Phinney Show this weekend!

If its the first weekend in December, then it must be time for the annual Phinney Winter Festival...its a fabulous artisan show in Seattle...115 artists, live music, food and plenty of holiday cheer - what's not to love!

This is the 14th year that I'm participating in this show...I've got to say that its one of my favorites...not only for the new friends I meet as well as connecting with old acquaintances, but I get to finish up my holiday gift shopping...I'm a big supporter of buy local, buy handmade.

In addition to my original mixed media art collages, I'll have plenty of affordable gift items too...

Hot off the press, these folded notecards with fabulous vintage images...

Art tags that can adorn a gift, enliven a bulletin board or even be a bookmark...

Collage journals, all one of a kind...a place to record thoughts, remember ideas, start 
that first novel or just keep a list of anything you like...

Hope that you'll stop by and say hello...I'm in the Blue Building on the second floor...introduce yourself and tell me you read about the show on either my blog, my Facebook page or Instagram and there will be a free gift for you!

Holiday Greetings in my etsy shop!

With the turn of the calendar page...its now officially the holiday season!
I've just listed these 6 designs available in my etsy shop...
use them as a quick holiday greeting, a friendly postcard wish, a festive tag for a package 
or punch a hole in the top and hang as an impromptu ornament...
'tis the season!

Liberate your Art!

This is the first year that I am participating in the international postcard swap called "Liberate Your Art".  Created and coordinated by artist Kat Sloma, it's an opportunity to get your art out in the world and in return, get original art mailed back to you.

In Kat's own words, here's the idea behind it-

• To encourage artists to learn how to reproduce their artwork. Many people create original work, but don't take the next step to reproduce their work to share. I would like you to learn how easy it is to create the postcards if you haven't done this before.

• To encourage connection between artists of different mediums from around the world.  Regardless of the medium we create in, we are all artists! I believe we have more inspiration for creation as we explore diversity in art and culture. Personal connections between artists enhance our art.

• To encourage sharing of art with others. If you love to create but have a fear of sharing your work, this is a safe way to start. You can get your work out there in the swap, even without your name attached. Sometimes taking that little step is enough to push past long-held fears!

• To give you some fun, happy mail! There is nothing better than visiting the letter box to find some wonderful piece of mail, is there? For a few weeks, you will receive pieces of art and encouragement from your fellow swap participants in the mail. It's just plain fun!

Last Friday I got my postcards rounded up and mailed out to Kat...I even embellished the envelope with a little creative touch...

It's not too late to join in if you are interested...the deadline to get your art postcards to Kat is March 14...

get all the details on participating here...

Because really...don't you just love getting real mail...so much better than bills!

Spring Cleaning

I know it is spring now because the tulips are coming up...and though I wish it was a little warmer, I have bid adieu to winter...and have begun to lighten up with a little spring cleaning...

In the process, I decided that my Etsy shop needed a little spring cleaning...and a bit of lightening up...so starting today, I am having a SALE at my shop on my mixed-media medley boxes and my vintage tin collages...all of them are one of a kind...so when they are gone, they're gone!

In addition...I have added 6 new card designs...and one new variety set...4 flat notecards with a different design on each card...I feel that my photographic collages on these cards reflect the lighter mood of the season...

And I have permanently reduced the price of my 4 card sets to $6!  That's a 20% savings to you!

So hop on over - click here
see what you like...place your order...
and if you let me know that you read my blog, I'll include a bonus gift for you...

From the heart

Though I'm a firm believer in sending a note anytime to let someone know I care...Valentine's Day is the perfect day to send messages of love...

Whether its for a sweetheart...or a dear friend...or a cherished family member, why not send a simple note letting them know that they are thought of and appreciated...

I have three new vintage art cards in my etsy shop...simple images on which to write your greetings...
each design is packaged in a set of 4 flat notecards...

"friendship hearts"

"two hearts"

"pink camellia"

I also have variety sets...4 flat notecards, 4 different designs...
I like this set for Valentine's Day...fresh, pink, hint of spring...

Get all the details...
and order information at my etsy shop, 
www.etsy.com/shop/fourcornersdesign

Mention that you read my blog when you order and I'll throw in a bonus gift for you...a little love for everyone!

