Enjoy the Ride

More tags and inchies

2011-11-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

Here are the tags I created and more inchies. I promise to move on to something else soon. I am working on a couple books, and Christmas decorations as well. Hopefully next week will have them done to show. The book is to put tag's in. The decorations are for my tree. I have decided it is time to have an all homemade Christmas.

Here are the 3 tags I created and some inchies

Here are the inchies I worked on.

Have a great week. I hope you are making something wonderful

inchies, ATC cards and tags oh my

2011-10-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

I have to say I am really getting into making these little pieces of art. I guess I had better, because I still need to make 100 or so more. They are a bit addictive. I am having a ton of fun creating them; so, hopefully you don't get to tired of seeing them.

Here are the lastest creation from this weekends play.

This tag is for a friend of mine who loves gypies. I love the look of the dancers They are on black velvet background. I hope she enjoys it.

This ATC card is a gift to a very good friend of mine, Elena who just recieved the best gift of all; a brand new granddaugher. If you are looking to see a very inspiring blog I highly suggest you stop by.

This next ATC is for another friend who has done some amazing things with her life. On of which is she wrote a book which is amazing by the way Collage Couture: Techniques for creating fashionable art You can also check out her blog at http://julienuttingdesigns.blogspot.com/

Take the time to check it out it really is very inspiring place to stop by.

So that is it for now. With winter coming quickly and with it the holidays, I am hoping to make time to create as much of my holiday decorations and gifts as possible. Instead of worrying about not having enough money I am going to see what I can create. It should be an interesting proccess.

Let me know what you will be doing when it comes to the holidays. Have fun
Before you go, I would like to share a good quote I found on my favorite new site www.pinterest.com

"People will always say you are going the wrong way when it's simply a way of your own". Angelina Jolie

What I have created this week

2011-10-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well things have been a bit busy in my corner of the world. I have been on several call outs with search and rescue and while on one of them my dog was injured. He is quite the drama queen.

He hit the side of his jaw so hard that it knocked a tooth almost out. There was blood everywhere but I could not find an open wound so I wiped him up and after getting off the mountain put him away to rest. Once I got home he still acted funny so called the vet to have him checked out. Since he was there I also had them clean his teeth. Good thing I did because that is how we found out about the tooth. The tooth practically fell out I was told. He got a shot and was sent home.

This is how Murphy behaved once home. He did not get to eat the first night; his life was over. You would of thought he had major surgery or something.

How pathetic is this? This particular show was put on the next evening. Don't let these pictures fool you. Right before this he eat like he had been starved; then danced and jumped at me trying to talk me into taking him to either play ball or train. When the answer was NO!! He got on the couch and acted like this for about an hour. Then proceeded to really increase the drama. He added sound affects. Lots, whimpering, huffing and so on. Lord save me. I finally gave the ship up and went to bed.

Now onto what I was able to accomplish on the art front. I did some inchies (which are not a fav) and am in a swap with tags. The tags have to have fabric and include a Tim Holtz die cut or stamp.

This is only the start. I believe I have over 50 to make. But, will take my time and see what happens.

This is the tag I created for the swap. It has Tim Holtz bird cage. I covered the tag with red
velvet and added lace that I colored using tattered angels. It was fun to make. But, not sure how I feel about the red velvet.

I hope all of you are having a wonderful fall. The holidays will be here before you know it. I am already thinking of what I can make as Christmas gifts. Best get busy; I cannot believe how fast everything is moving. Have a great day; create something beautiful

What a way to get fit

2011-10-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEH4Yum4nN4&feature=player_embedded

check it out.

Three little witches

2011-09-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

For fun I created this for my soon to be sister in law. I put her and her two daughters heads on some sexy little 1950's witches I found, I believe on etsy.

The scary house I cannot remember where. Then with the help of some paint, colored pencils, and various mediums this was the result. It was fun project. I will be doing one more featuring my sister and her family. Now, that should be fun. LOL Watch out Jill you never know what you will be; and it is Halloween after all; and sisters will be sisters.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend full of creating. I am off for some search and rescue training in on of my favorite place Stevenson, WA. Wish good luck to a team mate who I will be testing for her HRD certification.

toilet paper roll mini book

2011-09-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have heard all about how to make toilet paper rolls into little mini books. Now I hate to miss out on something. So, last night I created my own version. I added a spine using sticky back canvas. This little book is a gift for a friend who just got her new puppy.

She is already training to be an HRD Search and Rescue dog. She is a beauty too, at 11 weeks. Her name is Rue. Because I really am not that good at taking pictures of my work and Rue is a black giant Schnauzer it is a bit difficult to see how darling she is. I will be meeting my newest little member this weekend. I am very excited. I think the best part about friends puppies is you get to play with them, spoil them and then when it's time for their nap or they make a mess it's all about leaving them with their Mom's. I guess just like human children. Being an Aunt has it's perks.

Here is the cover.

Ok, here is a picture you can see fairly well. See she is a darlin.

I left quite a few pages open so as she takes pictures she can add them to the book. The tags are places she can add more pictures or a little journaling.

This tag is of her father. Pretty impressive, right? He is working on Schutzhund training.
He is jumping into a tree to grab the bite sleeve his trainer is holding out for him. There is
a you tube video on it and all I can say is WOW.

Here is a picture of her and some of her littler mates at around 2 weeks. So cute.

This is a picture of mom. She had to have a cesarean to give birth to these little darlings. She is a trooper. If I had to have surgery, there is no way anyone even my darling children would be near where they had to cut.

This is Rue sitting on the gear her handler will be bringing into the field during both trainings and missions once she is certified. I believe that is a lap pillow for laptops she is sitting on. She is still very little. Can you believe in just a few short months she will have the size of her father and mother.

This is the back of the book. Turned out very sweet. I am pretty happy on how it turned out. I think she will love it.

There is one last picture of the spine. This is where the sticky back canvas came in. Got to love that stuff.

Well have fun making your own version of the toilet paper mini books. I am still a bit amazed that of all things, toilet rolls could be the base of such a fun little creation. Have fun and if you have any questions please fill free to ask away.

A little box of thank you

2011-09-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

I picked this up at the dollar store. It is similar to the graphic 45 print trays but not finished and very small. This is only 6-1/4" x 6 -1/4". The openings are only 1-3/4" x 1-3/4".
But I wanted to makes something sweet and not very big for my soon to be sister in law. She is our new picture taker. She does beautiful pictures and so many that I will always have plenty to pick from.

I have no idea why this keeps coming out sideways. I don't know how to fix it and I am now very frustrated with either blogger (yes I am shifting the blame; because this has never happened before)

But hopefully you can get the idea. I think it turned out very sweet. It has a little hanger on the back so she can hang it up somewhere.

Enjoy looking around and finding something that you can alter to your needs.

Life is in session are you present?

2011-08-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

I have decided to share a journey I am taking with you.  At the end of May I started a class by Melody Ross and her sister Kathy. It is called Soul Restoration 2. Better known as The Brave Girl Club. I liked the idea of becoming a better me. I don't know about you but I have found I have been floating through life. Now, I am not saying I have not accomplished anything, done anything of merit. I am saying I really have not been present. No real long term goals that have to do with wishes, dreams. Just kind of doing my every day thing.
For example have you found that when you are talking to someone and there is a computer or you have your IPhone (smart phone) you spend time looking at one or the other instead of totally focusing on the person in front of you.  Another personal example I have talked about opening a small little etsy shop and sell some of my work, or teach some of the local ladies here in town. Instead of working towards that goal I only talk about it, do nothing to move towards it. It is a dream; why can't it, why is it not something I am doing? Because I am floating, talking but doing nothing to move towards that particular dream.

Those are only two things. The list is long. I set out to learn all about search and rescue using dogs. I succeeded by certifying 2 dogs in two different disciplines; and I am still learning. I am still moving forward with that goal. So it's not as if I don't know how to set a goal and work towards it. I also want to be a better sister, wife, daughter, aunt, friend to those I love. I need to be present. I don't think it was any one thing, or any bad hurtful thing. I just got caught up with "I". Habits started that were not nipped in the bud. It's time to be present in my life. To interact, to participate in my life with interest in all the little and big things. Get rid of the "I".

