New Beginnings at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Every day is a new beginning, and this is especially true at Ike's World Challenge Blog, where a new challenge inaugurates a New year. New Beginnings is the challenge theme, and my inspiration came from this Ike's Art digi image called Crystal Ball, and the fact that most of us would like a tiny peek at what's ahead for us this year.
While 2015 ended on a sour note for me and my family, I am learning that the future is what you make of it. You need an optimistic outlook, a positive attitude, a keen eye for opportunities that pop up, courage to snatch those opportunities, and a grateful heart. With these as my weapons, I can just let go and Believe that Good things are on their Way, as my crystal ball shows us all.
I am also back to mixed media canvas. I haven't pulled out all the bells and whistles for a while, but it's a new year and I'm ready to begin again. My canvas is 7x7 inches, covered in patterned papers from my stash. The top layer is chalked,while the image is colored with Copics. I printed the sentiment onto transparency paper after chalking the misty innards of my future forecaster, and the year is created with stickers.
The rest is tchochki that I've collected throughout 2015. Broken jewelry, miscellaneous charms, leftover buttons and brads, even parts of a patterned card stock border. I love the freedom of mixed media, don't you? Have you ever tried it? You don't have to paint or Mod Podge a canvas - try making a card and throwing on embellishments that aren't standard crafting supplies.
Pinterest and YouTube are great places to inspire your new adventures. And link up with Ike's World Challenge blog this week with whatever card or project you decide to create. We'd love to see your art!

Challenges I am Entering:

Love to Scrap- New Beginnings

Our Crafty Corner - Anything Goes

2 Creative Chicks - ANything Goes

Rhedd's Creative Spirit - Anything Mixed Media Goes

365 Days of Fun!

I just finished a New Year's present for my daughter-in-law.  I started it before Christmas, but because it uses 12 layouts plus some additional embellishing, it took me longer than I thought it would.
I made her a calendar for 2013.  Each month shows off a layout.  Some layouts already have photos on them; others are open and ready for new ones.  She's a scrapbooker, too, so there might even be a page or two that she can work "from the first layer of cardstock up".  I wanted something (besides my son) to remind her of me and the fun we have together when we craft.  Here are some more pages from the calendar:

Now that it's finished, I wish I had made two of each page, so I could keep a calendar for myself!!  Oh, well, live and learn!