Postcards from Paradise: Somerset Studios!

I am not starting this post with a photo....we are building up to something here. first we have to go back to 1994 when a new art magazine called Somerset Studios had just come out. I was enchanted and immediately subscribed. I have stayed with them all this time. In the years in between, we both grew, evolved, explored new paths. It seemed they were moving right along with me. They actually grew to include a group of creative publications covering mixed media, memory books, sewing, life styles, photography and even one called "Where Women Create" that seems as if every issue were written just for me....sigh.

So a year ago I decided we were in synch enough that they might be interested in my artwork. I consulted other published Somerset artists via blogs and such. Most told me they made several runs at it before they even got a piece accepted no less an entire article. Hmmm...

but I decided to take the chance and jump anyway. I have a really bad habit of doing just that sort of thing. guess what happened......They accepted my very first submission! It was published in the Winter 2011 issue of Somerset Gallery. I walked on air for months over that one....and even believed it couldn't get any better than that.

Then, guess what happened?

This came in Friday's mail:

Then, this came in Saturday's mail:

I was actually expecting the second one to come after July 1, but the first one was a surprise. I do remember sending some extra work to them..and they decided to use EVERYTHING.

I am pinching myself...repeatedly! The Somerset Studio entry is part of an artists challenge to create art with a theme of "Classic literature".

It's the one with the teacup entitled: "Tea with Emily", as in Emily Dickinson. I almost forgot what she looked like. It is all about feathers and hope. I've always thought that hope could come with a cup of tea.

The second publication is Somerset Studio Art Journaling. It comes out twice a year and I have an entire article in it ....FIVE pages. These folks do an amazing job of photographing artwork. They make me look very good:

These won't hit the stands until July 1, but after that you can grab a peek at any Borders or Barnes & Nobles. You can also get them here.

I want to share my joy with all of you and I will be having a giveway and a special Etsy sale after July 10 as I am off to a different kind of Paradise in Havre De Grace MD to visit my dear brothers and their families.I'll take plenty of photos to show you that little Paradise,too! If you get a minute, you can click on the Etsy button to the left and visit the shop. Let me know which print you would most like to win. I need help deciding which one to to include in the giveaway!

Sometimes Paradise is a thing of your own making, the child of your own creativity. Paradise is definitely a place where dreams come true and this amazing confluence is my little Paradise, to be shared with you. Paradise is a sad place if joy cannot be shared. Thank you for visiting!


Please visit Rebecca and friends at Recuerdo Mi Corazon. for more Postcards from Paradise.