These are the front and back covers of my 1st swatch book that I made in Kelly's class last weekend. I actually made 3 books, but am currently working in only 1. I have to really concentrate and not allow myself to be distracted from this current book because it would be very easy to jump into the other 2 and work from 1 book to another. DISCIPLINE!

I have had this image for several years. I got it from Sarah Fishburn (1 of my favorite artists) through a swap that I participated in. I like how the background papers seem to pick up the colors of the object the young woman is carrying over her head. I especially like the pinks and reds that are so prominent.

I worked with packing tape, stickers, and rick rack on these pages. On the page to the right, I let some of the original paper peek through it.

It was an extremely busy week. We are only 3 weeks from moving into the new school. After moving in, there are about 5 weeks before the new school year starts. Time is just flying! I was reminded of that yesterday when we received the calendar of upcoming principals' meetings for the new year. Ridiculous that we are getting this in July since we just had our last meeting of the previous school year in June, but there the calendar loomed over us!

As busy as it has been these last 3 months, I am trying to squeeze in a little "me" time, as well as "we" time! Last night, we watched a really wonderful movie called, "Born into Brothels", which I would highly recommend.

Here are 2 more pages in my love journal. It was a very busy holiday weekend! I had a lot going on @ home and with my family. Still, I managed to squeeze in some "me" time, which lately, is not much. On Saturday, I got an opportunity to take Kelly's "Swatches" class and I LOVED it! It was great to see Kelly and actually catch-up a bit too! So much did I enjoy this class, that every moment I have had time to steal these last few days, I have been working on 1 of the 3 books I created in the class. Early in the class, Kelly said, "These little books are addictive!" They sure as hell are! So addictive, that I completed 14 pages in my 1st book and I have another 18 pages left in it! For now, my love journal is on hold. These little books are SO easy to work in because they are so small and portable that I want to complete this little guy before I move back to my love journal! I even have some ideas for books I want to make as gifts for some very special people. Although it's only July, Christmas is right around the corner again... I will be posting my little swatch book pages soon.

Here are 2 more pages in the book I am currently working in. I am looking forward to the long, holiday weekend! It has been an exhausting 3 months! Not only am I looking forward to catching up on my sleep and spending time with my family, but I am taking Kelly's "Swatches" (finally!) class this weekend! YES! Not only do I get a chance to take an art class, but more importantly, I get to catch-up with my dear friend and truly talented artist, Kelly!