Artistic therapy.... I have come to realize that artistic expression is my therapy... physically, mentally and spiritually... when I get in that artist zone I am at peace, whisked away. Something I did today, I worked on some "ATC's" (artists trading cards) -- for those that are not familiar, they are small art -- 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches - some folks make prints this size, digital art, originals, mixed media.

The start of these mini art masterpieces was prompted by the downward spiral of the economy many years ago. the portability of small art (very easy to store, move, etc)...and the prohibitive costs of collecting larger pieces of art...these little pieces of heaven are a little enjoyment of mine -- I personally began collecting this and creating this in 2010. I have been active since 2010 in a monthly ATC trade event at http://willowing.ning.com/

I will post a few pics in this blog of some original mixed media ATCs that I created for the Sept. 2016 ATC exchange. I not only do these for pleasure but do list them in my shop on Etsy and have actually sold several of them over the years.

If you are an artist, or aspiring artist, you may want to check out this site. I am not "advertising" for them -- the creator is a dear soul, also using art as therapy and teaching people to use art as therapy - the site is very nice, and I've been going to it since 2010 -- so I wanted to share this with anyone that was interested. Peace and Art! - V

Around the world with Blessed Moon Artifacts!

Blessed Moon Artifacts Shop

The shop is called Blessed Moon Artifacts

It is located at:  blessedmoonartifacts.etsy.com

We offer a wide wide wide variety of goodies!

Here's a few samples!

                      

Let's try this again! I'm BAAACK

I've been telling myself, I should blog! I should blog! And I don't have any excuse, so I'm back and I'm going to get this going. I'll be having some fantastic contests and interviews and fun, fun, fun!
Lets rock!
Cheers!
Oh yea, and name change!

Blessed Moon Artifacts!

Cheers,
Valerie

Hot from the Arena Creative Studios

Cachou Lajaunie

by Valerie Arena

This is a one of a kind handcrafted mixed media piece. It is an oval double sided decorative piece to add a little touch of France, a little mischief! The piece is hung by a cord wrapped and bowed in a lovely green sheer satin edged ribbon. The piece is 8 inches tall, 5 inches wide and three quarters inch thick. 

 Both sides are fully decorated so you can switch it around for something different. Both sides feature vintage advertising and an enameled fleur de lis accent, with a multidimensional look and feel. One of a kind art piece by Valerie Arena

This piece will be available for auction at tophatter.com in late February.

 Just One More Moment

by Valerie Arena

12 by 12 on thin canvas board. Holes on top with blue plastic lace hanger. Original, OOAK by Valerie Arena entitled "Just one more Moment." Depicting one fairy who just dares to dance longer as the moon disappears and the light comes in. This is a mixed media piece with watercolor, acrylic, decopauge, collage and gloss finishing techniques. This will be available for auction on February 27, 2012

 Fairy Playtime

by Valerie Arena

 12 by 12 on thin canvas board. Holes on top with blue plastic lace hanger. Original, OOAK by Valerie Arena entitled "Fairy Playtime" Depicting two fairies who dance in the moonlight. This is a mixed media piece with watercolor, acrylic, decopauge, collage and gloss finishing techniques. This will be available for auction on February 27, 2012

Asian Diner

by Valerie Arena

This is a handmade collage under glass. The glass is sealed inside the frame (with screws) and inbetween the two glass pieces is the collage. The collage is a variety of asian themed items, including your fortune cookie fortune! "You will receive a fortune (cookie)." This would make a fun and humorous accent to any kitchen! Handcrafted by Arena Creative.  This will be available for auction at tophatter.com on February 22nd, 2012.

Store:   arenacreative.artfire.com