Saturday, January 24, 2015

Grow Your Blog, a blog hop event

I just learned a few days ago about a blog hop that will affect many bloggers.

It is called "Grow Your Blog" and is hosted by Vicki at 2 Bags Full.


I'd like to begin by introducing myself.  We are Bleubeard and Elizabeth.  There are many, many Elizabeth's on the internet, and several are big name mixed media artists and bloggers, too.  But there is only ONE Bleubeard.  That's why that gorgeous guy, waiting for you to arrive, is the face of our blog.

Before we begin, we need to get a few housekeeping notes out of the way.

Vicki suggests we get rid of the "No reply blogger," but I've been told on more than one occasion that my e-mail spits out spam and viruses.  Although I've had a computer guru try to get rid of the problem, I have to keep the e-mail address because it's tied to several accounts I own.  I don't want anyone catching either a virus or be flooded with spam, so if you have a question, please leave it in the comments.  I will be glad to answer on YOUR blog, because you don't have time to return to mine to see my answer.

Blogger has chosen to throw obstacles in our faces, even though many of us have never used word verification.  So, IF you are coming from Blogger/Google, please ignore the "I'm not a robot." Simply leave a comment, then hit publish.  Your comment will magically appear.  I promise.  No hoops to jump through, no second guessing those crazy words and numbers.

Speaking of Google, if you are a member of G+, there's a good chance I won't be able to reply to your comment.  It's all in the way you set up your comments, because I refuse to join G+ just to leave you one.

I'm sure many of you have guessed that I make altered books.  At least, that's how I started my relatively new art journey.  If you are interested, please come back when you have time and peruse the altered book classes I held in 2012 that I offered free of charge.  You will find all the lessons on my right sidebar.  Of course, after expanding my horizons, I now consider myself a mixed media artist. 

BTW, that's one of my over 450 rocking horses on the left side of the table.  I have them in all shapes, sizes, mediums, and genres.  They are the only thing I collect and you will find them everywhere in my home.


Although it's far more challenging, I also have made a few ATC sized (2.5" X 3.5", ATCs are never converted to metric) books, too.


Another of my passions is mixed media, where I combine my love of collage with sewing.


Speaking of sewing, I also dye much of my own fabric, using non-conventional techniques.  Of course, I also love to make mixed media quiltlets, too.   This one is called "Not Your Grandmother's Quilt."  It incorporated many of my hand dyed fabrics and three of my tyvek flowers.

Since I brought up the subject of dyeing, my latest dye project I've taken on is eco-dyeing, a process that requires leaves, flowers, and other natural items, along with a bit of rust.

Here are three pieces I made last November.  I unveiled them at the end of the month.  They need time to cure, so I left them for about 20 days wrapped in plastic.  They are finished, except for the final drying, in this picture above. Aren't they stunning?  Much of this gorgeous fabric has already been used in art quilts I made friends for Christmas.

Mixed media plays a big roll in my quiltlets, too.


My mixed media pieces can take many forms, including this angel I created for a swap many years ago,

or this bird using recycled materials.

I've recently started making a few mixed media assemblages,

like this one made using a block of wood as my "canvas" that I named "Mother and Child Reunion."

I'm proud to be a part of many challenges, too.  You'll find current ones I participate in on my right sidebar.  If you want to see my previous collaborations, please go here. Don't worry.  All my links open in a new window, so you won't lose your place.

I also host two link-up parties, one of which is T Stands For Tuesday.

Even though we share T(ea) or any other drink you choose every Tuesday, I put together a retrospective mosaic which represented each month from 2014.  I hope you can tell how diverse these T posts can be.  You are always welcome to join, too.

This year I started a new link up party called "Second on the 2nd."  The idea is to look back through your previous posts and find one that you are either particularly proud of, or you posted before anyone knew your blog existed.  That post goes live at 12:00 am US Central time the 2nd of every month.  I would love for you to join us, too.  Any post is acceptable, regardless of content.
Gardening is a big part of my life, too.  Although I took these photos during a heavy rainstorm last spring, they show both my front "Flower Bed" and my side yard herb garden.

