“Out of the Blue” Mail Art Party – My Pieces!

“Inspire”
OOAK, Mixed Media Altered Postcard
By Chrysti – June 2007
Not For Sale

“When life gives you scraps make quilts” — Author Unknown

So what’s a girl to do when she has made a pledge to herself to do something creative daily, to make more of an effort to get to know the other artists she connects with and to create less waste… all while maintaining her daily chores, and working 12-16 hour days?

Well, she is to make colorful, paper scrap quilt collages of course! Then give them away to her friends & colleagues; in the hopes they will provide at least a bit of arty cheer.

“Story of my Life”
OOAK, Mixed Media Altered Postcard
By Chrysti – May 2007
Not For Sale

It is the perfect activity to plant yourself in front of the tv with, while using up all the pretty, colorful paper scraps you are bound to have lying around. We’re not talking award winning art here folks — but boy oh boy are these ever enjoyable to do!

I will post a tutorial for these on The Altered Abbey shortly after it opens as it truly is a simple, relaxing project that produces results you are bound to love!

“How much piecin’ a quilt’s like living a life…The Lord sends us the pieces, but we can cut ’em out and put ’em together pretty much to suit ourselves…” — Author Unknown

Inspiration struck when I had a playdate with the fabulous Lia in May… and when she extended an invitation for me to join in on the ‘Out of the Blue’ Mail Party Deb Silva started … needless to say, the 2 projects were a natural fit.

“Full Heart”
OOAK, Mixed Media Altered Postcard
By Chrysti – June 2007
Not For Sale

The postcards you see throughout this post are all created on 140lb. watercolor paper, and measure in at the OSWOA size of 4″ x 6″. Each card was comprised of elements that I intended to toss away… Not too shabby eh? The lucky recipients of this batch are Lia, Hope, & Miz Carla … I won’t tell you who gets what, as some of it should be a surprise! I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of their pieces as well!

Stay tuned for more Mail Art party news as the talented Nici also invited me.. and I extended the invite to a few others as well… results soon!

“We do not live an equal life, but one of contrasts and patchwork; now a little joy, then a sorrow, now a sin, then a generous or brave action” — Ralph Waldo EmersonHave an Artful Weekend!

Chrysti

P.S. Leave me a comment with your thoughts & questions on these– and you just may receive one too!

Tags: Altered Art, Art, Artist, Birds, BlogDesk, Clipart, Collage, Crafts, creativity, Folk Art, Gifts, Inchies, Manic Depression, Mixed Media, North Carolina, Original Art, OSWOA, Outsider Art, Postcard, RAK’s, Tutorial, Vintage Images, Vintage Photos, ZNE

New Raffle! Free Images & Lots More!

Lotsa stuff to cover, and not alot of time.. so I’m gonna try to keep it brief!

ART & COLLAGE SUPPLIES GIVEAWAY/RAFFLE!

 

“Enjoy Beauty”
5″ x 7″ on Canvas Board
Original Mixed Media Collage and Painting
By Raleigh, NC Artist
~Chrysti~

It’s not my best work, I don’t feel good enough about it to sell it, but I can’t bring myself to work over it either… so it’s become the latest piece I’ll give a away!

Want to win this piece, in addition to a free, large collage kit?

Simply leave a comment on this entry, by January 4th 2007 .. and you’ll be entered to win .. it’s that simple! I may decide to give away additional lil supply kits too should the turn out be big enough! International Folks are more then welcome to play too!

Winner will be drawn on January 5th 2007.

Winners from the last contest, I finally got your kits out! Keep your eyes on the mail!

FREE EPHEMERA & IMAGES!

 

I uploaded 30 or so new vintage images for y’all to download, and use in your art.. Happy Holidays!

Remember, my Collage Images group has over 4,000 free images for you to get, and share!

I’M  GOING AWAY!

From Wednesday, 12/27 through Wednesday 1/3 .. please be patient as I won’t have access to email etc daily.

