we are celebrating our "On theWings of Inspiration" blog party - this week’s challenge is based on this theme.

There’s nothing quite like the uplifting thrill of inspiration striking and carrying you away on a creative journey.

So we’re asking:

What inspires you?
What fuels your inspiration’s wings so that they can lift your ideas into creative being?

Our 500+ followers and regular challenge participants give us inspiration when they share their interpretations of the challenge themes in varied and creatively unique ways. As do their blog stories telling of their creative living.

But what inspires you?

Is it your family, children or friends?:

Or your pets?:

Does your Faith inspire your creations?:

©Priti.Lisa

Perhaps patterns inspire you:

©KatinaWright

Do words inspire your art?

©IMgirl Kim

Or famous artists?:

©Lisa Wright

Does fantasy & fiction inspire your art?:

Or do seasonal festivities inspire you?:

Or maybe nature?:

Or maybe colour inspires you?:

©TammySprinkle

Whatever inspires you - use that source of inspiration to create your entry into this week’s challenge.

As always the details of how to share your results can be found on the right hand column >>>>

The most exciting thing though is that by submitting your entry this week you’ll be entered into our ‘On the Wings of Inspiration blog party’ giveaway. For more information on all the wonderful prizes to be won please visit our Giveaways and Freebies page.

Don’t forget that for your chance to win you must enter by Midday (EST) on Sunday 23^rd October.

Results of this challenge will be posted late on that Sunday and winners of the giveaway prizes will be announced here on Monday 24^th October 2011.

Wishing you happy creating and lots of luck in the giveaway draw!