I'd love to show you a few more art pieces I've made, but I know your time is limited.  So, Bleubeard and I will bid you a fond adieu and welcome you back when you can stay a bit longer.

Since I've been so fortunate over the years to receive gifts from art friends, I want to extend that same courtesy to you.  I will be sending one of my quiltlets to one lucky winner, and one of my mixed media pieces to one lucky winner.

Here are the rules.  Sorry!  There MUST be rules.

1. Please leave one comment only on this blog post.  You may look around, comment on other posts, and enjoy my art, but THIS POST is the only one that counts when it comes to qualifying for the prizes.

2.  I have never asked anyone to ever jump through hoops.  You DO NOT have to be a follower, you do not have to follow me in any of the other ways I show on my left sidebar.  I would never try to pad my stats by forcing you to join a blog you may not want to ever visit again.

3.  Once I have drawn the names of the winners on February 15, there is no need for you to return to see if you have won.  I will come to YOUR blog and let you know.  However, if you don't respond in one week (7 days), I will draw an alternate name. 

4.  You do NOT have to be part of this blog hop to qualify for a prize.

5.  I will send your prize anywhere in this world.  However, I cannot send it to Mars or Uranus.

Thank you for visiting. It means a lot.  Bleubeard and I are so grateful you chose to stop by today.
 

73 thoughtful remarks:

ionabunny said...

Well hello. Thought I'd drop by and glad I did. A very amusing and edumacational post. Sorry I haven't been around for a while but I really am hoping to catch up on the APC gang and leave some love real soon. Thanks for all your lovely comments. Did look for you at the craft barn earlier but didn't see you in your number 1 spot LOL. Back again soon. Got to go save the bunny water flasks from death by freezing. Hugz

TwinkleToes2day said...

Wow, this post has so many wonderful things to feast my eyes on. You are such a diverse artist Elizabeth. I really like your dyed fabric, quiltlet, button angel, bird and other assemblages; well everything actually.
I hope you have a super Sunday :D
Many thanks for your comment on my newest blog post, I'm having a lot of fun with the journal and sharing it is half the fun.
I will of course say Hi to Wee Man and remind him he is overdue to do a post :D

Vicki Miller said...

Thanks for dropping by. and thanks for your as usual lovely comments. Perhaps we can keep each other on track! As I said, I have been trying to get a fabric book done for a few years. At least I know I will have one this year as I am doing a workshop at the quilt convention with a fabric book artist.
Hope Bleubeard is bright and cheery and getting along with his new pardner!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I really enjoyed this very comprehensive look into your creative world. New viewers will see your wide range of interests and talents, and us "regulars" will again enjoy seeing some of your very best projects! You very successfully interviewed yourself!

Stephanie Faris said...

You're so crafty! Actually, I thought about dropping out of this when I saw I was one of the few people participating who isn't a crafter. I wasn't sure any of you would even be interested in my blog! But I'm still not 100 percent sure what a "no reply blogger" is. I don't want people emailing me--if that's what it does, so I'll leave it as it is! But I believe on Blogger, Google Plus provides a way for non-Blogger members to leave comments. It's just another option. You should be able to leave comments for other people who belong to Blogger without being directed there--it would just be the WordPress people you'd be redirected to Google Plus to use, right? I'm still not 100 percent sure!

Sunshine Girl said...

Oooh hello - we meet again! I have known about and read your blog for a while now (I am today visiting via Grow Your Blog) and realise that I have never followed you but will do so now - love your post even though there is not a rocking horse in sight! Have a great day. Sunshine Girl - Grow Your Blog Section 24.

Laney said...

Oh yes! I've been here before, too so will follow today! It's always great fun here. :) I came over from Grow Your Blog.

elle said...

Great showcase of your style, Elizabeth!!!

Hooked on Quilting said...

Welcome to the Grow Your Blog Party! I am one of Vicki's volunteers and wanted to stop by and share how excited she is that you joined the party. I had a great time looking over your mixed media. Your work is beautiful. Thank you for joining in and hope you find lots of new blogs and new friends. Your work is beautiful! Gloria

Halle said...