Finally a holiday I won’t spend alone this year! Yippee!

NEW YEAR’S SPECIALS!

Offers between my stores, can’t be combined, Sorry!

At Covet Me (My Ebay Altered Art & Collage Supply Store)

This deal is valid on purchases made & paid for from Wednesday, Dec 27th 2006 through Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007. You MUST let me know you want the New Year’s Special to receive it! Totals do not include shipping price, valid on merchandise total only.Purchase $10.00 worth of merchandise and receive…

5 Free Collage Sheets

Purchase $20.00 worth of merchandise and receive…

7 Free Collage Sheets or 15 Yards of luxurious fibers — Your Choice!

Purchase $30.00 worth of merchandise and receive...15 Free Collage Sheets or 30 Yards of Luxurious Fibers – Your Choice!

One Free Holiday Ornament

Purchase $50.00 worth of merchandise and receive…

20 Free Collage Sheets and 30 Yards of Luxurious Fibers

One Free Holiday Ornament!

At My Etsy Store:

Purchase any of my artwork available, and I’ll custom create an original ACEO just for you when I return! Valid On Artwork bought, and paid for Through January 2nd, 2007. ACEO will be shipped separately, with 6 weeks from purchase date. Tell me you want the Blog ACEO deal to get it!

Here’s the newest pieces added that haven’t sold (others are on there as well) to see all my new works, check out my flickr page.

 

“Days Gone By” June 2006
6″ x 6″ x 3/4″ on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
One of a Kind Mixed Media Collage and Painting
By Raleigh, NC Artist
~Chrysti~
On Etsy

 

“Indulgence of the Soul”
May 2006 8″ x 8″ on Canvas – Art Squared
One of a Kind Mixed Media Collage and Painting
By Raleigh, NC Artist
~Chrysti~
Read more about this piece here
On Etsy

 

“Love One Another” – On Etsy
4″ x 6″ Mixed Media & Collage OSWOA
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist Chrysti

 

“Bathed By Mist” – On Etsy
4″ x 6″ Mixed Media & Collage OSWOA
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist Chrysti

 

“Cherish the Moment” – On Etsy
4″ x 6″ Mixed Media & Collage OSWOA
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist Chrysti

 

“A Meditative Joy” – On Etsy
4″ x 6″ Mixed Media & Collage OSWOA
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist Chrysti

And the free matching avatar deal I told you about yesterday is still valid on any of the ETSY banners you purchase!

Whew — this entry took a lil over 2.5 hours to do… ikes!

Have a fantastic New Year everybody!

Chrysti

Crabby Chrysti, Not so Crabby Art

 

  “Character” – On Ebay
4″ x 4″ Mixed Media & Collage Art Squared
By Raleigh, NC Mixed Media Artist Chrysti

 “You know it’s a bad day when you put your bra on backwards and it fits better.”

Initially, this post was going to be one long rant — but I thought better of it. It was one of those god-i-wish-i-never-rolled-outta-bed kind of days, and my attitude, well… suffice it to say, it’s anything but positive. BUT rather then bore you with a middle school tantrum, informing y’all of how right I am, and how wrong everyone else is .. I am just going to surf some blogs, look at photos at flickr, and go create .. and hope to put a spin on this nasty mood I’m in.

 

 

  “Exist in Equilibrium” – On Ebay
4″ x 4″ Mixed Media & Collage Art Squared
By Raleigh, NC Mixed Media Artist Chrysti

“On a bad day, I have mood swings – but on a good day, I have the whole mood playground”
~Charles Rosenblum

Really, what’s it matter if I can’t catch a break today right? It’s one day out of a lifetime of them, and maybe tomorrow it’ll be my turn to win…. (and if not, look out world! ha!)

 

 

  “The Best is Yet to Come” – On Ebay
2.5″ x 3.5″ Mixed Media & Collage ACEO ATC
By Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

So, yeah… ummm… after that minute-lil-long-winded way of saying I’m really, very, very crabby.. I’m showing ya my newest pieces for sale  — I’d like to see any marketing genius top that for a sales pitch. Really, don’t be scared, I promise not to bite your heads off or anything… I was in much better moods when these were created, and will be when I send them! Promise!

