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For #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: fairy
I mounted the playing card onto another, wider piece of card to enlarge my substrate, then used paper scraps for collage from some gothic style paper, from a witches' calendar & a stanza from the poem "Goblin Market." Added some colorful mushrooms (stickers) & a pice of die cut from a steampunk collection. The focal image is a young white girl in Victorian clothing (b&w die cut from Tim Holtz) with transparent, orange butterfly wings. She is perched on a mushroom stem and is looking directly into the camera.

For #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: fairy I mounted the playing card onto another, wider piece of card to enlarge my substrate, then used paper scraps for collage from some gothic style paper, from a witches' calendar & a stanza from the poem "Goblin Market." Added some colorful mushrooms (stickers) & a pice of die cut from a steampunk collection. The focal image is a young white girl in Victorian clothing (b&w die cut from Tim Holtz) with transparent, orange butterfly wings. She is perched on a mushroom stem and is looking directly into the camera.

For #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: geometric shapes
Background is various stamped scrap paper, using vintage-ish, steampunkish imagery (brown on lighter brown.) The focal is some die-cut, steampunk-style gears  & bits (from AALL & Create.)

For #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: geometric shapes Background is various stamped scrap paper, using vintage-ish, steampunkish imagery (brown on lighter brown.) The focal is some die-cut, steampunk-style gears & bits (from AALL & Create.)

This week in #art: weekly challenges.

1: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: fairy
2: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: geometric shapes

More info in alt text.

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Altered playing cards for weekly challenges. Both cards have had parts of a 2nd card (not a playing card) added to widen them.

Challenges:
1: #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: chaos
2. #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: Boho

Left:  Full Deck Challenge 3; Chaos
I printed out some photos/scans I'd taken of various things, including bunched up thread + a few images from Pixabay embodying the prompt. Used pieces in the back as collage, then used 2 circle punches to cut out 3 circles from printed pages for the centerpiece, each circle mounted on some index card for weight, then mounted on bunched up thread for texture.


Right: Altered Index 2025; Boho
I really struggled with this one, because I tend to really dislike the modern "boho" or "bohemian" vibe, which seems to consist of white girl cosplay - in the worst of ways. Then a thought struck me: Bohemian - as in Bohemian Rhapsody!

The background of the card is pieces of printouts from Pixabay images with "boho" prints, added a printout of the lyrics + title of the song & added a cutout print of the 4 members of Queen in the iconic 4-some pose from the song. Lastly, I used my Dymo label maker to print out the 1st line of the song & added it to the card.

Altered playing cards for weekly challenges. Both cards have had parts of a 2nd card (not a playing card) added to widen them. Challenges: 1: #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: chaos 2. #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: Boho Left: Full Deck Challenge 3; Chaos I printed out some photos/scans I'd taken of various things, including bunched up thread + a few images from Pixabay embodying the prompt. Used pieces in the back as collage, then used 2 circle punches to cut out 3 circles from printed pages for the centerpiece, each circle mounted on some index card for weight, then mounted on bunched up thread for texture. Right: Altered Index 2025; Boho I really struggled with this one, because I tend to really dislike the modern "boho" or "bohemian" vibe, which seems to consist of white girl cosplay - in the worst of ways. Then a thought struck me: Bohemian - as in Bohemian Rhapsody! The background of the card is pieces of printouts from Pixabay images with "boho" prints, added a printout of the lyrics + title of the song & added a cutout print of the 4 members of Queen in the iconic 4-some pose from the song. Lastly, I used my Dymo label maker to print out the 1st line of the song & added it to the card.

Back of the Bohemian Rhapsody card with a background of a piece of book page with a bunch of colors, an image of Freddie Mercury in his iconic white tank top & white jeans singing into the mic. The card is stamped with today's date (25 Sep 2025) and the label (white on black) 39 (for the week number) and "bohemian" for the card prompt.

Back of the Bohemian Rhapsody card with a background of a piece of book page with a bunch of colors, an image of Freddie Mercury in his iconic white tank top & white jeans singing into the mic. The card is stamped with today's date (25 Sep 2025) and the label (white on black) 39 (for the week number) and "bohemian" for the card prompt.

This week's #art challenges.

#FullDeckChallenge3; prompt - chaos
#AlteredIndex2025; prompt - boho

Image 1: both cards
Image 2: back of the Altered Index prompt card

Lots more info in alt text.

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2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges.

Left for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: flowers

Background is several scrap papers, all with flowers + some random script stamping & a flower stamped & heat embossed in black + pink butterfly. Focal is a strip from collage paper of a rose + a strip of paper saying "tattered rose" in black on pink.

Right for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: foreign text
Background is various pieces of scrap collage paper, overstepped with a mark making stamp in graphite ink. Focal is a medallion piece cut from Chinese packaging for cough syrup showing an illustration of a doctor treating an elderly man in maybe Qing era clothing(?) + characters around the illustration. There are 2 postage stamps (vintage) from Poland behind the medallion + a piece of scrap paper with Cyrillic letters.

2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges. Left for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: flowers Background is several scrap papers, all with flowers + some random script stamping & a flower stamped & heat embossed in black + pink butterfly. Focal is a strip from collage paper of a rose + a strip of paper saying "tattered rose" in black on pink. Right for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: foreign text Background is various pieces of scrap collage paper, overstepped with a mark making stamp in graphite ink. Focal is a medallion piece cut from Chinese packaging for cough syrup showing an illustration of a doctor treating an elderly man in maybe Qing era clothing(?) + characters around the illustration. There are 2 postage stamps (vintage) from Poland behind the medallion + a piece of scrap paper with Cyrillic letters.