Melody has suggested not to do the class with the intention of showing your art journals to anyone. That way you will not get so caught up with the art and then don't do the exercises. But for me, I need to be held accountable to some degree so that I will do the prompts.  So, I am using you as my personal accountability guides.  I will show you something I have completed at least once a month maybe more. It's time I take better care of the things that are important to me. This blog is one of them. I create stuff but do I put it here to share; NO. Another thing I am floating not paying attention to as I should.

Here is the first page of my life journal. I really love it. The tabs are exercises that I need to complete and journal in.

This layout is basically about how I set road blocks up to sabotage my efforts. The reasons why I should not allow myself to believe the lies that either I or other people tell me. I need to be positive and move forward and allow that there will be set backs. That is what life is about. Getting up and dusting yourself off and starting again.

This is a wonderful class, though there is a ton of work and journaling (which is so not my thing). But, I have signed up for the Soul Restoration 1 class. I am behind in both, but that is OK, I have to say these two classes are a wonderful experience. I highy recommend them both.

The Big Picture experience

2011-08-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Life is a very interesting process; don't you think? Art like life is a constant evolution. I started scrapbooking, then became more interested in mixed media so scrapbooking was put on the back burner. But, as life sometimes happens a small little light bulb goes off and I realized that forgetting to do one also minimized the other.

Scrapbooking is a beautiful and artsy way to remember the stories of our lives. The little things that we would otherwise forget. Yes, it is important and fun to scrapbook the big trips and events that happen in our lives. Maybe it's age and a tiny bit of wisdom has finally seeped in. I have found it's the everyday stories, memories that are so very important. If we don't write them, scrapbook them they will be lost to us.

I am a student at Big Pictures Classes. What a great place to take a class. Right now they are doing a free class to introduce you to their various instructors. Each day an instructor uses a word and then shows an example of their layout's. I decided to use a book I had laying around and Websters pages. I LOVE webster papers. They are just to beautiful not to purchase. I also have a very hard time cutting them. But, I have made a mid year resolution to use what I have, period! No purchasing new paper or supplies until I start using my beautiful coveted papers I already own.

Here is the cover.

This is the inside page, which I will write something to my Mom. It is a gift for her.

This page is about when I got my hair cut so I could donate it to Locks of Love... Share

This is about my Uncle (my Mom's brother) he was given an honor by his Rotary club. We just lost him this week to cancer. He was an amazing man.

I love this layout. It shows my parents in the middle 60's repelling in Hawaii..... live

I have 5 more layout's to do. It will have a total of 12. A sweet little book to sit on her coffee table for her to look at. Memories are a wonderful thing to give. With the passing of my Uncle they seem more important then ever. Again it's the every day moments that are the most precious.

Supporting those who Serve "Why"

2011-08-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

I just watched a beautiful video on you tube by a 15 year old girl named Lizzie Palmer. If you ever question why you should support those who serve in the Military, this is why. Watch it and open your heart no matter your political belief. Put aside any discontent you have and just watch and feel blessed.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

Thank you so much Lizzie for this heart felt reminder of who is serving and what they do and should mean to each and everyone of us.

For a special little girl

2011-08-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

My family and I have very special friends who's granddaughter was just diagnosed with
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia She is 5 years old. I know every child is special and beautiful; with the lose of my nephew, I guess Lauren's illness has really turned my world upside down. I know personally the lose, pain and total lose of control when you get this kind of news.

Now, with the help of my Mom we have come up with an idea to help keep Lauren busy because she is confined to a wheel chair. Paper dolls. How great is that. Mom remembered spending hours cutting out dolls and outfits for herself when she was Lauren's age. Lauren is a girly girly; from her love of anything pink, purple, sparkly to ribbons and bows.

So, running with Mom's idea I created a folder to hold her doll's and outfit's before they are cut out. Then a box that is pink, purple with flowers and beautiful saying on the top so she will have a place to put them once she has them all cut out. That way they won't get lost or crumpled up.

Now, through the next couple of weeks; I will try and upload the next few projects I will be creating for Lauren to help keep her busy through her long stay at the hospital.

The next project will be another pretty box but larger so it can hold her journaling supplies. I think with all the confusion she must be going through that it would not only be fun but helpful for her to have a way to express herself through art. It is so much easier to use art to express frustrations, frightening experiences and the joys in life.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers she is very precious and such joy to her family and friends. Also take a minute to thank the dear Lord for the health of your little ones. They are a gift and should be treated as such.

Time well spent

2011-07-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have been interested in making a paper bag album for sometime. My parents took my nephew to Washington DC so it was a perfect excuse to make one. I made it as a gift for both my nephew Deric and his mother (my sister) so they both would have something to remember this amazing trip he took.

Now keep in mind this is my first and there are several things I will do differently on my next project; but I love how it turned out.

The cover is made out of heavy duty chip board from an old sketch pad. The hinge is made out of canvas I painted. Note to self: use sticky back canvas.

I used Tim Holtz grunge letters for the spine

I did not add a lot of extras pockets to this album. They did not take more then 15 pictures and I wanted to include all of them. I used the large openings of the paper bags for a place to put all their brochures. Again though I made a few mistakes I will not do in the next journal I am very happy with how my very first one turned out. I think they will love it for years to come.

If you have questions on how to make one of these paper bag books there are several YouTube videos out there for you to watch. I have to say Kathy Files, Kathryn E. Krieger, Laura Denison are just three of some pretty amazing artists when it comes to these albums. Check their YouTube videos out as well as stop by their amazing blogs. They each are so very amazing in their creations and willingness to share.

Stampers Anonymous Swap

2011-05-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

This was a fun swap. I love using images; but instead used only stamps from SA. Here is what my 13 pages ended up looking like.

I tend to stay in my comfort zone. Although this does not not stray that far it still stretched me artistically. I am not very good at adding many layers of collage items. I was able to do that on several of these pages. I loved doing it. Now if only I can take what I learn from this swap and bring it over to my other pieces of art.

I highly recommend joining swaps. They are fun plus they the added bennifit of stretching yourself artistically. Have fun art is about the journey rarely is it about the destination.

Spring = Baby time

2011-04-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have a really good who is pregant for the first time. She and her husband have been wanting this for a very long time. They followed the path most want to be parents do with doctoring and lots of prayer. There prayers were answered and they will have a new baby late this summer. I am so very excited for them.

Above picture show the tag I made for the little book. In honor of Jennifer being a teacher I used Libaray cards to make the tags.

The products I used was Graphics 45, cats eye ink and several different papers I had left over from other projects. The book itself is 3 x 3 using only one piece of paper. There was several examples of this type of book several months ago starting on Tim Holtz blog.

It is an easy little book to make that can be created in any theme. Have a great week and create something wonderful for someone you.

Retro Cafe - Contest

2011-04-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

I don't advertise anything on my blog; but 1. I really like retro cafe and 2. It seemed like such a fun thing to do. So here is the information. You can also go directly to www.krishubick.blogspot.com

ATC Frame CONTEST - $150 in Prizes!

In honor of our extended line of ATC Frames by Coffee Break Design, and my desire to see lots of art, we are having the biggest contest ever!

The Rules:
1. Create up to 3 ATCs using our line of ATC Frames. Each ATC must contain at least one frame. And yes, you can use any of the older frames too.

2. Email your photos to retrocafeart@gmail.com subject: ATC frame Contest. Please do a separate photo for each ATC. Files between 200 -300 KB preferred. I will post these photos on our Facebook page in a special album as they are received. Please include your full name in the email.

3. Deadline is June 1st. This will give you plenty of time to get your frames and create!

4. We love our International customers and you are welcome to play (be sure to give plenty of time for your frames to arrive in the mail)!

The Prizes:
1. One winner, which will be selected using a random number generator will win a $100 gift certificate to Retro Café Art Gallery! Yes, you heard me right! I’ll be using the photos in the Facebook album to create the number system.

2. A SECOND winner will win a $50 gift certificate to Retro Café Art Gallery. Myself and a small panel of judges will pick our top 5 favorites which will be posted to the blog. Then YOU will vote for your favorite by leaving a comment!

3. ALL players will receive a special digital collage sheet created especially for this event just for playing, so everyone WINS! If you post and play, you will get $6.50 in digital collage sheets which more than covers the cost of shipping your fabulous ATC Frames! :).