 

  “When You Smile” – On Ebay
4″ x 6″ Mixed Media & Collage OSWOA
By Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

By the way, My auction offer still stands from the other day:

  SPECIAL!! Be the first bidder, and if you win.. and tell  me you saw this deal in my blog  — and an embellishment or  ephemera pack – your choice!

And yep — if you are the first bidder, and win, on multiple auctions.. you get one for every piece you score!

Looking for an even better deal on top of that? Check out this week’s MEGA Holiday Sale Package!

 

“Steady Joy” – On Ebay
4″ x 6″ Mixed Media & Collage OSWOA
By Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

 

“B, Bird” – On Ebay
4″ x 6″ Mixed Media & Collage OSWOA
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist Chrysti

 

“The Winter Noon” – On Ebay
4″ x 4″ Mixed Media & Collage Art Squared
By Raleigh, NC Mixed Media Artist Chrysti

     “Most of the time it was probably real bad being stuck down in a dungeon. But some days, when there was a bad storm outside, you’d look out your  little window and think, “Boy, I’m glad I’m not out in that.””
  ~ Jack Handy

  Chrysti

P.S.  Don’t think the irony on the topics in these pieces vs. my mood is lost on me. Must be the universe’s way of reminding me to get over it already, which frankly, I find annoying right now! Hmmph!

We have a winner! Is it you?

Thanks so much for the HUGE turnout on my Magazine Alphabet Collage Giveaway last week! I’ve decided, to do this more often, and already have another piece in mind for next week.. details this weekend I hope.

 

Using randomizer.. .. I counted each entry, as the comment number… I thought this was the fairest way to select a winner…

The Winner is….

Drum roll Pelase…

# 51!! – Chel!

Please Email me with your address!

Should she not contact me, the runners up are as follows..

# 106 –Kathy Parks , #86 Jan, #9 Judi Markel, #53 AJ

Would you all also contact me, as I’ll send you some art goodies as consolation prizes! I wish I could send them to everyone to entered… but please, keep trying, maybe next time will be your chance!

If you don’t want to miss a chance on my future drawings.. subscribe to my blog, so you get notified via email when I update :-)

 

Thanks again everyone for playing!

 

Yes! More Free Images for you all!

 I added around 30 new vintage images for you to use in your artwork — as always, free! For close to 5,000 more copyright free collage images.. join the flickr group I run .. Collage Images!I have close to 400 here as well.

New Art Here!

I know have been horrid at listing art for sale recently, and I never expected to receive SO many comments about it! It really touches me, and continues to encourage me that y’all enjoy it so much. I began listing today, I have a huge stack of art I’ve created over the last few months, to list.. and hope to add a few a day, until I get them all listed. Here’s what I have up so far.. not much, as it’s just been today that I started photographing, listing etc :-) A few ACEO’s, and OSWOA pieces.

As always, click the photos to see them open in a new window.. if for whatever the links don’t work.. you can see them also by going directly to my ebay store or etsy store in some cases.

SPECIAL!! Be the first bidder, and if you win.. and tell me you saw this deal in my blog  — and an embellishment or ephemera pack – your choice!

 

 

I am   Magnificent –For   Sale Here! 
  One of a Kind Collectible Art Card (ACEO) 
  2.5″ x 3.5″ 
  by Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

 

Live, Laugh, Love –For   Sale Here! 
  One of a Kind Collectible Hanging Art Card (ACEO) 
  2.5″ x 3.5″ 
  by Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

 

 

Mom’s an Artist –For   Sale Here! 
  One of a Kind Collectible Hanging Art Card (ACEO) 
  2.5″ x 3.5″ 
  by Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

 