A turn of the page

And with the turn of the page...it is now November...and plans begin for the holidays ahead...

I don't like to rush the seasons...Thanksgiving never seems to get enough attention...but sometimes a little
pre-planning is necessary...which is why, starting today, you will find holiday cards in my etsy shop.

New this year...a packet of 4 folded notecards...
just the right size to send a special note...
or tie onto a present for a favorite friend.

Ordering information and details at

www.etsy.com/shop/fourcornersdesign

In the weeks ahead, I be adding in a few more new designs...I'll keep you posted...

An unconventional wrap

No surprise...I like to wrap presents...but not in any conventional manner...

I prefer the outside of the gift to reflect what the inside holds...this recent recycled journal that I created on commission was designed for a woman who remodels old houses and loves rusty things...a sheet from a set of blueprint plans was the perfect paper...encircled with a length of ancient fabric drywall tape and secured with linen twine...

The roll of very old fabric drywall tape is one of those lucky finds that I am metering out its use...this is the reason why I always go to the basement and garage first at any estate sale...while all the guys are pawing over the tools, I am hunting for those remainders that are of no use to anyone currently...but provide creative fodder.  In this day and age, no one would use cloth drywall tape for seaming...there's all sorts of composite materials that are stronger and more durable...so this roll sat in the corner...until I came along and snatched it up...

I also like to include the card as part of the package...one of my vintage art cards with the announcement of "JUNK" was the ideal tag...with a hole punched at each end, its easy to knot the twine to keep it all secure...








Wanting some of those "JUNK" cards for your own...newly listed in my etsy shop, you can find all the details here...

and if you mention you read about the cards on my blog, I'll throw in a bonus prize with your order...












I'm taking a few days off and visiting my sister...but you can follow my antics on Instagram (user name fourcornersdesign) or my four corners design Facebook page...

Hoping all of you have a fabulous fall weekend!

A holiday teaser

All the signs are here...the increased frequency of images on Pinterest that are red and green...the sparkle and lights of the displays at work...the planning is underway...and though I am loathe to jump on the bandwagon, I do understand that preparation is necessary...

Christmas is coming...I spent the weekend writing a holiday article for an upcoming magazine issue and ordering art cards from my printer...I'll give you a little teaser here of what the holidays will bring at four corners design...this year's theme will use leather and lace and a touch of red sealing wax...

But that's it for now...let's not get too far ahead...
remember to enjoy the present moment...the here and now...go out and make the most of today...

Spring fever

I don't know what it is about this year...winter just seems so long...its not as if we've had a tough time...
really no snow to speak of...but cold...and gray...and damp...

I've been working on new vintage art card designs...some with a fresh, springlike view...like these...

A high-res reproduction of one of my collages...combining vintage ephemera with found objects...4 flat notecards in a set...perfect to mail in the enclosed envelope...send as a postcard...use as a gift tag...frame as a mini art print...so versatile!

Pop over to my etsy shop, fourcornersdesign, to get all the details...and place an order...use the code SPRINGFEVER when you check-out to get 20% off your order until March 20 (the first day of spring!)

And now there's a link to my etsy shop on my four corners design Facebook page...just look for the "SHOP" button at the top of the page, right underneath my picture banner...

Sending a hand written note...to let someone know that you're thinking about them...a simple gesture...spread a little sun while we wait for spring...do it today...

Ahead of the curve

I know, I know...it seems too early for Christmas...but, I've got to stay ahead of the curve...
so you are the first to see my 2012 Holiday card...available now in my etsy shop...

I always figure that if I get my cards early then I'll have plenty of time to write a small note and get them in the mail before December 25...yes, I am a firm believer of sending "real" cards...not those online ones with singing santas...or those behemoth updates that chronicle the entire year...but a simple card that lets faraway friends & family know that I am thinking of them...

And just for you, my faithful blog readers...I'm offering free shipping...not only on my holiday cards, but on your entire order...those card sets make great stocking stuffers or hostess gifts.  Just make sure you enter PREHOLIDAY 2012 when you place your order... it will ask if you have any coupon codes...

If you have any questions or special requests, feel free to email me!