Spread the Word and get a Gift:
1. If you would like to help spread the word about our contest, you will get our Beautiful Birds 1 Digital Collage Sheet free as a Thank you! (if you already have this sheet I will substitute if I can verify it in the system). One sheet per person, though you are welcome to post in multiple places with great appreciation.

2. Post about this contest on your blog, Facebook, website, etc. and link back to THIS post. Email me at retrocafeart@gmail.com and show me where you have posted, and I will email you your digital collage sheet! So even if you don’t play, you can still win! Feel free to use the button above, though it’s not required.

* An ATC (Artist Trading Card) is a piece of art the is 2.5" x 3.5". The frames are already the correct size so you are all set. *

Check the Facebook album periodically to see the entries. I put my cards in just as a sample.

Mail art

2011-04-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Elena my friend and group Mom of several of my RR groups decided that the women of her groups needed to connect in a more intimate way. So she created Mail Love. Each of us sends someone something by snail mail every other day or so. Something could be anything a post card with a quote just to let that person know she was being thought of. Or if time permitted a small piece of art. Nothing too time consuming; but thought full.

I was not to keen on it at first. I like most people I am crunched for time. But, I said yes and away the project went. Well, I must say I am having more fun with this little project then I have with any of the others. It is nice to go to the post office and find a little piece of sunshine along with the bills and other things that come in the mail. I am sending a post card, but along the way I have made a couple things as well.

Here are a couple of examples:

If you have a minute, take some time to either create something. If time is short find a post card write a wonderful quote or just say HI I am thinking of you to someone. It is such a delightful surprise to find in the mail. I also have to say so much more personal. It has made me stop and realize I really do need to stop and smell the roses. By doing that I can also remember I do have people who I care about and need to let them know. I hope you take the time and rediscover snail mail as it has become known.

Sharing with each other

2011-04-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

First off I still have to post my Ingrid Dijker's journal I created in the Key's. I am working on it so hopefully later in the month I can upload them and show you I have made some progress with them. I was so excited to meet and get to take a class from Ingrid. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to also find out what an absolutely joy she is as both a person and an instructor.

Now this is a post that is going to be more wordy then art. Sorry for that but something has been bothering me and I want to work it out here.

I saw this on Pam Carriker's web site a year or so ago. I have since seen it on Creative Workshops ning site. I want to bring this over here to my blog as well. I think it is that important. We as mixed media artist's need to remember to share our ideas. Don't worrying about some one "stealing" our art or knowledge. To quote Stacy Julian the wheel has already been invented. You can only improve or tweak it. For instance I learned how to shade and highlight my images from Pam Carriker. Do I think she invented it no; but I learned it from her and then tweaked it to make it my own. I give her total credit for the beginning of my journey into mixed media. The art I create is my own though. I do totally believe in giving credit to those who have taught me a technique or whose images I am using. That should always be a practice of any artist.

As you can see from the layout I did above I use shading a ton. I believe it makes the images pop off the page. I did not learn it on my own. I took a class from Pam Carriker called Shades of Gray. I learned so much from that little class about images. So Pam has continued the circle of sharing. The images were found on the Internet. I have no idea who owns them; but I am not selling them nor do I claim them as my own; so I don't feel bad about using them. I read an artist comment that if you use images from someone else you are not creating art. I don't agree with that. But, I do believe you need to be very careful with the images you both find and purchase.

I guess because I love to use images and at times am either to lazy or do not have access to images on certain topics I use the Internet. I think it is a fine line and if you are not selling and are very clear you did not create the images but are using them for FUN and to improve your techniques you should be OK. You should ask permission if possible; but that is not always possible. It comes back to giving credit to those you should and sharing your knowledge. The great artist of the past learned their art from copying the artist before them. So, be respectful, be honest about your images and art; share what you learn.

I am trying to learn to draw; I am trying to take more of my own pictures so I can use them in my art. I still have so very much to learn; both in copyright and mixed media techniques. There has been so many instructors and just people who have and are helping me in my journey. I want to continue the circle that Pam started with me. So please ask I will help if I can. I will hope that when you are asked you will share and help where you can. The circle should not be broken.

Julie Nutting Class

2011-03-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

I took a class from Julie Nutting while I attended Art in the Keys in Key Largo, Florida. Elena put together a wonderful retreat and talking Julie into coming and putting her class on was such a joy. She is fun and the product you get at the end of class is just beautiful. I was so excited with how mine came out I framed it and am giving it to my niece in memory of her competing in Jr. Miss in Lewiston, ID.

The above picture is what I completed at the end of class. I just love her. Julie made us all feel as if we were all fashionista's.

In the above picture I added the words and stickles to the pictures.

The above picture is with it framed. I am so very thrilled with it. I hope Sarah likes it as much as I enjoyed creating it for her.

If you have a chance to take Julie's class do so. It is fun and Julie is a wonderful instructor. I plan on playing with this technique more.

It's been forever and a day

2011-03-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

It has been forever since I have posted. For that I am sorry. Life has been a bit busy lately and I just wanted to take a break from the computer and learn some new things.

One of the things I learned was how much I HATE making charms. Yes, I know it's silly. I have no idea why I hate making them; but I do. You wonder where I even came up with the idea to make charms let alone find out that I loath making them; it all started like this.

An art retreat put together by my dear friend Elena in Key Largo. Which I will talk about in my next blog post. One of the ladies; OK two of the ladies thought it would be fun for everyone to create charms to swap. That was the moment the red light started blinking with the words "I HATE making charms" flashed on and off.

I tried making them out of Polymer clay. Each batch was thrown out (3 batches). The red light began blinking faster and redder. I finally went to the store and purchased charm frames shrunk down some of my art pages and glued them in. Here are the horrible little charms. I believe I will be forever traumatised.

I have also started another book. It is another round robin. This is how it goes the first person begin the book with a theme. The next person continues the theme. For example my theme started with my word of the year.

Then I incorporated an American Indian maiden and a paint horse.

The next page has a small bag that is full of scrabble tiles. I thought it would be interesting if each person would take a tile and decorate it. Whether they added it to their pages or put it back in the bag I do not care. The point of the exercise is to show how each of our actions has a ripple effect towards another; like throwing a pebble in a pond and the ripples expand out.

My last page is a quote that I fell in love with and wanted to have it part of this experience.

Now, what the next person comes up with will be fun and interesting. Will she take the horse, Indian theme or feathers that are in the horse mane and go anther direction all together. I am excited to watch the book grow.

I promise to get my pictures up of the Art retreat. I had such a marvelous time. The instructors where amazing. Ingrid Dijker who I have been wanting to meet and take a class from was amazing. I cannot say enough about her. She is a joy to behold. If you ever get a change to take a class from her, please do not hesitate you will not be sorry.

Then there was the wonderful Julie Netting. Her beautiful women are wondrous. She has and is spotlighted in several Stampington & Company magazines. I had so much fun learning to make one. Her technique is so unique and comes together to become this beautiful creature. Julie herself is so very sweet. You come away loving your lady. She is very gifted and so willing to share. Again do not hesitate to take a class from her. Your finished piece is simply wonderful.

Then the last day of the class was with Beatriz Farquhar-Guzman. She put together with the help of Paper Niche a wonderful canvas journal. That way we would have a journal we could put our picture in so we could remember our fabulous retreat. This woman is another person I came away from wanting to hug and just be in her presents. She is so happy, talented and willing to share whatever she has with you. Please if you get a chance these three women are what sharing art is all about. Total giving. Total sharing. They are what each of us should strive to be. Thank you each one of you for helping Elena put together not just unforgettable classes but memories of women that I will never forget

The New Year 2011

2011-01-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

Wow it's here. I am not sure where it is going to take me and those close. I know that tears is a certainty; both heartache and joy. I find myself thinking back on 2010 and can only say I am glad to see it closed. Not that it was horrible; but with our economy crisis it has brought many frightening moments for us all.

I do believe this new year is going to be fraught with uncertainty, but it is also going to bring some much needed cleaning house. I think we all purchase more then we need; throw out what could of been used.
I try not to make resolutions because they only last as long as the thought. I do though try to make small changes in order to improve myself.

So the changes I am going to make are the following:

1. Weight loss for health (I am not fat but like most carry an extra 15 pounds) this is going along the line of
     cleaning house. Get rid of what is not good for me.