“A Great Effort ” For Sale Here!
4″ x 6″ on 140lb. Watercolor Paper Postcard 
An Original, One of a Kind, Mixed Media Collage & Painting
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist ~Chrysti~    

 

“Chance to be Wiser ”  For Sale Here!
4″ x 6″ on 140lb. Watercolor Paper Postcard 
An Original, One of a Kind, Mixed Media Collage & Painting
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist ~Chrysti~    

“Nature ”  On Etsy !
Altered Shipping Tag Art
An Original, One of a Kind, Mixed Media Piece
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist ~Chrysti~ 

I appreciate any bids … and feedback on these pieces! Now back to finish my bird pieces ( 4 left to do!) , then hopefully list some more ! Happy Friday!

Chrysti

Yoohoo! Here I Am!

Really, don’t send out a posse for me! Since the return of my trip, I’ve been rushing around like mad, trying to get everything I need finished, prior to my surgery next Wednesday! On top of that, my computer is giving me even more grief.. I have to reboot almost every 10 minutes.. it’s near impossible to get anything done.

I am back to having over 700 emails that need replies, I’m slowly working my way through them all, if I haven’t’ gotten to it yet — I promise I will soon.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I won’t ever be able to write a blog entry daily, time most likely will never permit that…so my new goal is to post on it daily, even if it’s a photograph I’ve taken, or something else I’d like to highlight.. and still having my longer, more personal entries as I can. Sure beats not posting at all eh?

With all that being said.. here’s my version, of a quick, mini update, to all that’s been happening in my world recently.

 

My artwork is featured on EBSQ’s main page right now! I think it will be all month long as well… how amazing is that! In the vast sea of talent there.. somehow, my piece was found & chosen! You should have seen the look on my face yesterday when I realized it!

Speaking of being featured.. I’m honored that my blog has been chosen as the featured Indie blog of the month at Indie-O-Rama! Have you seen this new site yet? It’s a wonderful new site — you won’t be disappointed as you browse around.. go on, look already!

 

I had a fabulous time on my short trip to Paradise Island — it is SPECTACULAR there. (I’m so grateful this was all expenses paid though! It’s expensive!) I urge you, to save, and plan a trip to Atlantis at least once in your lifetime.. trust me, you won’t regret it. I uploaded some photos of it here, come see! I’ll be adding more soon.

 

My old camera basically died, I broke down and got a new one yesterday… a Canon Powershot A630, so far so good! I’ve really enjoyed taking photos with it! Here’s a few of my favorites so far. Photography is a fantastic creative outlet for me, when time doesn’t permit me to get in my art studio! I’d encourage everyone to try it — you’ll learn to retrain your eye, and how you see things .. which has an amazing effect within your artwork.

News on My Sites..

I think I’m breaking down, and hiring someone to finish The Altered Abbey, until my computer starts being agreeable.. I just can’t make headway on it. It’s primarily, the shopping cart I need help with – Oscommerce to be exact.. any of y’all do this? Drop me a line if you do!

In the meantime, keep checking Covet Me for some awesome supplies — I’ll have some great Christmas Ornaments up soon!

Try It Tuesdays will be back up & running after I’m healed form my surgery :-) Keep sending me tutorials.. the more I have upfront, the easier it will be for me to keep it up weekly –I’m doing them up ahead of time! This will be great exposure for anyone who participates!

I am going to be updating the links on my blog here.. MUCH needed revamp. If I dont’ have your link up, please drop me a line.. and I’ll add it in as well :-)

Whew.. that was a mouthful! And yet, I’m sure I forgot something!

Have a beautiful autumn day! -Chrysti

A Whole Lotta Art Goin On Here

 

“Fills His Song” –SOLD
  4″ x 6″ on 140lb. Watercolor Paper Postcard 
  An Original, One of a Kind, Mixed Media Collage & Painting
  By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist ~Chrysti~  

Woah. Tons of Stuff to update y’all on today.. so I’ll try to make it quick, and painless. (Have I mentioned I really miss having the time to sit down, and just write out a blog entry? I’m long overdue on that.) I’ll be continuing my art room organization series again soon, I just haven’t had a chance to take the rest of the photos for it, but I’m looking forward to sharing. If you dig around my past entries, you’ll see some of it.

