"Greet the New Year and Encounter Happiness"

Happy New Year - ATC

As this year draws to a close, I can't help but wonder...where did 2013 go? It flew by for me, with numerous changes: some major, some minor, and with the eternal promise of new opportunities for the coming year.

With these thoughts in mind, I sat down to work on a list of fifteen Artist Trading Card challenges.

"An Asian Inspired" ATC is Challenge Number Two. I started by looking through my box of Asian papers and ephemera. Right on top was a New Year postage stamp. Muse..or Synchronicity?

The substrate is mat board. I sponged on several colours of gold acrylic paint. When it was dry, I rubber stamped part of an Asian image stamp to the card. As plum blossom signify being lucky, I tried to keep them within the live area.  I then added the postage stamp, mulberry paper with gold foil, and pearlescent liquid acrylic paint. I coloured the edges of the card with red Distress Ink.

Although normally filled with an even amount of money, keeping with Chinese tradition, I will give the card away in a red envelope. I love the idea of sleeping on the envelope for seven nights to bring good luck to the recipient.

January 31, 2014 ushers in the lunar Year of the Wood Horse. According to Chinese lore, the year will be one unexpected adventures, surprising romance, sudden and swift victories. Decisions should be made decisively and quickly. Distant travel is encouraged and will be auspicious.

Although the New Year is a few months away, I think it is never too soon to wish you all happiness by following your Muse...your bliss...and greeting the New Year with enthusiasm.