2. Do not purchase new things unless I truly need them. I tend to be like a bird a new shiny thing comes
     along and I have got to have it. As I have been cleaning out my studio I have found duplicates, new things
     I purchased on the spur of the moment still in their packaging. They are taking up valuable space. Time
     to use them or get rid of them.

3. This is where it becomes a bit difficult; get myself organized. I am almost always running around in a state
     of barely making it deadlines. I make myself upset and crazy by this action.

     So, I have purchased a calender. It is going to be for my Search and rescue training. I do book keeping
     every day; creating a long account of what Murphy and my training entailed is the last thing I want to do.
     But, if I keep a calender in my car; record what happened or did not happened right at the end of training
     it is doable for me. It will only take a couple of minutes and I am done.

4. I am going to draw something everyday. Nothing big but something. Practise is the only way to become
     good at something. Taking only a couple of minutes here and there is not going to get me where I want to
     go in my art. So instead of becoming frustrated I will do something about it. Be proactive; be
     responsible for where I want to go and not expect it to "come naturally". Even the greatest artist had to
     practise.

Last but not least my word for 2011 is BREATHE. This word is to remind me to stop and be
involved with whatever is happening right now. Stop thinking about the next thing that I wish to do. I not only short change myself, but those around me. I need to be engaged with what is in front of me at the moment. Worrying about the next problem, next exercise to be completed is not helping me one tiny bit.

I hope you have had a wonderful New Year with family and friends. If you are alone know that in my opinion that none of us are truly alone God is with you. He is silent because at times we are so
busy thinking of the next thing or our immediate problems. Stop and be thankful you are here; there is always good if you just stop and breathe and look. One good thing sometimes is so much more then you thought when you take time to look.

Happy 2011 may it be full of love and happiness.

Angels and Christmas

2010-12-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

I have been participating in Pam Carriker's class Angels Anthology on Crescendoh This is my completed canvas. I like it over all; but must say it is such a huge departure from what I am comfortable with.

That is why you take classes from instructors you trust. I am a huge Pam fan. I have taken every class she has given and have not been disappointed once. The technique may not always be "me" so to speak; but I always learn and she is one of the most giving instructors out there. She truly holds nothing back. Ask her and she will share whatever is in her power to. I can honestly say I have grown as an artist because of her instruction.

On one of my yahoo groups we are sharing photos of what our slice of the world looks like during this time of year. One of my dearest friends lives in Key Largo and it is beautiful; 84 degrees sand and surf right out her window. A couple other members live in Australia and it is gorgeous. Then you come back to the USA and Eileen shows a picture of the Bronx out of her living room window. Amazing does not even explain. The colors of the skyline as the sun is coming up over the river.

I thought I would share with you some pictures of my little place in the world. It is beautiful, it has the feel of Christmas. But, I will say it is a pain in the butt getting around.

The above picture is from the top of my drive way to the street. Nice and icy to say the least. Pretty yes; driving in not so much.

The picture below is part of my driveway as well. As you can see the icy slick look continues with gusto. Believe or not my husband shoveled the snow off last night around 6:30 pm. These pictures were taken around 7:30 this morning.

Last but not least is my front yard. I love looking at it. I wish it would stay pristine; but if you look real close you can see little paw prints mucking up the pretty picture. Those little paw prints are from my two pups. Who love to bring a little of that lovely snow back into the house after they have taken their morning romps, afternoon romps, evening romps. Just so you know those romps are potty breaks. They will not stay long in the cold snow. The reason why is simple, our snow is not soft. It is icy hard.

Murphy and Daisy decided they had had enough of staying inside and wanted to go to the park and play. They love and I mean love to play fetch. I have a chuck-it that helps me get some length out of my throws. They do not run nice either that is why we have to go to the park. They run after the tennis ball as if they are 4 legged linebackers.

There is a rule that they have come up with themselves. It is as follows; Daisy brings the ball back, and only Daisy; but in order for Daisy to bring the ball back she either has to get there first or chase after Murphy until she is along side of him. Once she is along side he drops the ball for her to return to me. Murphy is a poop about this rule at times. He will run in circles until Daisy is able to catch up. He does not return the ball to me; just runs in circles until poor Daisy can grab it out of his mouth or he drops it.

Here are some pictures of poor Murphy (Daisy refused to sit long enough to have her picture taken it is beneath her) I know it is a bad picture but I had to show you his forlorn face. He is one hurting pup.

Now that I am really looking at these pictures it is hard to see. He played so hard that he shaved his hair off between his toes (the white skin part). In other words he now has a very bad case of razor burn thanks to the ice. Daisy has the same but she refused to let me take a picture during her time of agony. I know I should feel more sorry for them. But, believe me they do this every time. I try to slow them down and it does no good. So I just go with it. As long as I can keep them from any real injure like sprains or muscle pulls I just let them go at it. There is a small up side to this. They leave me alone for a good 4 or 5 days. I can work on Christmas, clean the house and work on art without the constant nag of lets go play.

May your days during this time of year are full of fun and as my pups would attest to no razor burn.

Christmas cornucopia's

2010-11-29T21:02:00.000-08:00

Here are some cornucopia's I am making to put little gifts in for family and friends. Every year I try to come up with something fun and different to present my little gifts in. I was at Craft Warehouse and spotted these little paper mache' cornucopia and for a $1 could not resist. Are they not fun.

Now to see if I can decorate all 20 somewhat differently by the next week or so. To decorate them I decided to use whatever Christmas stuff I had instead of purchasing the new paper's and ribbons. It is becoming quite the challenge.

Here is a close up of the flower on the front. I used tattered angel's mist on a white flower.

These rosette's are made with Tim Holtz's new die. They are fun and easy to make.

Now as the Christmas holiday becomes ever closer I tend to pick up the pace when it comes to creating my packages. I wish I could have all these made a head of time; but I am always working right up to the deadline every year. I wait until it is almost time to give out my gifts before I get started on my wrappings. I guess I just work better under a deadline. That is my story and I am keeping to it.

I hope you enjoy this time of year. Try not to get to wrapped up in the expense of the holiday season. Look at what you can create. Make something whether it's the packaging or the gift itself. It is personal and made with love. Though purchased gifts are awesome; there is something about opening a gift that someone has made with you in mind. Just something to think about.

What have I been doing?

2010-11-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

I found Lisa Bebi blog and fell in love with her technique of painting over magazine pictures. I have the hardest time learning tones and this technique is awesome. Not only do you learn your tones with paint, you almost always end up with an amazing piece of art.

This particular face had many different shades of eye make up and her hair was up. I painted over that and have added longer hair; slowly making her mine own.

If you scroll through Lisa's older post I believe somewhere in October you will find a video she did showing her do this technique.

The next few photo's are of a portfolio that will house different background ideas from a round robin I am in.

This is the front. I used Webster pages, the closure is spinner and a metal tag "altered" by Tim Holtz. I used various ribbons and rubons, the flowers are from Prima.

This is the background. I created for my first contribution.

A plan book for Deric - this and that

2010-09-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted. It is summer and this is the time I am the most busy with Search and Recovery. Between trainings (which is 99%) and missions art tends to take a bit of a back seat.

Murphy was able to locate 3 burn victims. I was very proud of my little dog. Fires are not something I train for and he has done two and has recovered on both. Here is a picture of him. No it is not very professional but it is one of my favorites. It really does show his personality.

He tends to be a comedian and when we are training or doing a demo (which is where the picture below came from) he likes to put a show on. So I can attest to the statement of dogs and children will not only make a liar out of you they will out stage you every darn time.

Now to the art stuff. As I said in my last post I have gotten reacquainted with my scrapbook papers.

My nephew Deric started a new school this year and the curriculum is towards college. He explained to me that since he will be having many difficult projects going at once he needed a room that would be more functional to this.

To make the room what he wanted and so that as he acquired the furniture and decor he could keep the room on an even flow vs just hob podging it. After talking over with him what he wanted I put a planning book together for him. That way he could take it with him when he goes shopping. Plus it is a added bonus for us when purchasing him his Christmas and birthday gifts.

The first page is the rooms dimensions. The following pages are ideas from potter barn teen. I used those pictures as a jump off for him to find inspiration. The point was having furniture that was 1. correct in the size and 2. give pictures of furniture he said he liked. I then left several pages and envelope free here and there through the book so that he could cut out pictures or write out ideas of his own and place in the book.
The last page is for the photo of before the transformation and a place for the after picture.