Between these toothaches, emails, orders, preparing for the surgery, the websites I’m trying to finish, and my trip next week.. I just haven’t had any free time.. and find myself fighting the balance I had finally started to create within my life. Ah well, it isn’t permanent — and thank heavens!

MEGA SALE & SPECIAL – 2 DAYS LEFT!

Added a bunch of new items so far this week — more to come tonight, and tomorrow.. wholesale lots, vintage paper dolls, embellishments, and a whole lot more.. just go take a peek .. don’t forget about the mega sale, with tons of freebies! Read this post here for details!

 

“100% Authentic”- One of a Kind – April 2006
Mixed Media Painting & Collage
8″ x 10″ on Canvas -SOLD!
 By: Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist Chrysti

NEWS!! NEWS!! EXTRA EXTRA!!

I’m featured on Artella’s Daily Newspaper today.. The Daily Muse. It’s the ARTitorial, a reprint of an old blog entry I had done, odd … because how I feel today? Well, I could have written that now. Kinda eerie if you think about it. Maybe it’s the whole Friday the 13th Mojo going on…hmm…

 

MORE FREE VINTAGE IMAGES!!

I added a bunch of new vintage images at flickr today — these are free for you to use in your artwork, all are in the public domain .. for close to 4,000 more free images–join my collage images group today! Always Free!

ACEO AUCTIONS – ENDING SOON!

Don’t miss on your chance to bid! All ending in the next couple o’ days. All go towards my dental fund..heck, everything does right now!

 

 

Terms of Endearment –For Sale Here!
One of a Kind Collectible Art Card (ACEO)
2.5″ x 3.5″
by Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

 

 

My Story –For Sale Here!
One of a Kind Collectible Art Card (ACEO)
2.5″ x 3.5″
by Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

 

 

Old Friend-For Sale Here!
One of a Kind Collectible Art Card (ACEO)
2.5″ x 3.5″
by Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

 

Cat-For Sale Here!
One of a Kind Collectible Art Card (ACEO)
2.5″ x 3.5″
by Raleigh, NC Altered Artist Chrysti

NEW 4″ x 6″ OOAK Pieces!!

Oddly enough — I created these before hearing about this newest art movement ..OSWOA. Thrilled they fit in,i took the plunge and signed on up.. won’t you join me?

These are some of my favorite pieces that I have created in a long while.. they have so much of .. well .. me .. within them. I think you’ll be pleased as well. I love working with animal photos, and I truly do hope it shows. I’d love your feedback on these .. fire those comments away! I love when i can feel my style slightly shifting, defining itself.. and growing. It usually signifies my own self growth as well.

 

“Story of Courage” September 2006 
4″ x 6″ on 140lb. Watercolor Paper Postcard 
An Original, One of a Kind, Mixed Media Collage & Painting
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist ~Chrysti~ 
On Etsy or On E-Bay

 

“No Hurry” September 2006 
4″ x 6″ on 140lb. Watercolor Paper Postcard 
An Original, One of a Kind, Mixed Media Collage & Painting
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist ~Chrysti~
On E-Bay — ENDS SOON!

 

 

“Adore Life” September 2006 
4″ x 6″ on 140lb. Watercolor Paper Postcard
An Original, One of a Kind, Mixed Media Collage &Painting
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist ~Chrysti~
-SOLD

 

“Treasures of the Heart”  September 2006 
4″ x 6″ on 140lb. Watercolor Paper Postcard 
An Original, One of a Kind, Mixed Media Collage & Painting 
By Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist ~Chrysti~ 
-SOLD

Whew, that was a mouthful.. sadly, I feel as if I’m forgetting something…so I just may be back tonight! Now I’m off to E-bay to list!

In Art We Trust -Chrysti