I wish I had know about the Grow Your Blog event sooner...to actually get signed up. I'm so behind on reading blogs that when I marked "all read" in Feedly, I must have missed it.
Have a great day!

Tami Von Zalez said...

Great use of mixed media - I esp. like the pattern image in your work.

Dropped by from GYB.
http://thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com/2015/01/grow-your-blog-and-repairing-vintage.html

Lady Catford said...

I always like reading your blog. You are an inspiration to me.

Gill said...

I've been following for a while and I'm loving your rust dyeing!

Carol said...

Love the post and there are going to be two very happy people in this world soon. It's lots of fun doing the Grow your Blog event.

Lorraine said...

Hi Elizabeth....and Bleubeard. Your mixed media projects are so creative. I looked back some too and you've got me hooked. I'll be back to check out more and get some inspiration too.

Kyla said...

I was doing a late WOYWW round when I spotted this post and your lovely assemblage piece with the blue face-I have exactly the same mould! It is lovely. Blog hop sounds fun but sadly far too busy at the moment to think about that.

Kyla
(WOYWW 12)

kathyinozarks said...

Hi I am so glad I found you at the party-I do mostly fiber crafts and bounce around allot-I made my first journal last year so I am always looking for inspiration with altered books.
that is one of the reasons I love blogging so much-to learn and be inspired by others.
I am having a giveaway too-so please stop by.
enjoy the party
Kathy

chasing the sun said...

I love your assemblages and blog page..I am glad I got to visit! Have a good week :-)

Jennifer Pearson Vanier said...

Greetings! Thank you for visiting my blog. It is good to see you again. I have followed for a long while. Lovely and fun pieces!

craftingpaws said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog! I adore your artwork, you have done so many stunning pieces! (Love the dyed fabric, it is gorgeous!) Looking forward to seeing more of your projects!

Chantal said...

You are a very talented woman Elizabeth. I'm glad I've stopped by. Love your dye fabric. ♥♥♥. I've learned a lot from your post. Most interesting. Thanks.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

What a delightful blog. I am visiting from grow your blog party and am a new follower of your blog.

Amanda said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I love your altered books. My mom has done altered books for years, and I enjoyed doing some as well back when I had more time! I just love the freedom and creativity of it. I will be following you and be hoping to get the altered book bug again! Amanda from cookingwithamanda.com

CatieAn said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog today and leaving such nice comments. I am so glad you did and had to hurry over here to see what you do. i have done a few altered books in the last year and didn't think about posting them. They are so much fun aren't they? I love all that you do here and happy to be a new follower.

tktl said...

Glad to find see your wonderful mixed media creations!

t_ktl at yahoo.com

cobcottagecraft.com

Cherie said...

What a lovely and inspiring blog. I shall visit often. xxx

Wilma said...

Hi Elizabeth,
It's nice to meet you and see your creations.
Love your mixed media Art !
The fabric you dyed is beautiful.
I signed in as a follower now.

Thank you so much for your great comment on my blogpost
for the GYBP 2015 !
Blessings to you,
Wilma,Shabby Royale.

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning, that is such a bummer about your email giving out spam-that is so not good-
I am not sure any more what is classified as eco printing-I just learned about nature printing from India Flints book recently and this summer had decided to try facebook-mostly for friends that no longer blog and for the groups, and to hopefully get my etsy shop found-but there I found a group called nature printing-I tried that once late fall and will definately do more
I live in the woods so I am always exploring for natural dye stuffs. I was very successful with pokeberries on wool yarn and also on alpaca unspun fiber-after much reading about it I found a recipe that is really colorfast. I achieved a lovely dark burgandy you can see the results in my etsy shop-I will for sure do more of that this year.
I also finally achieved a gorgeous yellow on wool yarn using goldenrod-mimosa leaves-and marigold petals-that is colorfast. I always had called that natural dyeing so not sure if that is now eco dyeing.
I did find an article in a magazine a couple years ago that she called eco dyeing which was to transfer the dye from silk ties on to silk cloth-that is amazing and fun to do-I have a piece of that left in my etsy shop
I have done allot of rust dyeing in the past which is fun for me too-I use allot of recyled clothes and cloth for my dyeing too
Kathy

Boud said...