The paper are mostly from Graphics 45 line Gentlemen. I used a few scrap papers here and there for framing out the inspiration pictures. The dividers are metal.

I hope he likes it and finds it useful as he changes his room to what what will work for him and his new academic life.

Once the pages were completed I used my bind-it-all. Just love that little machine.

I hope your weekend is full. Enjoy your life and do for others when you can. It will make your life that much fuller.

A Box for Elena

2010-08-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have been going off my usual path lately. I have been totally inspired by Tammy Tutterow her blog is just stock full of scrapbook amd home decor ideas. It is eye candy for someone who loves scrapbook paper. What she creates is amazing and beautiful. She has made scrapbook more about art vs only pictures. Loving that. I have been so inspired that this weekend is going to be a scrapbook weekend for me. Cannot wait, the ideas are just a flowing.

I love and I mean L O V E Webster pages. Their pages are works of art. So with that in mind I created this little box for my friend Elena. I have given her this sweet little calender that is all about Disney. I needed a little box to store the number tiles that make up the dates in it.

If you know Elena you are aware of how she adores her little grandchildren. In April she received a second little girl. They are both just beautiful with black hair, light skin children with the most amazing eyes. I decided for this particular box I would put her oldest on the top of the box. Make it that much more personal. This sweet heart is so very photogenic it is insane. I found several poses she had done during a wedding they had attended. But, I really liked this particular pose because of the super model pout.

Is she not just adorable. Elena and her family love Disney land so I am hoping that this will remind her of all the memories she is making and those she will in the future.

I am really pleased on how it turned out. I think she will love it.

Have you found a blog that has inspired you to take another look at your supplies. Remind you of what you loved about those supplies that you have let set around or are just collecting because they are beautiful to you?

May you finds some time to use those supplise and create something for someone you care about or just for yourself. Supplies are to be used not collected. There are so many new things coming out you just may find a new favorite.

Find blogs that can inspire you, then drop them a note and let them know how they inspired you.
Have a wonderful week.

A beautiful view to wake up to

2010-07-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is what I get to look at every morning when I go to train dogs in Stevenson, Wa. Can you imagine anything better. Yes, we are out in the woods by 6:30 a.m. it is a short drive of 15 minutes or so to see this.

After a few minutes of looking at this we are off and running. It is so beautiful and peaceful. When ever my soul needs a little lifting nothing does it better then this place. It reminds me of where I grew up in Lewiston, Idaho.

Here is the boy who passed his test. He had a rough start for his big day. In the area we had set up for his test he put his nose into a wasp nest. After about 10 minutes of making sure all the wasp were gone and all stingers were removed Eileen decided to do the test in another area that had been set up for my dog Murphy. This was a pretty big thing for Eileen to do because that area had been set up for Murphy (my dog) who has been certified for over 3 years. We had that area set up with a pretty high degree of difficulty.

Well Dante worked the area and correctly located and indicated on 3 sources in less then 15 minutes. Pretty amazing little dog. Here is the new certified dog team.

Is he not just handsome?

Then after testing and training were completed for the day we sat on Karen's deck and enjoyed a nice cold beer and a dinner of ribs, corn on the cob and watermelon. I cannot think of a better way to enjoy the evening.

I hope your weekend was inspirational and full of good times and friends. I have found my passion for dog training and art have a lot of similarities.

The one that stands out the most is how it has brought me one of the most amazing woman I have ever met. She has become so important to me that I cannot image my life without her. I am so very lucky to have Karen in my life and be able to call her my friend.

Art has brought the other woman in my life that I feel blessed to have met and be able to call friend and that is Elena. To be blessed with these two women who feed my soul and have made me a better person; is something I thank God for everyday. I am a very luck woman.

I hope that your passion brings you the joys that mine have and continue to. I believe that a passion should not only feed your soul but in some way make you a better person for those around you.

Now go feed your passions. Help them grow and may they bring wonderful people into your life.

New sketch

2010-07-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

First off here is the canvas all framed and ready to go off to its new owner. I had such a good time making this.

I enrolled in Sharon's faces in technicolor class. This lady is the sweetest and this is the second class I have taken from her. Although my time has been very restricted so my class time has not been what it needs to be. So last night I did a sketch that I will do on canvas for this class. I won't be able to really work on it until Sunday or Monday; but thought I would give you a quick show of what I have started.

I see sveral things I would like to change on her such as her hair and her mouth is to plump on the bottom. But over all I like it and think it will turn out well on canvas.

The canvas below was prepared using several different Goldens heavy body colors as well as different papers. I have started the sketch in pencil. The nose looks funky but will be cleaned up once I start painting. The hair is was I am having the most difficulty with for some reason.

The left side will all be in shadows. I am looking forward to working on this.

I am off for the weekend to my friends in Stevenson Washington to do some dog training. I will also be helping test a new dog in cadaver. Wish this handler lots of luck. The dog and handler are a wonderful team; but testing is always a nervious thing for handlers.

My first test for Murphy I made myself so sick I was in bed for 2 days after the test. The test its self went OK had lots of bumps but I truly just did not care I was so sick. I beleive that is the only reason we passed. I stayed out of Murphys way and he pulled me through. That is what teams do. When one member is down the other shoulders the responsibilty. It does not matter if it is a dog or human. When you train and spend a lot of time together you develop an understanding of each other.

It has been a while since I have seen Karen and Emmi. I am looking forward to arguing and talking dog training with her. Setting on her back deck with a beer and looking at the view of the Gorge is something to behold. Especially after a long hot day of training and or testing. Yes, a weekend I am excited about. I will show you pictures of the area when I get back.

Now everyone have a wonderful weekend doing something that you feel passionate about. This day will only come one time so treasure it.

Warrior woman Canvas

2010-07-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

OK, finally completed the canvas. As you saw in my last post her face was a bit too red; I was able to correct this and add a couple other elements. This was really fun to create. I have wanted to incorporate people I know and love into my art; I think I have finally found a way. Let the fun begin as the say.

Who does not want to be James Bond, a hot warrior chick or super model. I love fantasy and all the possibilities. I have so many ideas rolling around I cannot wait to get started.

Here is the finished piece I will get it framed today and give it to my brother. Let me know if you see the little peeping tom lurking around. Yes, that is a hint.

This is a close up shot showing the red has been taken out. I am sorry for the quality of the photo. I am still working on that skill. Hopefully you get the idea. I also pumped up the volume of her hair. Kick ass women always seem to have a ton of it blowing around. Please tell me how do they keep it out of their eyes when they are doing their kicking butt routine. Yes a question for the ages.

I blurred him out so he does not show up clearly. I kept him in his everyday clothes; well for no real reason. I put my brother in the piece because I remember when we where little he was always stumbling onto things, places he really probably should not. Plus I just got a kick out of it to be honest, he is the little brother. It also bug's him too know end seeing himself in the piece, that has a lot to do with it as well. I am the older sister and I take my job of driving him crazy very seriously.

I thing art should be fun. It should incorporate things, people you love. The imagination is our only limitation; let nothing else keep you from having fun with your art. Yes there is frustrations when you are trying to learn something new; but that really is just part of the journey. Make something fun, make something that when you look at it nothing but joy and pleasure is what you feel. Summer is here enjoy it.

Fantasy inspired canvas

2010-06-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

I told you I have been working on some canvases. Well here is one of them. It is a fun layout using a friend of mine. She has no idea I am doing this. In fact I believe once she does I may be a very dead duck in deed. But, it will be so much fun seeing her face before the hammer gets droped on me.

I have complained many times before how I cannot work photoshop to save my life. Well I have decided that I don't need it. On the canvas with the help of paints, molding paste and other fun stuff I am able to put my friends face on this exceptionally hot warrior chick. I still think there is a little to much red going on in her face but I can fix that. (Sorry for the flash it caused the shine in the background) I also need to correct some highlight areas.

I have several other images and layers to add; but I thought it would be fun to share with you my newest obsession, and the process of its creation.

The below pix is showing the whole canvas. So far she is looking pretty kick ass. As I stated above I have several more layers to add of both paint and images. But, the overall effect is coming off pretty good.