My Blick paint haul:
On the right, 2 dot cards - one from Windsor Newton, the other from MaimeriBlu.
On the left: 8 half pans from Schminke; 1 full pan from Kuretake Gansai Tambi; 2 5 ml tubes + 2 15ml tubes from Schminke.

My Blick paint haul: On the right, 2 dot cards - one from Windsor Newton, the other from MaimeriBlu. On the left: 8 half pans from Schminke; 1 full pan from Kuretake Gansai Tambi; 2 5 ml tubes + 2 15ml tubes from Schminke.

Close up of the pans/tubes:
Half pans from l to r:
Cobalt green turquoise, Indigo, Paynes Grey Bluish, Ultramarine Violet, Paris Blue, Sap Green, Transparent Brown, Cadmium Yellow Deep

Full pan: Imperial Violet

5 ml tubes: Prussian Blue, Ultramarine Deep

15 ml tubes: Horadam Naturals Indigofera; Horadam Naturals Dragon's Blood.

Close up of the pans/tubes: Half pans from l to r: Cobalt green turquoise, Indigo, Paynes Grey Bluish, Ultramarine Violet, Paris Blue, Sap Green, Transparent Brown, Cadmium Yellow Deep Full pan: Imperial Violet 5 ml tubes: Prussian Blue, Ultramarine Deep 15 ml tubes: Horadam Naturals Indigofera; Horadam Naturals Dragon's Blood.

Today in #art: weekly challenges & Blick paints arrived!

1: 2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges.
Left for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: flowers

2: Blick watercolor haul inc. 2 dot cards, some half pans, 1 full pan & tubes

3: close up of paints

I'm looking forward to swatching paints!

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2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges. 

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3. Prompt: song lyrics
Right: for #AlteredIndex2025. Prompt: elephants


Left card is a standard playing card to which I added half an index card to extend the width. The background is layers of PET tape with seas/mountains (to match the chorus) on top of a layer of semi-sheer medical tape (for texture behind the PET tape.)

On top of the background are the lyrics for Wǒ Zài <我在> "I Am Not Here" by Wang Yibo. The lyrics are printed on transparent sticker paper & cut out into 2 columns. At the top right is the image of WYB as mountain/seas (his neck/head) in artistic design) also printed on the same sticker paper.

The overall color theme is blue/white.



Right card background is a semi transparent closeup image of an elephant's head - mostly his truck & one eye (on the right) I stamped some texture dots in brown across the image + added the torn out definition of "elephant" from a dictionary. The text reads: 

"Enlightened by the Rajah’s wisdom, the blind men reached agreement. "Each one of us knows only a part. To find out the whole truth we must put all the parts together.”

This is the last paragraph of the fable, "The Blind Men and the Elephant."

I added a dangle of a tiny silver-colored elephant charm on the right corder.

2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges. Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3. Prompt: song lyrics Right: for #AlteredIndex2025. Prompt: elephants Left card is a standard playing card to which I added half an index card to extend the width. The background is layers of PET tape with seas/mountains (to match the chorus) on top of a layer of semi-sheer medical tape (for texture behind the PET tape.) On top of the background are the lyrics for Wǒ Zài <我在> "I Am Not Here" by Wang Yibo. The lyrics are printed on transparent sticker paper & cut out into 2 columns. At the top right is the image of WYB as mountain/seas (his neck/head) in artistic design) also printed on the same sticker paper. The overall color theme is blue/white. Right card background is a semi transparent closeup image of an elephant's head - mostly his truck & one eye (on the right) I stamped some texture dots in brown across the image + added the torn out definition of "elephant" from a dictionary. The text reads: "Enlightened by the Rajah’s wisdom, the blind men reached agreement. "Each one of us knows only a part. To find out the whole truth we must put all the parts together.” This is the last paragraph of the fable, "The Blind Men and the Elephant." I added a dangle of a tiny silver-colored elephant charm on the right corder.

This is the back of the elephant card. I pasted the first part of the story.

The first blind man put out his hand and touched the side of the elephant. “How smooth! An elephant is like a wall.” The second blind man put out his hand and touched the trunk of the elephant. “How round! An elephant is like a snake.” The third blind man put out his hand and touched the tusk of the elephant. “How sharp! An elephant is like a spear.” The fourth blind man put out his hand and touched the leg of the elephant. “How tall! An elephant is like a tree.” The fifth blind man reached out his hand and touched the ear of the elephant. “How wide! An elephant is like a fan.” The sixth blind man put out his hand and touched the tail of the elephant. “How thin! An elephant is like a rope.”

An argument ensued, each blind man thinking his own perception of the elephant was the correct one. The Rajah, awakened by the commotion, called out from the balcony. “The elephant is a big animal,” he said. “Each man touched only one part. You must put all the parts together to find out what an elephant is like.”

The text was printed onto a semi-transparent image associated with the story.

I also put the # of the week (34) from a Dymo labeler (white on black) & stamped today's date.