I knew we were kindred spirits when I saw your comment about kitties on my blog, and then even more when I saw your refusal to create a profile just to comment on other blogs. Yay you. I have had to explain this to several recent commenters and I wonder if they realize they are choking off a lot of response by having that requirement? Anyway, hello to Bleubeard, been wondering who you were for a while! my kitties probably send greetings, but they've gone back to bed so they'll have to catch up later.

And I'll be back here, too! definitely.

creations.1 said...

A fabulous welcoming post - such a joy to read!! I am now a follower and will be back later to have a really good look around!! - Kerrie B at channelbankcreations.blogspot.com.au

Darla said...

What fun Elizabeth. Although I visit your blog pretty faithfully I seemed to have missed the fact that you are doing a "Second on the 2nd" post. Must have been asleep the day you announced that. You know I want to participate.

Darla

Sami said...

A lovely welcoming post Elizabeth. Love your Bluebeard boy, he is so pretty!
I love my cats too as you know. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a lovely comment too.
I didn't know about the lye either, I still have some soap left from the last time I made it, hope to find it next time I need...How sad!

Rhonda Halushka said...

Gorgeous cat! Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier! I think a lot of us are more interconnected through our art these days and it is so great to discover that when we read each other's blogs! I am also interested in seeing your eco-dying projects. That has become a fascination for me lately and I plan on trying it out more in the spring this year. I put your blog into my Feedly so will follow it that way and see what else you get up to in the creative world! Thanks for playing in the Grow your Blog Hop party!
Rhonda @ rhoz.blogspot.com

Quirky Homemaker said...

First of all, thank you for stopping by my blog! It's nice to meet you through this wonderful hop. Second, Bluebeard is so cute. Cats are awesome. Third, I've subscribed via email so that I can possibly joint the hops you host in the future. Have a wonderful week!

P.s.--Love all of your mixed media art. :)

~*~Patty S said...

Even though we've been acquainted for a few years now in blogland I really enjoyed your post.
Your altered books photo is especially wonderful E!
OK just did a search in my Magpie's Nest Comments and it looks like we "met" back in March of 2009 = WOWEE!
Time flies...
Thank you for all these years of friendship...inspiration...sharing and more!
oxo

pearshapedcrafting said...

Dearest Elizabeth, it is always a pleasure reading your blog and this time a revisit to some of your projects is no exception! Love Bleubeard's greet picture too! I've just come back from our caravan where this time there was virtually no phone or internet connection - I wish i wasn't so hooked on modern technology - I was THE original grumpy old woman some of the time - lucky for me I have a very patient hubby!!! Trying hard to catch up blogs so I'm going to have to pass on this :-(
Big Hugs, Chrisx

sheila 77 said...

Hello Elizabeth, hello Bleubeard, I just came over for a visit as I haven't been for a while and what a fabulous blogpost I found. Love everything here, especially your altered books first photo, "Not your Grandmother's Quilt" - a special favourite and your "Mother and Child Reunion" block.

Threads of Inspiration said...

Hi Elizabeth, I am so glad I found you again after several years. Your creations are always so inspiring. Enjoy the blog party!

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Hi Elizabeth, I found you through Grow Your Blog event. I enjoyed reading about you and your blog :). You have a wonderful collection of beautiful makes here, I love your altered books and your mixed media pieces :).

Have a happy GYB! Hugs and best wishes from your newest follower, Asia

If you'd like to visit me back and find out more about my blog Under a Creative Spell, that would be fab!

moongirl said...

Elizabeth! You are a wonderful, no nonsense blogger and I love that - I completely agree with the whole G+ thing. I am signed up for enough thank you very much! ;)

Wow! You have so much work to show it’s amazing and impressive. Love how you incorporate sewing into your mixed media pieces. Very nice!

Nanette said...

Hello Elizabeth, thanks for visiting my blog as part of GYB. I'm glad you did because I got to visit you and see all your wonderful and creative work. I'll be back.