Through paint, mediums and pencil I am able to create something that may of been quicker if I had the skills for photoshop; but I don't think I would of had as much fun. I have several other pieces in mind to create. As they come along I will post them so you can see where all this is going.

I love doing art journals they are fun and a good way to try out different techniques. What techniques have you tried and experimented with? What direction are they taking you? Almost all of my art has a tendency to be a bit fantasy inspired. I try to branch out; but I just love fantasy so I am just going to enjoy the direction my art is taking me. In other words I am enjoying the ride. I hope you are enjoying whatever journey your art is taking you. Go make something fun, make something that is all about you and the things you love. Life is short and every minute counts

Learning to paint

2010-06-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the first page of the layout I have on my previous post. I am trying to put the skills I have learned from those online classes I so love to take. I did not paint the fairy, bobcat or moon. I did do the background and rock formation she is sitting on. Oh, and the tree behind her. It is fun but a bit intimidating to put paint on a background I worked so hard to create. I have no problems with the backgrounds. They are fun to do. The images are what throw me. I am not going to be someone who can create people in a life like way. I am good with that. I just want to be able to make my people look like well people. Fantasy people but people. I hope that makes some kind of since.

I love images, I love cutting them out and creating a world of my own with them. The people that can use photoshop and create these amazing fantasy images just blow me away. The only problem I have is finding them where I can purchase their images. Every time I find an image I cannot find the artist. As great as google is; it is also tough when I want to find the creator of something. Now, if any of you that see my blog create images similar to those that I use (fantasy) please drop me an email (with your email) I need to find a source for images such as these. I am not selling any of these just playing. So, I hope I do no offend; for that is not my intention. I do want to be able to sell some of my pieces, but until I can find images that work for me that will have to wait.

I hope those of you that have stopped by are checking out the blog hop on my side bar. There are some amazing artists there. Take an evening, grab a beverage of choice some snacks and start a hopping. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Movie review and new art

2010-06-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

First off, I loved the A-Team. Now there is something you have to know about me and my choices of movies before you take my word about this or any movie. You know the whole disclosure thing. I go to them (movies) to have small vacations, two hours of mindless fun. I am a shoot'em up bang bang kind of girl. Bad guys get what is coming to them, and the good guy gets the girl. I live real life everyday, movies are all about fantasy for me.

Now a bit about the A-Team. It stayed pretty close to the series. It was a fun mindless summer movie. Of course there are some things that bothered me. But I am not a movie critic and am not comfortable critiquing it. All I can say is I really enjoyed it. It delivered what was promised; and really that is all I ask of a movie. Not to mention pictures of bear chested hunky men. Face was quite nice to look at. I guess I could of asked for more shirtless time of the Face.

Now on to my newest layout. This is the second page of my journal layout. I found this wonderful image of a female warrior kneeling in sorrow. I have loved the simple lines of it and have been wanting to use it for some time. I have no idea where I found it; but since I am not selling this I am hoping if the author sees it here they will not be to upset. I painted the ground to coordinate with the warrior. I found the image of the flag on graphic fairy. What a lovely site and a sharing blog owner. The eagle was found by googling.

I have been feeling a bit frustrated about our world at large. I am not interested in getting preachy or political. Instead I am using the layout as a way of expressing my feelings. I will upload the first page once it is completed. I have the idea and images I want to use. Now, I just need the time to sit down and work on it.

Remember my last post about putting yourself into your art. Although I don't use a lot of words; I am trying to take my own advice.

I hope you can be brave as well. Put a bit of yourself in all of your art. No matter how it turns out it can be nothing but real. Truly that is all we can ask of any art piece we create

Blog Hop

2010-06-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have never done a blog hop before. So decided to join in the fun this time. So just click on one of the little gadgets on the left and check out the art on these fantastic blogs.

No art today. I am off to the movie's to see the A-Team.

I don't know how many of you remember this 80's TV show with Mister T; but I loved it. I am hoping this movie is just like it. Lots of action and just plain fun. Even if the movie does not live up, getting to see "Face's" hunkiness should be worth the price of the ticket.

Below is the A-Team in the 80's. Loved Face even then. But, I have to say Mr. T was pretty cool as well.

Below is the A Team now. Face is still looking good. But, I am thinking Murdock is going to be as fun as the original. Always have loved Liam Neeson in anything he does. Would not of picked him but the trailer sure seems to work. We will see.

http://www.ateam-movie.com/#/splashscreen

The above link is to the trailer if you want to take a peek. This is not an intellectual movie nor should it be. Summer is for fun. I am all for filling my mind with nonsense and hunkiness. Oh, and the good guys always winning. I am all for that!!

Have a great Friday and I hope you are doing something fun.

Completed second page

2010-06-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well as promised I have completed the second page. I am pleased how it came out. It is how I feel and hope in a weird way reflects how Mother Nature feels.

I have several other pages started as well as canvases. I will try and get them completed and up in the next week or so.

Enjoy your day and create something from your heart. It need not be for anyone but yourself.

Infusing yourself into your art

2010-06-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

As you know I am in several circle journals. I enjoy them very much, but I seldom really use them as an express of my emotions. It is more about practicing new techniques with people I trust and enjoy. As with most artist I am insecure about my art at times. So when I try something new it is a wonderful thing to be surrounded by like minded artist.

Now, I normally try to stay away from political topics. I like my blog to be about things I love and that is art and my search and rescue. But, as with most of the United States I cannot help but be heart sick with what is going on in the Gulf with the oil spill. I do not want to get into the blame game; I do not have the knowledge nor do I live where this is impacting so many people and animals. I love the beauty of nature and every time they show the birds, dolphins covered in oil it breaks my heart.

This time when I was creating my journal pages for a friend I used what is happening in the Gulf to inspire me. It helped that the this journal has a color theme of greens and blues.

The above piece is the first page. I wanted to create an underwater world. I do not use photoshop so I have to depend on my paints and pencils to soften my images.

The above is the start of my second page. She is called "lady of the Sea". I will complete it and show you the end results tomorrow. So far I am pleased with the portrait. The elements to be added have not yet been decided; but I do know I want them to be a statement of taking care of that which you are in trusted.

I truly do believe we need to harvest whatever energy we have here in our own country. The energy that is brought into our country from places that do not like us needs to stop. But that argument is for another day and for another person. The only thing I am trying to say here is that WE must care for OUR piece of the planet. We do not own the ocean. It is home to so many scary and wonderful animals. Take care of it as if it were YOUR home.

I have decided I will start using these journal pages for more then new techniques and ideas. I will start trying to put more of ME into them. More of what I feel and see. More of who I am. By doing this I am inviting more of my art; myself to be "out there". This allows others to have the chance to critique or criticise. I guess I am being more brave. I hope you will also be "more brave" as well, with who you are and your art.

Those that chose to be cruel are very small people. Those that give good intention criticism are those who you should surround yourself with. No matter if it is art, politics, or religion you should never only have those that agree with you. You need a STRONG group of friends that will tell you where you can improve yourself and that is such a good thing.

So be brave and put a bit of yourself into everything you create.

Just living life

2010-05-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some art journal pages I have worked on. I have done some canvases; but as of yet are unfinished. As I complete them I will get them posted.

I am sorry for the delay in posting. I am amazed how crazy one person can make their life. Nothing bad, just the day to day activities of just living. I don't know about you, but I am not a very organized person. I really try to be; but well it never really happens other then little spurts here and there.  Usually I am sort of OK with that. But, as I have added more stuff to my life it has gotten a bit confusing and the where do I start question is getting asked more and more.

I do not do anything half way.  I have spent 10 years learning my 2 disciplines in Search and Rescue. I love what I do; I have the knowledge to be an asset to those I am there to help. Now, I am slowing down a bit in that area and have moved back to my love of art. I am again asking the question I did when I started search and rescue.  Where am I going with this. I still am struggling with the question.

All I do know at this juncture is I love what I am creating. I love my renewed love of decorating my home. I am fascinated with the direction my art is going and I want to explore it. So, I apologize for my ramblings and my slow up dating of my blog. As I try to answer my own questions and how to find balance. My hope for you is that your life is full and you enjoy the process of learning. Life really is just a journey where it takes us is anyones guess; but it can be exciting, frustrating and just plain maddening.  But, it is never boring.

Find joy in your life, create and enjoy the journey.