This is the back of the elephant card. I pasted the first part of the story. The first blind man put out his hand and touched the side of the elephant. “How smooth! An elephant is like a wall.” The second blind man put out his hand and touched the trunk of the elephant. “How round! An elephant is like a snake.” The third blind man put out his hand and touched the tusk of the elephant. “How sharp! An elephant is like a spear.” The fourth blind man put out his hand and touched the leg of the elephant. “How tall! An elephant is like a tree.” The fifth blind man reached out his hand and touched the ear of the elephant. “How wide! An elephant is like a fan.” The sixth blind man put out his hand and touched the tail of the elephant. “How thin! An elephant is like a rope.” An argument ensued, each blind man thinking his own perception of the elephant was the correct one. The Rajah, awakened by the commotion, called out from the balcony. “The elephant is a big animal,” he said. “Each man touched only one part. You must put all the parts together to find out what an elephant is like.” The text was printed onto a semi-transparent image associated with the story. I also put the # of the week (34) from a Dymo labeler (white on black) & stamped today's date.

Today in #art: weekly challenges!

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3. Prompt: song lyrics
Right: for #AlteredIndex2025. Prompt: elephant(s)

Image 2 is the back of the elephant card.

More info in alt text.

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2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges.
Left for #alteredindex2025. Prompt: school days
Right for #fulldeckchallenge3. Prompt: rainbow

The left card is in vintage style with background of various papers that look like book text/book cover. A cut out image of an old book + a piece of book plate stating "My Book" is on the left. There is a cut out figure (b&w) of a young white boy in old fashoioned clothing (from Tim Holtz paper dolls.)

The right card is All the Colors! Background is various pieces of colorful paper from Art by Marlene, with some rainbow die cuts of beach balls & stacked up suitcases, also in rainbow colors. A die cut (b&w) of a small white girl in a white, old-fashioned dress sits on top of the suitcases. In the upper right of the composition is a white, line art flower die cut.

2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges. Left for #alteredindex2025. Prompt: school days Right for #fulldeckchallenge3. Prompt: rainbow The left card is in vintage style with background of various papers that look like book text/book cover. A cut out image of an old book + a piece of book plate stating "My Book" is on the left. There is a cut out figure (b&w) of a young white boy in old fashoioned clothing (from Tim Holtz paper dolls.) The right card is All the Colors! Background is various pieces of colorful paper from Art by Marlene, with some rainbow die cuts of beach balls & stacked up suitcases, also in rainbow colors. A die cut (b&w) of a small white girl in a white, old-fashioned dress sits on top of the suitcases. In the upper right of the composition is a white, line art flower die cut.

2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges.

Left: for #fulldeck3. Prompt: bird
Right: for #alteredindex2025. Prompt: sewing


Both cards are themed with vintage colors/backgrounds.

Left card has background of rust dyed paper stamped with a line art parrot that I used a Posca pen to add a bit of color. I added 3 stamps with birds (ducks/chickens) and some strips of vintage paper with random numbers stamped on them. Around 2 of the stamps is a paper photo frame, again with numbers stamped on it. An embossed label (white on black) stating "bird" is next to the frame.


Right card has vintage pattern instruction paper & pattern paper as the background with a strip of an antique, cloth measuring tape wrapped around it. A cluster of tea dyed cheesecloth, cotton lace & a beige plastic button is on the middle left edge. There are 2 word stickers (white on black). 1st one: stay simple. 2nd one: The details.

2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges. Left: for #fulldeck3. Prompt: bird Right: for #alteredindex2025. Prompt: sewing Both cards are themed with vintage colors/backgrounds. Left card has background of rust dyed paper stamped with a line art parrot that I used a Posca pen to add a bit of color. I added 3 stamps with birds (ducks/chickens) and some strips of vintage paper with random numbers stamped on them. Around 2 of the stamps is a paper photo frame, again with numbers stamped on it. An embossed label (white on black) stating "bird" is next to the frame. Right card has vintage pattern instruction paper & pattern paper as the background with a strip of an antique, cloth measuring tape wrapped around it. A cluster of tea dyed cheesecloth, cotton lace & a beige plastic button is on the middle left edge. There are 2 word stickers (white on black). 1st one: stay simple. 2nd one: The details.

A 2 page spread in one of my junk art journals. Background is watercolor on top of collage in springlike colors. I used die cut elements in rusty, vintage style to create clusters of ephemera in 3 corners, on top of each is a black & white butterfly. On the bottom left corner are large white on black words stating "Art is freedom."

A 2 page spread in one of my junk art journals. Background is watercolor on top of collage in springlike colors. I used die cut elements in rusty, vintage style to create clusters of ephemera in 3 corners, on top of each is a black & white butterfly. On the bottom left corner are large white on black words stating "Art is freedom."

Another 2 page spread in the same junk art journal, using more of the rusty, vintage style elements in clusters. 2 b&w die cut images of a white woman & a small girl (both in old-fashioned clothing) are the central focal points. Each have some butterfly wings behind them. The text: "if you're lucky enough to be different, never change."

Another 2 page spread in the same junk art journal, using more of the rusty, vintage style elements in clusters. 2 b&w die cut images of a white woman & a small girl (both in old-fashioned clothing) are the central focal points. Each have some butterfly wings behind them. The text: "if you're lucky enough to be different, never change."

No #art today bc of eye doc appointment. Instead, here are some recent works from this and last week.

Images 1 & 2 are for #fulldeckchallenge3 & #alteredindex2025
Images 3 & 4 are in a random junk art journal, no challenge, just play.

Details in alt text.

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2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges.

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: black
Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: cityscapes


Left card is 2 of spades on top of which I put some text words fabric tape (black text on neutral background. I cut out various circles in black card (2 sizes) and placed them randomly around the card & some partially under a die-cut jar in black & white with what looks like marbles or round pills inside.


