NEW SHOP...NEW BLOG

Hallo All! I have a BRAND NEW SHOP On etsy called PennyPaperworks here!

http://www.pennypaperworks.etsy.com

and so....

I have a BRAND NEW BLOG HERE!

http://pennypaperworks.blogspot.com

And...if that's not enough I have become a twit!

Yes you can find me on twitter here!

http://twitter.com/PennyPaperworks

Yes I am now ms. Penny Paperworks

offering Handcrafted Paper Goodies and Gifts

that are pretty, fun, functional, and

of course, affordable!
SO come by and take a look at my new digs!

I miss my old blog friends!

BlueJude aka Ms. Penny!

BEAUTUFUL FEATURE...

Check out this amazing, beautiful feature Kid Giddy did on on her blog!
http://kidgiddy.blogspot.com/2009/10/seller-saturday-art-n-joy.html

And be sure to check out her wonderful shop on etsy! Thanks KG!

OLD FRIENDS...NEW THINGS

"Purple Passion" Bible Keepers n Bookmarks can be found here! http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com
OK I have to admit, I started forgetting an old friend that had always helped me out in the past and somehow gave me some peace and wisdom.
Then one evening, after a long spent day, I lay in bed, feeling...well, not so good. Somewhat sad and anxious, a bit shaken over our financial plight and how we would now get by on one very meager salary. Thankful that my husband finally scored a job at a local factory, but after me being laid off from my PT job...I wondered how we were ever going to make it. What about the winter boots my kids would need? And the list went on...though I won't bore you with it here.
I have always prayed and I have always believed that God would see me through anything as He has shown me many blessings in the past. However, that night, things seemed dim. God seemed distant.
Anyhoo, I turned my head to see, on the second shelf of my nightstand, my old friend. Wisened, Hopeful, Full of Light, but not quite shining...being surrounded by papers, books, debris that distracts. But there it was.....waiting.
I reached for it, bit's of scraps stuck out all over. I let it open to one that guided me. "You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on willbe done, and light will shine on your ways." JOB 22:27
I opened to another scrap. "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." LUKE 11:9
I continued...the words were sing song, lifting my heart, giving me strength and light, moving me on. Another day would come. I pray once again. And am able to sleep.
The next day, I decided to replace those scraps, with Bible Keepers. Surely, my old friend deserved better than willy nilly scraps sticking out all over! I made them slightly smaller than the average bookmark so that I could use several at once without my Bible becoming too cumbersome.
I also, cleared out the clutter on my nightstand, so that I could remember that my old friend was always nearby. Ready to give me strength, wisdom and light my way. Only now, it looked much prettier!
I enjoyed making my Bible Keepers so much, that I continued making more in different designs. They are available at my shop ArtnJoy on etsy, if you would like to take a peek! http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com
Have a blessed weekend...full of light

Lighting My Way

"Lighting My Way" D. Altaville 2009

OK so son #1 has been up at college for two weeks now and I guess I'm slowly adjusting.

He however, seems to be doing just fine, as far as I can tell from his vids and emails, most of which his sister receives.

The one that I did get, was in response to some questions I had for the ole wise boy.
Stupid Mommy, I asked what he was eating...curious about the range of fare available at the cafeteria. His reply was...I'm old enough to take care of myself! Do I really have to list what I'm eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday!

(Well, no...not exactly (:)

The other two are off to a great start in school as well.

Though, since turning seven in July, the little guy seems to be getting an attitude that's too big for his pants.

(is there something in the water?)

He is by far my most persistent and stubborn child.

I decided to entertain him recently with a "photo walk" where we could take photos together, since he was dying to use the digi camera (afterall he is seven now, he explained).

The little bugger was quite an inspiration and I remembered how much I loved exploring photography.

Sooo... I have a new shop on etsy called Velocity Joy featuring my recent explorations.

Since I was laid off from my job a few weeks ago I'm hoping maybe this will bring in some spare change since we are back to struggling once again. Though I know God will see us through this, and light our way somehow. Anyhooo...

