Eight Artists collaborate on Portals to raise awareness about ALS

Eight Artists collaborate on Portals to raise awareness about ALS

It’s been more than a minute since I made a blog post. I’ve pretty much stopped blogging and just post pictures on social media. However, I wanted to share a recent project that I spearheaded.


Portals is a handmade book collaboration with seven other mixed media artists. Ann Sullivan Barnes, Cassie Lynch, Joyce Holmes Shaulis, Lora Mahaffey, Dilys Brundage, Deatria Cameron and Lindy Gligorijevic.

I created the book, index page for each artist to include her bio info and my own two-page spread.
My two page spread in the portals book. Each page has a portal of some sort. Of course, there’s lots of found object rusty goodness as well.

Portals Page by Me- Betsy Skagen
This gorgeous spread is by Dilys Brundage
Ann Sullivan Barnes created these inspirational pages.


I was inspired to start this collaboration because of my dear friend Joan Stookey Harring who was diagnosed with ALS last year. Once the book is completed, I hope we can auction it to raise funds for the fight against ALS.

Cassie Lynch has so much wonderful detail in her pages.

Page by Cassie Lynch


Be sure to follow #portalscollaboration on Facebook to see the book progress as other artists add their work.

Introducing the Art-i-ful Journal

Introducing the Art-i-ful Journal

I made a new journal that was not quite an art journal and not quite a junk journal…so I decided to create a new category…the Art-i-ful Journal!

The Artiful Journal combines some of the best elements of art journals, junk journals and the almost-forgotten trend of altered books. Artiful Journals are bursting at the seams with mixed media art, ephemera, pockets, pull outs and tags. They have more interactive elements than traditional art journals and far too much thought and artistry put in them too be labelled as a junk journal.

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Finding my true North

Finding my true North

Hi everybody! It has been ages since I have blogged. I can’t even begin to explain how crazy it has been since we moved from the heart of the Twin Cities to rural northern Minnesota.

Downsizing is supposed to make life simpler, right? Well, I can tell you that is not the case when you downsize and don’t have anywhere to put stuff. We purchased our new home last July and intended to build a garage and finish our lower level (which holds my studio) right away.

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My wish for you

My wish for you

No one is too old to have a Christmas wish list, even if it is not the traditional list. Maybe your wish is for a new sweater or maybe you hope you can see a loved one soon.

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I need a tour guide

I need a tour guide

When most of the world is sheltering in place during the Coronavirus Pandemic, many artists and crafters are basking in creative time. I, however, am having the opposite experience. 

Because of a plethora of personal reasons, I have had little creative time. Plus, when I finally do get time to head up to the art studio, I either am too tired, or have faced a massive creative block. I need a tour guide to get me through this.

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Check out this magical walking jelly bean factory

Check out this magical walking jelly bean factory

You might think you know how jellybeans are made, but you probably haven’t seen this walking egg jellybean factory full of colorful gizmos!

This is a great project to make with your kids this spring. Plus, since Easter is tomorrow, you may very well have some spare jellybeans on hand, making it extra easy.

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Inventor’s mother

Inventor’s mother

It’s hard to believe this colorful project began as a white on white embossed piece. I made it using my new Inventor’s Mother stamp and some other nifty new products.

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Protect that inner child

Protect that inner child

The weekend is here. When the week has been especially trying, it can feel as if your inner child is a little battered. 

Or maybe, the inner child is still whole, but its protective nook inside the heart sustained some damage, the glass window shattered. 

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