Spring fever!

Even though the rest of the country is experiencing Spring...here in the Pacific NW, we seem to be stuck...not really winter...but not really spring either. 

But that doesn't deter me from having spring fever...and to celebrate this first day of Spring, I'm having a Spring Fever Sale at my etsy shop!

8 spring-themed vintage art cards are on sale at 20% off (since its march 20!) through the end of the week...no special codes to enter...the price of $6 for a set of 4 flat note cards already reflects the 20% discount from the regular price of $7.50 per set.

So if you aren't too busy smelling the daffodils...head over to my etsy shop and get your fill of Spring and start sending springtime notes to all your friends...you gotta feed that fever!

A dream & a wish

In 1999, I started my company, four corners design.  Though I had enjoyed my 20+ years in non-profit management, it was time for a change...a time to pursue the dream I had of living an artist's life.  At that time I was handcrafting notecards, combining found objects with materials usually allocated to the waste bin.  Using a square as my primary design motif, I sewed each card, combining an eco-friendly approach with a modern touch. 

Fast forward to 2011...four corners design still exists but I don't handcraft each card anymore...and I don't do just notecards.  There have been trials and tribulations, highs and hallelujahs...but most of all I believed that I had a unique view to share...and all I really wished for was a chance to show it off.

I leave for Atlanta today to Pitch my Product (vintage art cards) to Country Living Magazine...it will be a great experience, whatever happens...because I pursued my dream and got my wish...everything else is gravy!

So in a nod to my dream and my wish, I have two new art cards for sale at my etsy shop...

Until the end of October, there's free shipping if you order either (or both!)...just enter DREAM2011 when you place your order.

Here's to your dreams and wishes...

A shift in seasons

Now it is officially autumn...you can feel a change in the air...a difference in the light of day...
the wind blows in anticipation of what's ahead...

I collected this leaf on a recent morning walk...autumn brown is creeping around the edges of summer green...this leaf study is one of my new art card designs...available soon for sale in my etsy shop.

And speaking of art cards (and winds of change)...I am pleased that I have been invited to "Pitch my Product" to Country Living Magazine...in Atlanta...in October...and its happening concurrently with the Country Living Fair...so of course I am flying in early to spend a day junking before I make my presentation...can't wait!

Linking up to Mosaic Monday at Little Red House...I'm sure others will have signs of autumn among their pics...

Grand re-Opening!

"create" notecard

After months of procrastinating, I finally have (re)opened my etsy shop - fourcornersdesign

I made a feeble attempt at this etsy thing about 4 years ago, but didn't know what I was doing so I let it go.  This time I did my homework...and now I'm ready!

This will be the place where not only will you find my vintage-inspired stationery and notecards, but original multi-media art collages and one-of-a-kind junk inspired creations.  I'm starting with 12 lovely sets of notecards but will adding more items on a regular basis.

To kick off this Grand Event, I'm giving all of my blog readers free shipping for the month of August! 

Its easy as one, two, three...

ONE - visit my esty shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/fourcornersdesign

TWO - decide which set (or multiple sets!) of cards you must have to send out simple thank you notes or quick hellos...so easy and much more personal than email...

THREE - enter 811FREESHIP when you place your order to receive the free shipping offer.

There's an etsy icon on the right column of my blog that will take you direct to my shop with one click of your mouse.

And if you have any questions or requests, please feel free to email me.

Happy Shopping!

Progress

Its been a productive week...getting new pieces finished for my upcoming art show, Fresh Paint.  Here's a sampling of what I call my "inspiration squares"...a digital reprint of one of my photos mounted on a painted cedar fence cap with a background of original vintage paper...using anything from old dictionary pages to scraps of antique maps to snippets of wallpaper gives each square its uniqueness...

and speaking of inspiration...thanks to those few who gave me ideas on what to do for inspiration on my if you had 5 days and $1000 post...it only seems right to send out something special to each of them...a packet of my notecards...using the same designs pictured above.  So Jane and Jenifer - send me your snail mail address so I can pop these packets in the mail to each of you.  Jenell - I already have your address...you'll be getting a packet too.

BTW...still don't know what I'm going to do...but I'll keep you posted...