Right card is an abstract cityscape created by cutting/pasting tiny scraps of leftover paper in lots of colors in vertical strips. Behind the top of the strips is a piece of paper that is a dark blue/gray with some white blobs that is reminiscent of sky + I added a yellow die-cut rough circle with black lines around it. At the very bottom is some paper that kind of looks like grass. I also did some random outlining in black between some of the paper strips.

2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges. Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: black Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: cityscapes Left card is 2 of spades on top of which I put some text words fabric tape (black text on neutral background. I cut out various circles in black card (2 sizes) and placed them randomly around the card & some partially under a die-cut jar in black & white with what looks like marbles or round pills inside. Right card is an abstract cityscape created by cutting/pasting tiny scraps of leftover paper in lots of colors in vertical strips. Behind the top of the strips is a piece of paper that is a dark blue/gray with some white blobs that is reminiscent of sky + I added a yellow die-cut rough circle with black lines around it. At the very bottom is some paper that kind of looks like grass. I also did some random outlining in black between some of the paper strips.

Today in #art: this week's challenges.

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: black
Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: cityscapes

More info in alt text.

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2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges.

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: numbers

The base is a mini collage made up of various stickers with numbers + some pieces of brown checked ribbon & some stamping. I also added a tab on the left that looks to be an old (faux) luggage check ticket (or something like that.) I added a bit of gesso on top of the collage & some watercolor pencil alongside the edges of some of the stickers.

Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: night

The background is a piece of some collage paper I designed in Canva that included a starry night + some other scraps of collage. I added a few die-cut elements (Art by Marlene) including a champagne glass, bubbles, a blue star & an owl (all "night" things!) and added some glossy accents to help the shine (though that's hard to see in the photo.)

2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges. Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: numbers The base is a mini collage made up of various stickers with numbers + some pieces of brown checked ribbon & some stamping. I also added a tab on the left that looks to be an old (faux) luggage check ticket (or something like that.) I added a bit of gesso on top of the collage & some watercolor pencil alongside the edges of some of the stickers. Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: night The background is a piece of some collage paper I designed in Canva that included a starry night + some other scraps of collage. I added a few die-cut elements (Art by Marlene) including a champagne glass, bubbles, a blue star & an owl (all "night" things!) and added some glossy accents to help the shine (though that's hard to see in the photo.)

Today in #art: weekly challenges day!

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: numbers
Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: night

More info in alt text.

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2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges.

Left for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: wrap
Right for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: travel or maps


Left card background is 4 of clubs with some translucent, glossy texture paste through a stencil, then colored with a variety of blues/aquas in watercolor & acrylic media. The main focal image is a stack up of various scraps/ribbons with a brown checked ribbon wrapping around the card and sporting a purple & white heart. Over the whole of the focal, I wrapped some jute twine & tied it off.


Right card background is also 4 of clubs, but it's hidden under a variety of scraps of maps, a PET decorative edge on the right + some pretty photos (from a stamp catalog) & a figure of a woman in green shirt, orange trousers & travel gear. Her left hand is up as If she is waving at someone. In her right, she holds a water bottle.

2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges. Left for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: wrap Right for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: travel or maps Left card background is 4 of clubs with some translucent, glossy texture paste through a stencil, then colored with a variety of blues/aquas in watercolor & acrylic media. The main focal image is a stack up of various scraps/ribbons with a brown checked ribbon wrapping around the card and sporting a purple & white heart. Over the whole of the focal, I wrapped some jute twine & tied it off. Right card background is also 4 of clubs, but it's hidden under a variety of scraps of maps, a PET decorative edge on the right + some pretty photos (from a stamp catalog) & a figure of a woman in green shirt, orange trousers & travel gear. Her left hand is up as If she is waving at someone. In her right, she holds a water bottle.

Today in #art: this week's card challenges.

Left: #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: wrap
Right: #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: travel or maps

If I get the spoons, I'll start posting photos of the July Junk Journal Challenge 2025, that I started on the first & have done several prompts the last 2 days.

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2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges.

On the left for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: thread

Background is some sewing pattern paper & a printout of a scan of some bundled thread, tinted with PaperArtsy Mattint Nutty. On top of that is a pice of dark brown, thick thread + a bunch of beige threads all crumpled together. On top of the threads, a white on black text, reading: ART HEALS.

At the bottom corner, a piece of pattern paper that has been stitched in a zig zag pattern. (This was from a lot of supplies I got on eBay. I do not sew!)


On the right for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: solitude

Background is a torn out piece of a poem printed onto copy paper & the paper then dyed with some Mattint Shark color. Another copy of the poem in smaller letters & with the image of a small person from the back from waist up. They have dark hair cut in a bob. There are also some slashes of rain. The print is a ight purple. The background is splattered with white (Art Graf Tailor Shape watercolor).

The text (white on black) reads: She just needed to be alone with her art supplies.

2 altered playing cards for weekly challenges. On the left for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: thread Background is some sewing pattern paper & a printout of a scan of some bundled thread, tinted with PaperArtsy Mattint Nutty. On top of that is a pice of dark brown, thick thread + a bunch of beige threads all crumpled together. On top of the threads, a white on black text, reading: ART HEALS. At the bottom corner, a piece of pattern paper that has been stitched in a zig zag pattern. (This was from a lot of supplies I got on eBay. I do not sew!) On the right for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: solitude Background is a torn out piece of a poem printed onto copy paper & the paper then dyed with some Mattint Shark color. Another copy of the poem in smaller letters & with the image of a small person from the back from waist up. They have dark hair cut in a bob. There are also some slashes of rain. The print is a ight purple. The background is splattered with white (Art Graf Tailor Shape watercolor). The text (white on black) reads: She just needed to be alone with her art supplies.