Pamela said...

Thank you for visiting my blog and for your lovely comments. I do hope you get a chance to watch Keeping Up Appearances - Hyacinth is so outrageous, you can help but be amused. Your art is amazing; some time ago, I found a article about altered books and I was tempted to give it a try but never did. I will be back to review the lessons on your sidebar. Thank you so much for having them available.

Pamela said...

Sorry, that should be you CAN'T help but be amused!

Robyn said...

interesting concept , Second on the 2nd. I saw a rocking horse in the thrift show the other day and thought of you. Wasn't sure if I should encourage you or not by sending it on!

voodoo vixen said...

Brilliant overview of your artwork and talents E!! Bleubeard looking very regal on the front doorstep too.

Unknown said...

Visiting from GYB Party but I also know your from WOYWW. I joined A Year of Altered Books this year as this is something I want to get better at and practice more. VERY helpful course. I see that you also taught an altered book course. I will continue to stop by on Wednesdays to peek at your work desk!

Hettienne Grobler said...

Hi there, I thought I was a follower but discovered I am not! So I joined up and it is lovely to visit with you again! I will be back, blessings Hettienne

Princess Stupidhead said...

I Love your blog and your art. It's right up my alley.

thanks so much for stopping by my blog. :)

Tamara said...

Hi Elizabeth..
It's nice to meet you. You are so creative and talented.
I am so fond of mixed media and yours are so wonderful and unique. It sounds like we enjoy a lot of the same things! And your Bleubeard is such a handsome kitty. Thank you for visiting and leaving such a nice comment on my blog! I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Happy Tuesday!
Tamara

Nancy said...

Nice array of your projects and interests!

Nancy said...

Nice array of your projects and interests!

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

Your art is wonderful, amazeballs and all adjectives real and made up! I'm so intrigued and want to know more. I need to break out and perhaps you're the girl to inspire. Glad to find you through GYB party. Patrica @Dogwood Lane Rambles

JoJo said...

Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for leaving me your blog address when you visited my blog yesterday. Isn't this blog party fun that Vicki planned!!! Your Bleubeard is one handsome guy. With his dark silvery mane, I'm sure the ladies all love him too.

Your artwork is fabulous. I look forward to visiting often and seeing what you are up to!

jojo
jojohall.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Elizabeth....I have followed your blog for several years, but it's been awhile since the last time. Lots of great stuff to catch up on. I now have a cat too who is my sweet companion.His name is Nemo, and he is a tiger cat, dark gray and black.
I am working on an altered book (OK...several altered books) I use a lot of magazine images along with some original drawing ...Makes me happy !
Marilyn at groovygramma56401@yahoo.com

Jennifer's Vintage Paperie said...

I love your mixed media artwork. The fabric creations are my favorites. I have enjoyed meeting you through the Grow Your Blog hop. Thank you for visiting my blog.

africanaussie said...

I think you must have written something wrong - 450 rocking chairs!!!! You have achieved some awesome patterns and colours through natural dying. Awesome.

Pauline G said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog - and so I found yours and what a treat. Love all those tutorials so will be following in future as I am just beginning to try out more textile type projects .

Suburban Girl said...

My goodness, you are a bundle of creative talent. Beautiful work.

Sue Kosec said...

You throw a great party. Thank you for inviting me!

So that you know, I've become a Follower and when time permits, I'll be back to see what other beautiful things were made by your hands!

What this party is all about is to GROW your blog and I'm hoping to do the same. When you get to Section One, check out A Country Chic Retreat and SuZeQ Creations, my personal blog, in Section Fifteen I'd love for you to follow and subscribe to.

Happy crafting!
SuZeQ

Carrie said...

Hi Elizabeth! I'm joining (a little late I know) for the grow your blog party. Thanks so much for visiting me. You are so talented, I really enjoyed seeing your blog.

Cheri the Quilting Nanny said...

