My first go at making homemade postcards and farther exploring the use of mixed media and different elements to make up a whole. I made the first one and then realized that the prompt specified altered book birds, so I continued in that vein.

Smashbook pages

So I joined a smashbook page swap. I've never made any sort of smashbook. Though, one could argue that my wall of emphemera is it's own sort of smashwall.

Once I wrapped my head around the concept....I came up with the idea that empty smashbook pages are a lot like empty journal art pages. You set up the
theme and the person can add whatever.

The theme of the swap was "This is the time for...." and then we had to come up with four different words/themes for each of the pages. I think I did pretty well considering I'd never tried anything like this before.

These first four are back/front on two separate pages.

While these last four are done with one larger page folded in half to create a folio.

Funny. I accidentally put all the pictures of the interactive pages on the right.

The Juggler--ATCs

Here are my two ATCs for a swap themed "Circus series--The Juggler". I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do, but I think they turned out pretty fun. If I were to receive the one on the right, I would probably keep it in my collection!

Burn an ATC Round 2

                                                  The parameters were that
some part of the ATC had to be burned...I tried to be more creative than just burning the edges like I did last time.

Left: "Fireflower" It was beautiful with the live flames as petals.

Right: "Past" My idea was that there is no 'home' to go back to; you can never return to the same place twice. If it hasn't changed, you have.

Mail Art

So I had some unthemed mail art swaps to complete and not a whole lot of time. Here is what I ended up                                                       with.

                                                                   

Art Journal Pages-Bird

 So I attempted to create some art journal pages with the prompt "Bird or Birds".....

On the top left was my first attempt. I like the sentiment, but it's execution was too poor. I should not have wasted the colored stock paper.

I then turned to my favored standard for ATCs and took out a book page. This shape became the basis for my next three pages.

 The basic theme is the wide open possibilities granted by unfettered flight, as I've only just begun realizing that I do not have to tie myself to any one place, thing, or person.

Mail Art Theme-Brown

"Pick a color" was the theme for the swap. I chose brown, as that was my partner's favorite color. However, I think it may have actually turned out more bronze. Still working on putting together effective collages.

I'm not sure if the envelope was enhanced or reduced by the overzealous postal woman. I told her I wanted brown stamps and she proceeded to put three along the top and at least four across the bottom.....at least it will be interesting. xD