For @oliviawrites.bsky.social - here's some #art from last week.

For weekly challenges (left to right):
- #FullDeckChallenge3 prompt: thread
- #AlteredIndex2025 prompt: solitude

More info in alt text.

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2 altered playing cards for prompt challenges.

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: paper weaving
The substrate is the 6 of clubs.

The background of the card is the paper weaving; I used rust-dyed tissues & scraps of collage papers to weave directly onto the card. The colors are all neutral. I also stamped some random numbers in black on the background. At the top right, a small piece of tea-dyed lace under a flower shaped wooden button that I sewed directly onto th place with some brownish embroidery floss. The remainder of the thread is scrumpled underneath.

At the bottom, the focal image, which is a black & white die cut group of mushrooms, set on top of more scrumpled thread (same as I used above) and a beige & red postage stamp from Hungary. 



Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: Photos
The background of the card is some layered strips of collage paper, left over from the paper weaving of the other card. I glued them down overlapping each other and then tinged with some neutral tones with watercolor pencils. The focal image is a vintage b&w photo of a young white woman whose body is facing away from the camera. Her head is turned towards the right & she has short, dark hair & is wearing an earring. Not sure of the year of the photo, but this could be sometime in the 60s?

The photo sits atop an ink-dyed piece of paper which has been torn along one side.

At the bottom of the card are 3 whimsical houses (die cuts from AALL & Create) in muted greens & reds. 

The text (top left) is white on black & reads "Trust me."

2 altered playing cards for prompt challenges. Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: paper weaving The substrate is the 6 of clubs. The background of the card is the paper weaving; I used rust-dyed tissues & scraps of collage papers to weave directly onto the card. The colors are all neutral. I also stamped some random numbers in black on the background. At the top right, a small piece of tea-dyed lace under a flower shaped wooden button that I sewed directly onto th place with some brownish embroidery floss. The remainder of the thread is scrumpled underneath. At the bottom, the focal image, which is a black & white die cut group of mushrooms, set on top of more scrumpled thread (same as I used above) and a beige & red postage stamp from Hungary. Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: Photos The background of the card is some layered strips of collage paper, left over from the paper weaving of the other card. I glued them down overlapping each other and then tinged with some neutral tones with watercolor pencils. The focal image is a vintage b&w photo of a young white woman whose body is facing away from the camera. Her head is turned towards the right & she has short, dark hair & is wearing an earring. Not sure of the year of the photo, but this could be sometime in the 60s? The photo sits atop an ink-dyed piece of paper which has been torn along one side. At the bottom of the card are 3 whimsical houses (die cuts from AALL & Create) in muted greens & reds. The text (top left) is white on black & reads "Trust me."

Close up photo of the paper weaving with stamping on the playing card before I added the rest of the elements.

Close up photo of the paper weaving with stamping on the playing card before I added the rest of the elements.

Today in #art: the weekly card challenges.

1st image - left card for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: paper weaving
-- right card for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: photos

More info in alt text.

2nd image: close up of the paper weaving on the left card, before I placed the elements.

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Back of playing card covered with stained paper and coffee-dyed ribbon

Back of playing card covered with stained paper and coffee-dyed ribbon

10 of spades playing card Collages with stained ribbon and papers, a decorated with a dragonfly and star

10 of spades playing card Collages with stained ribbon and papers, a decorated with a dragonfly and star

Week 10 of the #fulldeckchallenge3 the theme was #vintage. This took me forever and tbh I like it the least.

#art #collage #fredericton #nbartist #blueskyart

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2 altered playing cards.

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: junk
Background is a collage of various pieces/scraps from actual junk - mail, packaging, etc. It's made up of labels, barcodes, stickers. A trio of actual vintage S&H green stamps are included as my weekly "stamp" (I usually use postage stamps.) The text (white on black) reads: Today I shall create.



Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: whimsical
Background is a mix of colorful paper from various collage papers + some stamping in black ink. Focal image is a whimsical, die-cut bear in pink with blue highlights, gold flowers and a gold crown (from Art by Marlene.) Behind its head are a couple of black & white circles with black open circles inside. At the bottom are a couple of pieces of rainbow/colorful scalloped edges from another die cut from Art by Marlene.
The text (white on pink) reads: whimsy.

2 altered playing cards. Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: junk Background is a collage of various pieces/scraps from actual junk - mail, packaging, etc. It's made up of labels, barcodes, stickers. A trio of actual vintage S&H green stamps are included as my weekly "stamp" (I usually use postage stamps.) The text (white on black) reads: Today I shall create. Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: whimsical Background is a mix of colorful paper from various collage papers + some stamping in black ink. Focal image is a whimsical, die-cut bear in pink with blue highlights, gold flowers and a gold crown (from Art by Marlene.) Behind its head are a couple of black & white circles with black open circles inside. At the bottom are a couple of pieces of rainbow/colorful scalloped edges from another die cut from Art by Marlene. The text (white on pink) reads: whimsy.

Today in #art: it's weekly challenge time.

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: Junk
Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: whimsical

I used actual junk (scraps from packages, etc.) for the 1st one. The only "new" thing on there is the text.