Rambling thoughts

2010-04-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

I received a comment from my friend Jackie about struggling with art and how the inner critic can sometimes take hold. It got me thinking about how my inner critic has had a strangle hold around me for some time. I think this happens especially when you are working on new techniques and or towards a specific goal.
I work in my moleskine whenever I get the chance. Some of the pages are half finished or just scribbles. I would ripped these pages out. I have gotten so frustrated with the process of not executing the technique correctly or a mistake was made that would make me feel why do I even try. Then the frustration would take over and I would throw a fit like a small child not getting their way.

I am not telling you this to make myself look silly or to say "I feel your pain". I am telling you this because I believe all of us go through the frustration of a piece not looking "just right".

My moleskine is not something I am going to put on display. It is not a piece of art work to be shared with the world ; saying that it is not something I hide either. So because of that I think somewhere in the back of my mind I was thinking I only want the "good stuff" to be in it. That is something I need to forget. A journal (moleskine) is a thing to practice the new techniques, new ideas, goals I am trying to achieve. It is not just for "The Good Stuff" it is for me to look back on and see the progress I have made. How in the world am I going to know how far I have come if I keep throwing out the icky stuff.

It is time to embrace my mistakes as well as my triumphs. Life is like that; full of mistakes and achievements. These are our bench marks of our life. Remember mistakes are just that mistakes nothing more and nothing less. They are how we learn. Now take that thought into your art. I love taking classes online. I like learning these new and wonderful techniques and then tweaking them to what my style is. I cannot do this without making mistakes, without failing. Be courageous with your art. Allow those mistakes to be your bench marks that you look back on and say wow; I have grown.

Failing is part of the process, that is where we begin to learn. Getting the nose just right, mixing that glaze with this paint and so on. Until you practice and practice the skill will not be yours. So I will repeat myself because I truly think it is that important. Embrace those mistakes and practice and practice until that technique skill is yours. The journey is so much more then just triumphs. I believe life is as well.

Enjoy your weekend and make something practice something. More importantly embrace yourself; all of yourself flaws and all.

What I have been working on lately

2010-04-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

I have been working on several different projects since I last posted. The first is a banner I did for my niece's 16th birthday. I have not worked on anything scrapbook for sometime. It was fun to make something with all those pretty embellishment I have. Not to mention it was a nice reminder I need to do something with all those pictures I have.

The above page and the page below are for one of my many round robin journal groups I am in. I was feeling a bit whimsical. Played a bit with stencils from tulip in the above page. Then added a portrait using colored pencils. The page below I added some bling which is so unlike me. But, as I said before it was fun and different.

These two portraits are just for practice. They are in my moleskine. The above is using graphite; the one below is using conte crayon in a single color. I saw how Pam Carriker used them in a portrait on her blog; I just could not be left out when it comes to using a different medium. I really enjoy them. In a way they are teaching me to be more lose. I am very tight when drawing and this makes it very difficult to get the results I am after. Practice practice. That seems to be my word of the month. I am still not happy with my shading and understanding hues. I will get there I know just more practice. Ok, I think I am now hating that word. Like most people I want it NOW!! But I think I would not appreciate my successes if it comes to easily.

Now, I have shown my works in progress. What have you done lately. Art is something that should be shared and given not kept hidden because you are afraid of a critic or because YOU think it is ugly. Art is just that ART; nothing more nothing less. I beleive art is an expression of the soul. Sometimes it can be ugly, sometimes it is simply the practice of a technique. Sometimes it is soul moving. Art can and is so many things to so many people. Share it, believe in yourself and what you have to offer. You are worth it, you do contribute to this world. Art is a way to say world I was here and I matter. For it will be here long after we are gone.

Sunshine Blog Award

2010-03-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

I am horrible. I was awarded this by an amazing artist earlier in the month. Valerie Brincheck
She does amazing work; not to mention she has a great yahoo group you should check out the sum of all ATC . This woman shares her knowledge and her blog is continually full of images she shares with all. I feel very lucky to call her my friend as well as being in several round robin journal with her. Her work is simply beautiful.

Now the purpose of this Sunshine blog is to award it to 6 other artist who bring sunshine to your day thourgh their blogs.

These are the artist I have chosen.

1. Socrates
2. Jackie
3. Elizabeth
4. Carol
5. Sharon
6. Michi

Please take a moment to check out these ladies blogs. They are well worth the time. The inspiration you will find is amazing and wonderful.

Creating outside your comfort zone

2010-03-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

I just completed a journal that will be all about Marie Antionette. I am not a fou fou person. All the lace, feathers and such are very intimidating. But, I wanted to be part of this round robin journal. So, in order for me to step out a bit (maybe a toe) I made my Marie more in line with my vision. Instead of staying with the traditional Marie I decided to bring her more into my area of fantasy.

My Marie is still alive (kind of like Elvis). She has spent the decades reinventing herself into fun outrageous people. In this particular time she is Lady Gaga. I could not of come up with a more outrageous persona then that.

I guess my point to this little post is don't be intimidated about a subject matter. Think outside the box. Make it work for you; make it fun not intimidating. I still need to do layout's with fou fou because the other ladies in the group enjoy that; but I can tone it down so that it is in line with how I work and think.

Take a step outside your comfort zone you may find you like it. You may find a way for it to be less intimidating. Whatever the case take the step. Whether it is a toe, foot or you jump right in, take the step. I promise you will be happy you did.

The pictures below are of my journal cover and inside pages.

And the below is the letter that is in the envolope.

Shhhh …… I am sharing a juicy little secrete with you. Yes my darlings; I did authorize this magnificent tell all. Doesn’t unauthorized sound so much more delicious. I feel it is my responsibility to share my many adventures that I have had through the decades. I have been so many wonderful exciting people; but I must say my latest incarnate has got to be the most spectacular yet. Don’t you just love the name Lady Gaga. Just scandalously beautiful. Hiding in plain sight is such a grand way to watch the world and all their silly misconceptions of who I was. I must say I really am to wonderful for words.

Now just imagine my adventures before and those yet to come. So enjoy my sweets the pages that follow. This is only a taste of what my life is and will be again.

Yours,

Marie A

Now go create something that is a bit outside of your comfort zone and share it. That is the point of art to share.

My learning curve

2010-03-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

I am a fairly obsessive person. I am taking several classes on portraits. I love them all because I am learning to use different mediums. Paints from golden to folk art, shiva paint sticks and pan pastels. They each have their postitives and negitives. I have not mastered any of them as of yet to give an adequate pro or con. I am very much enjoying the journey of discovery of different products and how they can be manipulated in mixed media art.

I love to take classes from people. I don't think it is a bad thing to learn from others before you. Through those who have come before me I will be able to find my voice and my niche in this wonderful world of art. They are giving me the building blocks that will enable me to find my own separate path. I do have favorites because their style tends to lean towards my own.

As I have stated before I am in several round robin journal groups. I am finding this a wonderful way for me to practice these new skills I am developing. I have such a long ways to go and wish I could already be at the mile marker instead of the starting gate. I need to remember that everyone had a first step and have been at the "starting gate".

I not only love art but am a Search and Rescue Dog handler and am finding similarities in both of the activities I love. Learning a technique completely before moving on is true in both of these areas. Understand what your objectives are and learn everything you can about that before you move on to the next step. I am trying to keep that in mind with my portrait education. I am not trying to be absolutely realistic, but I want my faces to have a realisim about them.

Below are some faces I have completed. I can tear each and everyone apart but doing that would lessen what I am trying to accomplish.

This face was created using folk art paints. She is to bright but that is OK. These paints are wonderful because they are inexpensive. You can use golden mediums to help them flow or thicken.

This face "lady" was created using pan pastels. I like their creamy feel but they are not for watercolor paper and heavily painted backgrounds. I don't know how to set them properly so I do not rub off my work. I may not know or understand how properly to use them as of yet. I am good with that. For my first attempt at using them I like where I am going.

This face is done using shiva paint sticks. So far this is my very favorite medium to use. It could quite possibly be because I get to use my fingers. I love the fact I can get my fingers dirty with each color I use. I would love to practice exclusively with these; but doing so would hinder my learning curve. Again their are several things wrong with her, but that is OK, there are several things I love about her. So the learning continues.

