SLembke

I'm a writer and artist. I've been fascinated with ATC's for years. Unfortunately I have few opportunities to do in-person ATC swaps. Thank goodness for the Internet! I've joined Swap-bot to provide me with opportunities to do some ATC swaps and other art related swaps via mail.

I'm writing mystery novels. My first series features two amateur sleuths that are both mixed media artists. The first book in the series, Dying for Business, is available on Amazon.

I create mixed-media canvases, ATCs, and keep art journals.I have a hard time just sitting and watching TV or movies. So, I'm up for trying many crafty sorts of projects such as embroidering kitchen towels, crocheting afghans, and making rugs using old sheets and a technique called naal-binding or toothbrush crochet.

I consider crafts to be art with a purpose as compared to simply being beautiful to look at -- both art and craft provide me with pleasure. My current obsession is zentangle-style doodles.

When not writing or creating arts or crafts, I'm usually working in the tasting room of our local winery, reading a book, or outside enjoying the mountains. My husband and and I camp, fish, and golf together when we can. The best vacations are when we can combine fishing, hiking, golf, and wine tasting. Luckily, western Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and California all have locations where combining these activities over the span of a few days is possible.

Overall my tastes in music are pretty eclectic. I love discovering new bands. I enjoy attending live music in small venues and have a particular soft-spot for the blues. Besides the big names in the blues -- BB King, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, Van Morrison -- I love Mike Zito, Samantha Fish, Devon Allman, Tinsley Ellis, JJ Grey, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Alternative or indie groups I enjoy are Old 97s, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Young Dubliners, The Revivalists, JD McPherson, and The Record Company.

Chocolate, music, coffee, up-cycled art, handmade books, flowers, birds, leaves, craft beer, wine, Gelli prints, handmade stamps, mystery novels, anything Irish

Cutesy themes, anything overly fussy or ornate. Please, don't send candy or snacks. Also, no need to send extras. I do appreciate the extras I've received so far, but I'm doing swaps for the project ideas, inspiration from others, and the opportunity to share my creations.