More info in alt text for both.

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Jack of Spades ornamented with various black and white elements including black stars, rocketship illustration and raised black lines

Jack of Spades ornamented with various black and white elements including black stars, rocketship illustration and raised black lines

Skipping week 10 because it's still not done, here's week 11 of the #fulldeckchallenge3- theme was black & white and texture past.

#art #collage #mixedmedia #nbartist #fredericton #blueskyart

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2 altered playing cards.

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: blending
Background is various muted colors blended using watercolor pencils on a rubber stamp, various bits of scrap paper with blended colors in the same color range (purples/pinks). Focal image: 2 purple stamps from Russia + 3 die cut flowers in purple, blues, yellows. Text (black on white) reads: If it matters to you, It's important.

My theme for blending was both blended colors & also, blended styles.


Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: zodiac

Background is all collage. I chose Virgo (my zodiac sign) so there is a Czech stamp of an Mucha painting with a woman; some colorful bits at the top left from a piece of packaging; the black & white scribbled drawing of a woman from pre-printed collage paper; a black & white stamp from Mexico in a scrollwork design. At the bottom is a piece of green paper with black scribbles. Across the drawing of the woman's face is a clear sticker with a gold rendering of the Virgo constellation + the word "Virgo."

2 altered playing cards. Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: blending Background is various muted colors blended using watercolor pencils on a rubber stamp, various bits of scrap paper with blended colors in the same color range (purples/pinks). Focal image: 2 purple stamps from Russia + 3 die cut flowers in purple, blues, yellows. Text (black on white) reads: If it matters to you, It's important. My theme for blending was both blended colors & also, blended styles. Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: zodiac Background is all collage. I chose Virgo (my zodiac sign) so there is a Czech stamp of an Mucha painting with a woman; some colorful bits at the top left from a piece of packaging; the black & white scribbled drawing of a woman from pre-printed collage paper; a black & white stamp from Mexico in a scrollwork design. At the bottom is a piece of green paper with black scribbles. Across the drawing of the woman's face is a clear sticker with a gold rendering of the Virgo constellation + the word "Virgo."

Today in #art: altered playing cards for my weekly prompt challenges.

1: #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: blending
2: #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: zodiac

Not my favorite prompts of this series so far, but I'm okay with the final result.

More info in alt text.

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Pink 9 of spades card with orange gold and white circles, black splatter marks, a grungy black star and Blessed inscription

Pink 9 of spades card with orange gold and white circles, black splatter marks, a grungy black star and Blessed inscription

#fulldeckchallenge3 week 9, Theme: #Pink and #Black Splatters. Used a bunch of stamps I've had sitting around waiting for me to have some money for stamp pads and then I realized I could use my lino #ink

#acrylic #fredericton #nbartist #blueskyart

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#fulldeckchallenge3 Week 8. Themes were purple and white splatter. Still can't get the hang of paint splatter but that's the point of these challenges - something small to work on techniques. Since #Easter is soon I added that theme. #Fredericton #nbartist #blueskyart #art #collage

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2 altered playing cards.

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3. Prompt: crazy colors & black mark making
- background of scraps of colorful collage papers from Art by Marlene; drips of acrylic ink & black marks made with Posca pen. Focal image is a colorful postage stamp from Mongolia (authentic) & the text (white on hot pink) Color makes life more beautiful. (Text from Art by Marlene quotes)


Right: for #AlteredIndex2025. Prompt: Vintage
- background collage of scraps from authentic vintage papers, including S&H green stamps, 2 postage stamps (from Netherlands & India); some pieces of an old book in Polish (I think!). Focal image is an authentic old b&w photo of a young white woman standing in a long coat at a pier(?). She's looking off to the left. On the back of the photo was written: October 1931, Johanna from Germany. 

The text (white on black) reads: All she ever wanted was happiness.

2 altered playing cards. Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3. Prompt: crazy colors & black mark making - background of scraps of colorful collage papers from Art by Marlene; drips of acrylic ink & black marks made with Posca pen. Focal image is a colorful postage stamp from Mongolia (authentic) & the text (white on hot pink) Color makes life more beautiful. (Text from Art by Marlene quotes) Right: for #AlteredIndex2025. Prompt: Vintage - background collage of scraps from authentic vintage papers, including S&H green stamps, 2 postage stamps (from Netherlands & India); some pieces of an old book in Polish (I think!). Focal image is an authentic old b&w photo of a young white woman standing in a long coat at a pier(?). She's looking off to the left. On the back of the photo was written: October 1931, Johanna from Germany. The text (white on black) reads: All she ever wanted was happiness.

This week's altered card #art:

On the left for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: crazy colors & black mark making.

On the right for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: vintage. (all the papers & the photo used here are authentically vintage, not reproductions.)

More info in alt text.

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7 of spades playing card covered in dark blue papers with crane and floral themes and decorated with a feather, gold star, crane, and flowers.  Bordered with navy blue washi tape with tiny blue stars

7 of spades playing card covered in dark blue papers with crane and floral themes and decorated with a feather, gold star, crane, and flowers. Bordered with navy blue washi tape with tiny blue stars

#fulldeckchallenge3

Card/week 7 theme is dark blue and "free". I picked up a mini book of oriental theme papers this week at the dollar store. I figured the crane could represent free. Stars are my constant element.