If you have a moment...take a peek....

http://www.velocityjoy.etsy.com

Big BlueJude Hugs and Blessings to all!

Lost n Found

So the new shop Attic Joys seems to be chugging along nicely. Though of course my favorite best stuff gets scooped up right away. But I'll tip you off - I've been saving these WONDERFUL UNIQUE CARDS - lets just call them "Parts" for now....(yes, I must keep the suspense)...anyhoo, they are PERFECT for mixed media/collage artists..so be on the lookout, as they WILL go up over the next 5 days or so.

Meantime, I opened a second shop called LostnFound Joys to sell off some other vintage treasures that does not fit in the ephemera category. Above is just a peek at what you can find there. There is much more. And some very cute, unique stuff for the little ones in your life!

You'll have to take a peek and see for yourself! (:

AND today, in celebration of October 1st & the Fall Season I have taken $1.00 off each item!

As for creating, I have done about 2 journal pages and thats it. Obviously been busy with the shops, looking for more employment and kids and life in general.

I also have a meeting tomorrow with a Home Mortgage Assistance Program (for which today I have to put a short novel of my life together) so keep your little fingers crossed and say your little prayers. (:

OK now go take a peek at LostnFound Joys on etsy here:

http://www.lostnfoundjoys.etsy.com

HAPPY FALL ALL!

FUN STUFF

OK so I'm shamelessly promoting here. BUT I just added a bunch of new fun ephemera to teh Attic Joys Shop on etsy. Lovely Vintage Bridge Tally Cards, Fun Postcards, Cabinet Photos and more to add to your stash of mixed media collage supplies. So hurry...go take look! OH and have a great, creative weekend! Big bluejude hugs!

NEWS FLASH

This is the name of my new shop on etsy, where you can find vintage photos, cabinet card, vintage postcards, etc. I have been uploading stuff little by little, so be sure to check back on the ever growing collection!
You can find the link to the right.
I have some really great funky and unique postcards that I hate to part with, but I'm hoping it will help us to stay afloat for a while.
Unforunately there seemed to be some glitches in the search categories on etsy and my listings were not showing up - eeekk!
Murphy's law in action once again?
Thank you all for your blessings, prayers, good thoughts, and fond wishes.
We were able to get some partial food stamps to help with the grocery bill, so at least that's something.
OH and my sweet, lovely daughter turned 16 yesterday. Sometimes you wish you could just capture them in a little snowglobe when they're small and keep them that way forever. But I am very proud of the person she is growing into, kind, creative and strong, always able to make me laugh - the light of my life, as are the other two.
Of course she had a social whirl of a weekend, so we will have a little cupcake celebration tonight. Happy Birthday darlin'!
OK, all...now go check out my shop and tell me what you think! I'm open to all critique and suggestions.
http://www.atticjoys.etsy.com
Monday Hugs To All!

Hangin In There...

"Deadly Mystery" by Darcy Altaville

This is the first journal page I have done in a very long time. Not my finest work, but pretty much makes a statement about how I'm feeling about our state of affairs around here. You can read the post below for more details on that.

It surely is a mystery to me how we will get through it all, but God works in mysterious ways too, and I am keepin the faith that He will keep His lovin hand upon this family and see us through, comin out on top.

It's the only thing that gets me through the day. That and a cuddle and a giggle from the little guy and joshin around with my banshee teens, and of course a good ole hubby hug.

Thank You to my two blogging buddies who have stopped by my etsy shop to make a purchase.

Beleive me...every LITTLE BIT helps at this point.

We are down to the wire!!

Anyone who can find it in their hearts to make a small donation to help out the family fund can do so via PayPal to bluejude126@yahoo.com

Thank you so much!!

Have a blessed and creative weekend all!

Escaping Velocity

"Lonely Man's Door" Harley Altaville c.2008

This is just one of the photographic prints available at my daughter's new etsy shop called Escaping Velocity!

