alyiceedrich

I've been an Internet Infopreneur for years, selling e-books and running an award-winning online magazine, The Dabbling Mum®. I've also written for various small businesses and the occasional print publication.

But lately, I've felt the call to be just a bit more creative so I've gone back to my roots and began painting and creating with objects, rather than just words and blocks of code. It's been wonderful to get out the paints and glue again. And I'm enjoying the process of creating things with another passion of mine: photography.

I love to create beautiful vases out of recycled jars and canisters.

I like to crochet blankets and scarfs, though I find my hands go numb at times.

I love to take photographs, play with them in my digital studio, and turn them into greeting cards or memory books.

I have always enjoyed trying new ideas when it comes to Christmas ornaments and am happy to say I'm getting back into making this a yearly event.

Right now, I'm having a blast learning to draw and paint things other than abstract--though it'll be awhile before I can feel confident enough to call myself an artist in this area.

Anything from my art supplies list below. Miniature watch parts and watch faces. Dragon flies. Hearts. Stars. Chipboard letters of all sizes.

I love old glass bottles and jars. I also enjoy working with glass jars that have odd shapes and coloring--both old and newly reclyced jars from food and drink containers.

I'd love to see a swap where we swap projects like canvas art or assemblages. One-on-one, certain dollar amount. (Something that could be used as decor in the home.)

Liquitex Modeling Paste

Golden Gesso -- all colors

DecoArt Triple Thick Brilliant Brush-On Gloss Glaze

Kramar High Gloss, Non-Yellowing Varnish

Liquitex Basics (Value Series) Acrylic Color * Burnt Umber * Raw Umber * Red Oxide

Plaid Folk Art Acrylic Paint * #441 Sterling Blue * #923 Clover

DecoArt * Triple Thick Brilliant Brush-On Gloss Glaze

Gold Fluid Acrylics * Green Gold

When it comes to my own home, I'm a bit of a minimalist as I am not a big fan of dusting. Therefore, I tend to pick and appreciate items that have more of a sentimental value than just a "cutesy" or "artistic" appeal.

I love serene and nuetral colors.

For walls I prefer prints of family only or hand painted canvases with loads of texture and a story behind the piece; especially when the story is of a personal nature to my family.

For knik knacks, I prefer a spiritual message--not necessarily religious but something that speaks of the heart and soul. This doesn't mean the piece has to have text but that it conveys that overall message or feel.

I do not like clutter so I tend to avoid buying things I won't use and when one item comes into the house, another is donated or sold. (Unless it was hand made, of course!)

Lately, I've been on a kick to only decorate my home with handmade items--except for furniture and appliances--so a lot of the store-bought stuff has been slowly leaving the home to make room for little treasures and inheritance pieces (that may or may not be store bought).

• Continue to build/maintain a close relationship with my kids and husband

• Attend Macy Day's Parade

• Take a trip to Italy, Greece, and/or Hawaii

• Complete a volunteer (missionary-style) vacation where my husband and I help preserve nature and/or wildlife

• Have my art featured in a few art magazines and high profiled blogs

• Continue to make a living doing what I love and enjoy...art and writing and helping people

• Finally lose the weight I gained after my pregnancies

• Feel physically and mentally fit by taking time out to care for me

• Laugh more

• Find a cause/charity I feel proud to sponsor on a more personal, less financial basis