#art #collage #fredericton #nbartist #blueskyart #ephemera

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Six of Spades playing card covered with light blue paper with white Polka dots, a blue butterfly and blue bird.  3 gold stars are scattered on card and at the top a reminder that you can do it

Six of Spades playing card covered with light blue paper with white Polka dots, a blue butterfly and blue bird. 3 gold stars are scattered on card and at the top a reminder that you can do it

Not that happy with this one because I was very sloppy but week 6 of #FullDeckChallenge3.

I'm a little too broke for stamp pads so I used gold paint for the stars which added some interesting texture. Theme was light blue.

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2 page spread in small junk art journal made from scrap packaging paper.

Background is collage papers + paint + reductive stenciling with a neutral green tone. Also, some mark making in black & white.

Focal image on the left page is a large heart, cut from a Penny's bumper sticker & outlined in white with white dots added.

Text on the right is from Art by Marlene, stating: Be You! Put your art on. In black on bright yellow background.

2 page spread in small junk art journal made from scrap packaging paper. Background is collage papers + paint + reductive stenciling with a neutral green tone. Also, some mark making in black & white. Focal image on the left page is a large heart, cut from a Penny's bumper sticker & outlined in white with white dots added. Text on the right is from Art by Marlene, stating: Be You! Put your art on. In black on bright yellow background.


2 altered playing cards.

Left card for #FullDeckChallenge3. Prompts: Black & white + bold color; stencil + texture paste.

Background is sheet music scraps on top of which I glued some colorful collage paper in oranges/pinks/teal. Stenciled in translucent texture paste over the collage (matching the mandala + a companion stencil above it after I colored the translucent paste with pink.

Focal image is a black & white postage stamp featuring Harvey Milk + a small bright pink text saying "Wow" in white. 


Right card is for #alteredindex2025; prompt: Tea Time.

Background is vintage paper + pieces of used tea bag & outlined in dark brown ink. Focal image is a die cut of a  whimsical mouse inside a stack of cute teacups in greens & blues. There's a teabag die cut on the saucer. Text at the top of the image in neutral browns: Enjoy the little things.

2 altered playing cards. Left card for #FullDeckChallenge3. Prompts: Black & white + bold color; stencil + texture paste. Background is sheet music scraps on top of which I glued some colorful collage paper in oranges/pinks/teal. Stenciled in translucent texture paste over the collage (matching the mandala + a companion stencil above it after I colored the translucent paste with pink. Focal image is a black & white postage stamp featuring Harvey Milk + a small bright pink text saying "Wow" in white. Right card is for #alteredindex2025; prompt: Tea Time. Background is vintage paper + pieces of used tea bag & outlined in dark brown ink. Focal image is a die cut of a whimsical mouse inside a stack of cute teacups in greens & blues. There's a teabag die cut on the saucer. Text at the top of the image in neutral browns: Enjoy the little things.

Yesterday & today in #art: today was a play in my scrap art journal, made from packaging (image 1) & yesterday was for the #FullDeckChallenge3 & #AlteredIndex2025. More info in alt text.

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Weeks 4 & 5 of this year's Full Deck Challenge. #fulldeckchallenge3 #collage #art #nbartist #fredericton #blueskyart

To say I'm behind in this project is an understatement. New puppy and ... *looks around at state of the world*. I've been a tad distracted/anxious/panicked

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2 altered playing cards 

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompts: vintage, brown splatter
Background is vintage-look papers with various designs/script on top of a tea-dyed tea bag. Focal image is a b&w headshot photo of a young white woman; Jane Shultz, November 1943 (inscription on back of photo.) I tinted the photo a bit with brown watercolor wash & used that to create brown splatter across the card. 

Below the photo, an authentic stamp from the Czech Republic in brown tones. 

The word "authentic" is on a brown on brown label to the left of the woman's photo.


Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: elements. I chose to interpret that as the sea & stars & used some of Art by Marlene's paper elements (a ship on the sea, a starfish) + added gold paste stenciled stars in the "sky". The background is some collage paper, painted over with blues/greens + some stenciled waves in white. 

The words: Shine like a star. (Black on white).

2 altered playing cards Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompts: vintage, brown splatter Background is vintage-look papers with various designs/script on top of a tea-dyed tea bag. Focal image is a b&w headshot photo of a young white woman; Jane Shultz, November 1943 (inscription on back of photo.) I tinted the photo a bit with brown watercolor wash & used that to create brown splatter across the card. Below the photo, an authentic stamp from the Czech Republic in brown tones. The word "authentic" is on a brown on brown label to the left of the woman's photo. Right: for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: elements. I chose to interpret that as the sea & stars & used some of Art by Marlene's paper elements (a ship on the sea, a starfish) + added gold paste stenciled stars in the "sky". The background is some collage paper, painted over with blues/greens + some stenciled waves in white. The words: Shine like a star. (Black on white).

Today in #art - 2 altered playing cards. The one on the left is for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompts: vintage, brown splatter. The one on the right is for #AlteredIndex2025; prompt: elements.

The photo on the left card is an authentic b&w photo from 1943.

more info in alt text

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#alteredindex2025
#fulldeckchallenge3
Theme: disco, pink with black splatters.
Take over: washitape
Constant: poststamp
New: button
#cardmaker #cardmakersofinstagram #cardmakingideas #intuitive #intuiveart #intuitiveartists #lifecard #mixedmediaart #collageartist

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2 altered playing cards

Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: purple & white splatters
Background in small scraps of various purple papers, some with patterns. Focal images are a whimsical heart with purple/oranges & outlined in black + 2 purple postage stamps from Russia. 
The quote (black on white): Trust the process.