Hi Elizabeth...visiting from GYB... and I am now following you as I am anxiously working on learning to make altered books... one question...what do you do with them when finished? They are beautiful and amazing.. but I never see what one does with a finished one!
Cheri, the quilting nanny

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Hi Elizabeth and Bleubeard! Thanks for coming over to say hi and leave your sweet comments! Elizabeth, you are one talented and crafty lady! I'm already a follower!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love that we are both Elizabeth(s), so cool. i don't find many. that is why i did laugh when you said you see so many in the bloggy world. i guess we have different paths? maybe??! i always remember the story my mom told me as a kid ... my Dad's mom refused to allow me to be called Liz ... apparently she had a lady in her life named that & they didn't get along. i love the name Liz. i once told a friend that i was related to the Queen ... she believed me ... i think? thank you for stopping by my blog. i love your art. so creative. i have not worked with my creative skills in a long time. maybe i should say i do it in a different form. my art skills in high school were working with pencils, paints, drawing, now i work more with computers, photography, so it is a totally different part of my art history. i miss the other side. but i don't feel pulled or drawn to doing it much any more. i guess i need to allow those juice to flow again. i have rattle along. so nice to meet you & i look forward to seeing even more. i will follow on Bloglovin ... that is the best format for me. hope that is cool. have a nice day!! big big hugs to you & Bleubeard. what a beauty. ( :

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Hello you two gorgeous bloggers!
I couldn’t possibly say ‘Hello Elizabeth’ when the beautiful Bluebeard is waiting patiently by the door to welcome us – he is beautiful!

I often pop in for a looksy on your blog, usually after I’ve been to see Patty’s!
I love all your art but especially your AB’s and your quiltlets – 'Not Your Grandmother's Quilt' really appeals to me - beautifully named too ha ha!
Playing with fabrics and paper are what I love too. I tried art journaling and want to do more of it – time is my enemy as I’m still working.
I’m coming back to go through your AB class – I just read Lesson 1 which was most exciting – I have several books put aside for this purpose.

I’m following you both now, thought I was already but when I changed my blog design I lost all the blogs I was following grrr!

Thank you for popping to see me – Bluebeard did you happen to see my surrogate cats (actually they belong to my neighbour but they spend nearly all day in my garden or lying on the couch) – they would love to meet another blogging cat!

Hugs and cuddles
Shane

The Country Witch said...

Hi, I popped on over from Country Witch - love your blog. Wish I had more artsy genes but alas, that particular talent skipped me. :)

Dodie said...

Good morning Bluebird and Elizabeth! I am so glad that you visited my blog! And I am so excited to spend some relaxing time wandering through yours to see all of your creativity!

I am now following you via Google Friend Connect.

Dodie

Anonymous said...

Returning your lovely visit via GYB! The transformation in your garden is amazing!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

HI Elizabeth, give Bleubeard a good scratch behind the ears for me. Lovely work you do, you are so talented! I sooo totally agree about Google Plus! Blogger doesn't play nice with other platforms so I had to create a Blogger profile just to comment. Blogger drives me nuts.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I've enjoyed seeing your work and visiting with you and Bluebeard! He's a gorgeous furry friend - I miss having a kitty but had to give our Cosmo to our son after my DH developed allergies. Thank you for having us in for a visit!

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Dropping by via GYB from St. John's, NL Canada I noticed you have fantastic tutorials that I will come back to check out. Thanks! Great blog too.

FeltByRae said...

Dropping in from GYB and to thank you for your lovely comment

Love your beautiful mixed media; so very talented and such a stunning cat too!

Rae x

AppleApricot Wen said...

Drat, I'm from Pluto. You couldn't possibly send anything to beautiful Pluto, can you? Lol. I loved reading your post Elizabeth! And hello to Bleubeard as well! Your art is amazing and beautiful, so inspiring! Oh yes, I am definitely going to follow your blog, and don't worry, I don't feel forced to do so :) I'm sorry to hear about your email account being so annoying. Don't we just love the new blogger, sigh. I'm going to follow you through bloglovin. Thank you so much for your very sweet comment on my blog, it made my day! Wishing you a wonderful week ~ Wendy http://appleapricot.blogspot.com/

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

The giveaway portion of this blog event is now closed. Thank you for visiting and participating.