It's a Marshmallow World

"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey,
and enjoy every idle hour. "
- John Boswell

I think this little girl is certainly enjoying her winter!

This latest piece is available as an A4 size print or as a greeting card. The original piece is done in a mixture of water colours, prisma markers, prisma coloured pencils and inks. This would make a lovely card or momento for a sister, daughters, or a special friend.

All artwork is printed on A4 sized Somerset enhanced Archival 100% cotton paper. Cards are 6 inches by 4 inches and mounted on linen textured card, left blank inside, waiting for your own personal message to be inscribed. Printed in Archival pigment inks. Feel free to contact me on mariealicejoan at aol dot com to find out more.

Hop, Skip and Jump!

Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to particpate in a blog hop sponsored by the people at Sugar Nellie. They are a British Company that manufactures rubber stamps. My friend Diane, from Duda Daze is an artist for them. I was lucky enough to have been sent one of her stamps from Sugar Nellie and the challenge was to come up with a greeting card using the stamp that was sent.

I was so pleased to have received a stamp of one of my favourite pieces of Diane's. Diane is the Goddess of Froggies and little girls, I was so thrilled to get this one in particular!



This was a real challenge for me. I am used to making cards using my own artwork, but to use someone else's, well that just did not come easy.

I took out my scrap papers and inks and markers and went to work the other afternoon, and this is what I came up with.



I found this sticker that I had had for some time and it just seemed to fit in with the theme of this stamp. What do you think?

I then went for some matching background colours, matching marker colours to colour in the image and I also found some cute ratafia ribbons in colours that matched, and this is the final produce of my creativity!



I do have to say that I enjoy painting my own pictures more, but this was kind of fun for a change.

Hop on over to Joey's page and let her know I sent you. She is the next one in line and I know she'd appreciate you hopping on over to her page.

Now, back to the drawing board. There hasn't been alot of art going on here at Oak Cottage lately. I've been really busy at work, but then . . . some weeks are just like that!

(Sorry for the poor quality of my scan, because of the ribbons on the card I could not get it to lay flat and so it's a bit dull!)

Celebrate!

Yesterday is but a reflection
Today is now
Tommorrow
is a bonus.
~Jim Billingsley






This latest piece is available as an A4 size print or as a greeting card. The original piece is done in a mixture of water colours, prisma markers, prisma coloured pencils and inks. This would make a lovely card or momento for a sister, daughters, or a special frien





All artwork is printed on A4 sized Somerset enhanced Archival 100% cotton paper. Cards are 6 inches by 4 inches and mounted on linen textured card, left blank inside, waiting for your own personal message to be inscribed. Printed in Archival pigment inks. Feel free to contact me on mariealicejoan at aol dot com to find out more.



Life is a precious gift from above . . . Celebrate!!!

Life Made Us Sisters, Love Made Us Friends

My sister and I have always been really close. She was the very first friend I ever remember having. Sure, we used to fight a lot when we were teenagers . . . you know, about things like clothes and makeup . . . nothing too serious. When it came right down to the line . . . we supported each other in everything. When my last marriage broke up, my sister was the only one who was there for me, supporting me. I love her to pieces. Life made us sisters, but love indeed made us friends.



This latest piece is available as an A4 size print or as a greeting card. The original piece is done in a mixture of water colours, prisma markers, prisma coloured pencils and inks. This would make a lovely card or momento for a sister, daughters, or a special friend.



All artwork is printed on A4 sized Somerset enhanced Archival 100% cotton paper. Cards are 6 inches by 4 inches and mounted on linen textured card, left blank inside, waiting for your own personal message to be inscribed. Printed in Archival pigment inks. Feel free to contact me on mariealicejoan at aol dot com to find out more.



Life Made Us Sisters, Love Made Us Friends . . .

One Starry Night

Which of us as a child of the 50's and 60's did not experience the joy of being able to participate in our school or churche's annual Nativity Play. I was lucky in that they were still being done when my older children were at school and even today the local village church does one at Christmas time which Todd and I like to go down and watch.



They are charming affairs . . . the little boys dressed up in their bathrobes, with mother's tea towels draped atop their heads and tied into place . . . the little girls with their long dressed and blanket head gear, the angels with their gilt wings tied into place. It's all so very lovely and
helps to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas and God's special gift to the world one starry night, a long time ago . . .





This latest piece is available as an A4 size print or as a greeting card. The original piece is done in a mixture of water colours, prisma markers, prisma coloured pencils and inks, with a painted scrap paper star accent. This would make a lovely card or momento for a special friend, child, grandchild, or other loved one.

All artwork is printed on A4 sized Somerset enhanced Archival 100% cotton paper. Cards are 6 inches by 4 inches and mounted on linen textured card, left blank inside, waiting for your own personal message to be inscribed. Printed in Archival pigment inks. Feel free to contact me on mariealicejoan at aol dot com to find out more.


One Starry Night . . .

Birthday Joy

What could be more exciting than getting a whole stack of beautifully wrapped gifts for your birthday???

Perhaps getting a lovely little birthday card filled with love and a message of Joy!!!



This latest piece is available as an A4 size print or as a greeting card. The original piece is done in a mixture of water colours, prisma markers, prisma coloured pencils and inks. This would make a lovely gift for a special friend, child, grandchild, or other loved one.







All artwork is printed on A4 sized Somerset enhanced Archival 100% cotton paper. Cards are 6 inches by 4 inches and mounted on linen textured card, left blank inside, waiting for your own personal message to be inscribed. Printed in Archival pigment inks. Feel free to contact me on mariealicejoan at aol dot com to find out more.

Birthday Joy!

The Apology

To err is human
To forgive takes restraint;
To forget you forgave,
is the mark of a saint.
~Unknown




Sometimes it's just so hard to say you're sorry. The words just don't seem to come or they seem so inadequate. Here's a little card that might help saying I'm sorry to be just that little bit easier, or at least break the ice . . . .


This latest piece is available as an A4 size print or as a greeting card. The original piece is done in a mixture of water colours, prisma markers, prisma coloured pencils and inks. This would make a lovely gift for a special friend, child, grandchild, or other loved one.




All artwork is printed on A4 sized Somerset enhanced Archival 100% cotton paper. Cards are 6 inches by 4 inches and mounted on linen textured card, left blank inside, waiting for your own personal message to be inscribed. Printed in Archival pigment inks. Feel free to contact me on mariealicejoan at aol dot com to find out more.



I can also put sentiments on the front of the card for those who wish it that way. Any font, any colour, and any sentiments. Just let me know what you would like.