Right: for #AlteredCard2025; prompt: shattered image

Background is some old book paper + stencil in dark brown; the stencil is shattered glass. I outlined the stencil shapes in gold marker & black fine line marker. The focal image is an old black & white photo of a group of people standing in front of some sort of columns/ruin. Dated in the 1940s. I drew a jagged line in gold marker/black fin line to mimic the shattered glass stencil. The photo has torn edges highlighted in black pen & lays atop bunched together beige threads with 1 brown thread.
The quote: You do not have to be whole in order to shine.

2 altered playing cards Left: for #FullDeckChallenge3; prompt: purple & white splatters Background in small scraps of various purple papers, some with patterns. Focal images are a whimsical heart with purple/oranges & outlined in black + 2 purple postage stamps from Russia. The quote (black on white): Trust the process. Right: for #AlteredCard2025; prompt: shattered image Background is some old book paper + stencil in dark brown; the stencil is shattered glass. I outlined the stencil shapes in gold marker & black fine line marker. The focal image is an old black & white photo of a group of people standing in front of some sort of columns/ruin. Dated in the 1940s. I drew a jagged line in gold marker/black fin line to mimic the shattered glass stencil. The photo has torn edges highlighted in black pen & lays atop bunched together beige threads with 1 brown thread. The quote: You do not have to be whole in order to shine.

Today in #art: altered playing cards for #FullDeckChallenge3 (prompt: purple + white splatter) and #alteredindex2025 (prompt: shattered image)

More info in alt text.

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Photo of 2 altered playing cards.
Left: mini collage with dark blue scrap papers, a dark blue stamp from Australia + a blue & red button. Behind the stamp is some tea-dyed cotton string. On top of the stamp is a white on black statement: "My soul is free," outlined in dark blue Posca pen. The underlying card is the Jack of diamonds, which you can kind of see underneath some of the string in the upper right corner.

Right: mini collage with Dina Wakley collage card with black marks + torn paper with  white words on black bg from packaging & a white on red statement: "Surprise inside!!" (Also from packaging.) A piece of tea-dyed cheesecloth is used as a hinge to fasten the smaller piece of collage card onto a playing card.

Photo of 2 altered playing cards. Left: mini collage with dark blue scrap papers, a dark blue stamp from Australia + a blue & red button. Behind the stamp is some tea-dyed cotton string. On top of the stamp is a white on black statement: "My soul is free," outlined in dark blue Posca pen. The underlying card is the Jack of diamonds, which you can kind of see underneath some of the string in the upper right corner. Right: mini collage with Dina Wakley collage card with black marks + torn paper with white words on black bg from packaging & a white on red statement: "Surprise inside!!" (Also from packaging.) A piece of tea-dyed cheesecloth is used as a hinge to fasten the smaller piece of collage card onto a playing card.

Shows the inside of the hinged card: 

On the left: The backside of the Dina Wakley collage card with multi colors + 1/2 of a French postage stamp depicting a train & dark blue Posca pen dots.

On the right: background of purple dotted paper, some black on gray numbers along the left, a yellow flower & the other half of the French postage stamp. Focal point is a white on pink statement: "Cancel today!" The underlying card is 9 of spades & you can see the # and the suit in the left upper corner.

Shows the inside of the hinged card: On the left: The backside of the Dina Wakley collage card with multi colors + 1/2 of a French postage stamp depicting a train & dark blue Posca pen dots. On the right: background of purple dotted paper, some black on gray numbers along the left, a yellow flower & the other half of the French postage stamp. Focal point is a white on pink statement: "Cancel today!" The underlying card is 9 of spades & you can see the # and the suit in the left upper corner.

Today in #art: altered playing cards for the #FullDeckChallenge3, week 7. Prompt: Dark blue + free. 2nd card is for #AlteredIndex2025. Prompt: door and/or window. I chose to create a hinged "door" using a piece of collage card on top of the playing card.

More info in alt text.

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Tried to shoehorn in a little art today, since it's #FullDeckChallenge3 day + #AlteredIndex2025 day...but blergh. My attempts aren't working the way I want them to. I'm usually at peak art from about 8 AM to 10 AM & lunchtime is for faffing about. I'll put aside for now & play tomorrow.

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Altered PlayingCard nr: 04/ 52 Prompt: Light Green
#fulldeckchallenge3
#fulldeckchallenge #FDC3 #alteredcards #mixedmedia #smallart #mixedmedia #alteredplayingcard #collage #paperart #ephemera #craftsofbluesky #artofbluesky

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Altered Playing Card nr: 03/ 52 Prompt: Yellow
#fulldeckchallenge3
#fulldeckchallenge #FDC3 #alteredcards #mixedmedia #smallart #mixedmedia #alteredplayingcard #papercraft #paperart #ephemera #craftsofbluesky #artofbluesky

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Altered Playing Card nr: 02/ 52 Prompt: Orange
#fulldeckchallenge3
#fulldeckchallenge #FDC3 #alteredcards #mixedmedia #smallart #mixedmedia #alteredplayingcard #papercraft #paperart #ephemera #craftsofbluesky #artofbluesky

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Altered Playing Card nr: 01/ 52 Prompt: Red

#fulldeckchallenge3
#fulldeckchallenge #FDC3 #alteredcards #mixedmedia #smallart #mixedmedia #alteredplayingcard #papercraft #paperart #ephemera #craftsofbluesky #artofbluesky

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