In the spirit of encouraging a fellow artist...Please take a peek at her shop and IF you like her work, please take a moment to heart the shop. We're hoping it will also help to cover some of her personal expenses, as you all know things are tight here.

She is passionate about her photography, which is probably why she's so talented!

See for yourself by clicking here:

http://www.escapingvelocity.etsy.com

Her link is also to the right under BlueJude Central.

Thanks so much my wonderful creative friends! Hope everyone is off to a wonderful week!

Like Mother Like Daughter

These are some pieces done by my favorite artist, my daughter. Just fifteen years old, and she is not only talented in art, photography, and writing; she is also one of the wisest and kindest kids I know. She sometimes has more depth and insight than the adults I know, including myself!

Anyhoo, the top piece was done for a music festival that ended up getting cancelled. BUT the art teacher liked it so much, that she sent it to be featured in a supplement of a local paper. They showcase the High School kid's art once a month.

The second piece was done in mixed media and the little writing all about says He loves me...He loves me not.

The scanner as usual, doesn't do them justice. But I think they are spectacular...much like her!

I am very proud of you Sweet Pea!

And soon, you all can look forward to seeing some of her photography on etsy. That will really rock your socks! The kid's a natural.

Ok Happy Week All!

Here Comes The Sun

"Sunflower" D.Altaville c.2008

This is actually a watercolor I did years ago and kind of funked it up on adobe, as my daughter wanted a Sunflower for her room. So this is a tribute to her, as she always makes my days a bit sunnier, a bit brighter. And as you know from my last post, I definately need to be reminded of that! So cheers dears, here's to sunnier days ahead!

Oh yes, and this print is available on Art n Joy etsy (sans the watermark of course) for those of you who could use a little sunshine in your life!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Climb

"Climb" D.Altaville c.2008

A recent piece that sums up by Birthday Wish for this year. Climb. Climb to new heights.

Birthday was on Thursday and had a rootin tootin time with the hub and some friends.

However, today I woke up with a stuffy nose, sore throat, the works. So I think I'll just be climbing under the covers!

And of course this print is available at Art n Joy on etsy here:

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Happy Weekend All!

Basement Art

"The Man In My Basement" D. Altaville c.2007

I did this piece earlier this year, came across it over the weekend and decided to sell prints of it at Abstract Joy on etsy. I LOVE THIS! The reason for the title is because he ACTUALLY was created in the basement! (Now Understand I have an UNFINISHED basement, but excess art supplies are down there. SO, while I was waiting for the dryer to stop one day, I started drawing this. Then just continued intermittently, when I was down there. Adding a stroke of color here and there and well, you get the picture.

So he is available here: http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com where I still have my SUPER SALE going on. AND there is some new relisted stuff at Art n Joy here: http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com also on SUPER SALE!

Anyhoo, I had a lovely weekend and the best part was the day I spent with my daughter yesterday. We spent some time looking at her fave photographers on the net, went out for pizza and played PacMan and generally did a lot of talking, bonding and lots and lots of laughing!

Nothing is better than laughing with your child.

And if you wanna know what I finally ended up naming the piece in the post below, well, you'll just have to use the link to Abstract Joy on etsy to find out!

OK enuf rambling. Hope everyone has a great week filled with lots and lots of laughter. I feel truly blessed.

Name That Piece

I am having a SUPER SALE at both my etsy shops all weekend long, including Monday.

All prints have been marked down, so take a peek while you're doing your holiday shopping!

The above piece is momentarily titled, "Stck Lady & Her Nest" though I'm not terribly fond of the name. Any other suggestions?

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend! I am so thankful for all my blogging buddies!

IN BETWEEN

"In Between" D. Altaville c.2007

Yup, this is how I'm feeling right about now. In Between the Tears I Can Face My Fears.

At least that was the journal entry for this one.

And yes, it's available at Abstract Joy here: http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

AND I am having a storewide sale at Art n Joy here: http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

so you can add a little joy to the lovelies on your gift giving list!

Sorry for the shameless promoting but times are tough and every little bit helps!

Hope you all are having a JOYOUS and Creative Sunday cherishing those you love.

Out Of The Blue

"Out Of The Blue" D. Altaville c.2007

No clue. Don't ask! lol Just another BlueJude-ism. I do like it though. And it is up on my etsy shop Abstract Joy, here: http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

And yes my Art n Joy Shop is still in existence as well.

Not much new to tell here. I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is next week! How does that happen every year that it just creeps up on you so quickly?

And contrary to the post below, I actually do a kick- butt turkey and actually enjoy doing it! I guess all of us can have our contradictions.

Ok, if your looking for a good read check out EAT PRAY LOVE.

And if you need a good movie, check out Georgia Rule.

And of course have a great week, and add a little art to your life! Preferably mine! {:

Shelter From The Storm

"Shelter From The Storm" D.Ataville c.2007

This pretty much sums up how I'm feeling lately and explains why I haven't been blogging much. We seem to have hit an all time low here financially, and though I do have a job now, my hub is unable to find work, and we're on a rapid decline. I am now looking into food stamps and assistance for my family as this is how bad things have gotten. It's a very scary place to be when you have three children. Though I am trying to keep my faith, and believe that God's promises will hold true and give us the financial means we need to see us through the winter.

So as you can surmise, I have been feeling very scared and out of sorts.

But thankfully, we are all healthy and will always have each other, and are not suffering the pains of those going through the devastation of the California fires. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. And I hope they too will find Shelter From The Storm.

Hope all my blogging buddies are doing well! Hopefully my next post will be a bit more uplifting. Until then, Have a Spooky and Spectacular Halloween!

Hoping

" Three Thoughts For A Fond Hope" D. Altaville c.2007

Just an old piece that I recently finished up and put up on my Art n Joy etsy shop.

I'm back on that emotional roller coaster again. Feeling oh so uninspired, and just not motivated artistically. I started a part-time job selling ad space, to try and help out with the bills.

I'm thankful for the job, but well, yes I have to admit I'd rather be home delving into paint and paper and trying to wake up the muse.

I did have a beautiful day yesterday though. I went shopping with my lovely daughter for a homecoming dress, visiting some of the funky, chic boutiques in a nearby town. AND God must have been shining down on us, as we found the most beautiful dress, that fits her like it was tailor made and the price tag was $60.00. BUT it was my lucky day, because the dress was marked down to $10.00!!!! It seems the woman is clearing out the summer stock for Fall. Woohooo!

We were so excited. And we got some lovely jewelry to boot!

So as I start my day today, feeling wonky and out of sorts I will try and remember the beautiful things. My daughter and our beautiful day together and how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family and a God that is awesome, that is always looking out for us.

Cheers all! Here's hoping you all have a beautiful week!

Cover Girl

"LISTEN" D.Altaville c.2006

I'm a cover girl! This piece made the cover of the Summer Issue of ARTitude!

And I have to say the issue is simply faboo. Lot's of good stuff and eye candy.

My daddy use to say that people who talk the most, usually have the least to say.

And I sometimes feel that people do talk to much, when they really need to listen more. (Myself included!) Listening is so important. It's learning, it's caring, it's inspiring.

And of course you can have your very own print of "LISTEN" by going to Abstract Joy on etsy here:

http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

Happy Day All! And remember to listen to those around you, show them that you care. Listen to the sounds of music and nature and be inspired. Listen.

New Mood...New Work

" Autumn Dreams" D.Altaville c.2007
"Winter Lies" D.Altaville c.2007
Thank You All for your well wishes. My blogging friends rock! And I guess all those good vibes paid off, as I'm feeling a bit better and more peaceful.
These are just a couple of pieces that I managed to finish up and get on my Art n Joy etsy site.
They are also my favorite seasons. Hope everyone is having a great week.
Thanks again and blessings to all of you!