Here is a close up of the first page using napkins. I love using napkins in my art. I need to do it more often. I have a ton and forget to break them out; because of my obsession of learning faces forget other things are needed to enhance my journal pages. Napkins do this every time.

As I learn and continue to show my begining works, I hope that as you learn new techniques you will have the courage to show your work and the progress you are making. Remember everyone was a beginner at sometime in their career of art, dog training or whatever your chosen path is. Until you begin you can't go anywhere. Without documenting those first steps you will not be able to see how far and how much you are learning. Be BRAVE create what makes your heart sing; go against the critiques. They are not important. Now go make something wonderful

Faces - online classes

2010-02-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

I have been taking several online classes that teach portrait painting. I am having a great time with learning the different techniques.

Each instructor has their own way of not only teaching; but how to create the human face. When I first decided to take these classes I wanted to be as realistic as possible with my results. Now that I have been practicing for the last month or so, I have a better idea of what I want to get out of these classes.

I am wanting to find my own style. I am not going to ever be a traditional artist. I have no desire to travel that road. I am totally in love with mixed media and am wanting to learn as much as possible so I can find my own voice.

These are a couple of faces I have completed while doing Misty Mawn's online class. They are created using shiva oil paint sticks. I so love them. Just ordered more colors from dick blick. They are just wonderful.

I am also taking Sharon Tomlinson's class. It started today. As I complete the lessons I will post faces created using her technique. She uses folk art paint and her creations are just darling. She also uses napkins which I just love. I have been playing with them ever since I did a swap last year.

The other classes I am taking are from Monica Zuniga from Hand and heart, and Pam Carriker from creative workshops. Each are totally different from the other; but I have learned so much from every one of them.

Enjoy online classes they have so much to offer; but remember they are there to teach you techniques. It is up to you take those different techniques and find your own style. Don't wish to create as your instructor. Your work is beautiful and it is from your heart that is what makes it special. It takes time to learn the techniques you are not going to be perfect your first month or even year. These instructors have been doing art for years. Understand that you are just starting your journey. Enjoy the process it is suppose to be fun.

Expanding and experimenting

2010-01-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

I signed up for a Suzi Blu Goddess class. I am really enjoying it. She is a crack up. I did not make my eyes as she instructed. I am trying to find my own Goddess so to speak. I am not real thrilled with some aspects; but for my second face I am liking the out come and my progression.

The technique for the ATC card below is using beeswax. I love how it gives such an nice patina; but worry that it may melt. Not sure what to do about that.

The journal page below is for a round robin I am in. The theme was using only red, white and black. I toned down the color red with water to give it a softer look.

The below page is page 2 of the above page. I used perfect perals in the beeswax. I like the effect but am not thrilled with how the face of the image becomes a bit distorted. But, love the overall effect of the page.

I will continue playing with wax. I like the patina; but still have a ways to go to understanding how I can manipulate it to my liking. Experimenting can and is fun. I challeng you to play with beeswax and see what you can come up with. If you have time drop be a picture of what you have created.

Blog stumbling

2010-01-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

As I was stumbling around the internet looking for inspiration to help me take my art if not in a new direction but into something new. Just having one of those days, I guess.

I was jumping from one blog to another when I came across Teesha Moors's blog; which is always full of inspiration and fun. Though I cannot do her style I do love looking at it; and it always inspires me in one way or another. At the very least it makes me smile when I am feeling a bit down. She has a link on her blog that is just amazing. I have added it below if you are looking for something uplifting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3zJm98UXzQ

Now I am off to create something. What it will be I have no idea. Sometimes that is the fun of art; the unknown and the direction you are going.

2010 Hello

2010-01-02T01:31:00.000-08:00

Well it is now 2010, can you believe it. I think back and wonder how life can go by so fast. So many changes have happened in the last year. I don't know how it all happend. Both good and bad. I wonder what the new year will bring. It is both frightening and exciting. What direction will it take me? What heartache will come? What accomplishments or disappointments? Who will I meet and will they bring joy or sorrow? These are just some of the questions that are running through my head.

As I sit here thinking of years past I realize I like myself more; I am more accepting of my failures, less judgemental of others. Maybe it is the age factor. You just grow up. Or maybe it is simply I have less time to worry what others think of me. No matter the reason I am finding I like and accept myself more as each year passes and that is a huge thing.

Many of my artist friends chose a word that will be a resolution of sorts for the coming year. I have never done this before, but have decided to this year. My word of the year is TRUTH. Truth is something I think few of us are when it comes to ourselves. It is a difficult thing to look in the mirror and be honest with yourself about our ugly parts. I don't think anyone can improve themselves if they only accept their pretty parts. We all have little ugly things about ourselves that we don't like and want to hide from the world. But, I am finding none of us are all that interesting without those ugly parts. It is what makes us interesting. It is what makes us human. Accept those parts of yourself, try to improve them but don't hide from them.

So for the coming year I am going to embrace my ugly parts, try to understand them; improve those that I can. Those that I can't; well I am just going to accept that I am not perfect and I was never going to be. Each day is another adventure and I will embrace it with all of it's joy and pain,but be truthful with myself on how each has and does effect me.

I wish you all the joys in the coming year.

First time published

2009-12-18T08:48:00.000-08:00

I am Published. I am so excited. This is the first time I have ever sent anything in to be published and for them to put it in the gallery part I am simply thrilled.

As I look at those pages I see how far I have come in my journaling. Though I am a bit unconventional (fantasy less writing) then most; I feel liberated. I had made a goal to submit and be OK with the out come. It was just a huge thing for me to put my art "out there" to be judged. Now before you say no one is judging your work. You would be wrong, it is being judged maybe not crueling but judged never the less. I had to be OK with someone not liking it; someone liking it but thinking I needed to add more or do something another way. That is the way art is. When I look at art I judge it. I am not thinking I like or dislike it; but I am looking at the techniques, the over all appeal or unappeal. It is simply the truth. I think that as you grow and mature you learn that being judged is and always will be part of life. You need to realize that as long as there is no cruelty to it, it can be a good thing.

These are the pages you will see in the the magazine. I love each piece for different reasons. I created them to express how I was feeling at that particular time. They are happy pieces and I was experiencing happy things during this time.

I use images more then words to express my feelings. I am more comfortable in this. I am expanding though. I have recently completed a few pages that have words that come from me and not a quote.

The Art Jounaling magazine will be out the first of January.

Thank you to those of you who helped give me the courage to meet my goal. Giving me the push and the honest apprasial of my work. You know who you are and I love you very much.

Circle journals

2009-12-17T17:20:00.001-08:00

These pages are for a circle journal I am in. I have found that I really enjoy circle journals. It is such a great way to recieve art from artist all over the world. It enables you the chance to not only get to know people from all over the world but to learn other techniques and improve the techniques you already use.

12 Tags of Christmas

2009-12-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

Here are 4 of the tags I have completed. I have been following Tim Holtz's blog and creating my own version of tags using his techniques. I am behind because I have been very ill for the last 3 weeks or so. Just a bad flu. So, now I am busy trying to catch up with some crafting. I started doing this last year and enjoyed it so much I am doing it again. I use these tags as name tags for my presents.

I will try and complete the other 8 before the end of next week. Now that I am better I have to get busy with completing my Christmas wrapping and baking. Plus I have several journals that I would like to work on and get out in the mail to their new homes.

I hope you take the time to create during the season. It brings a bit of you into your gifts. Now if you have a spare minute drop me a note and let me know what you think of my interpretation of Tim's tags. I would also love to see what you create.

Stamps are not only for paper

2009-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

Here is my first protrait. The first picture is the sketch before I painted it. I see lots wrong with it; but for my first go at it I am not unhappy with the results. I have a long way to go but as with everything practice, practice.

These are two journal pages I have done for one of the circle journal groups I participating in. I have decided that I need to start using more words. Not neccessarily to tell a story; but to convey what I am feeling. I don't want my pages to take the viewer by the hand; I want them to interprete what they will. But, saying that, I guess I am wanting to make them (the viewer) a bit more aware of the feelings I am having when I create them. The essence if you will. I hope that may since.

Side note where is spell check on this new blogger? Grrrr Sorry moving on.

These pictures are of a dresser I did. I used silver leafing, and stamps. I thought it would be fun to show you other foundations that stamps can be uesed on other then paper.

The stamps I used are from the Tim Holtz collection.

I had a good time creating this dresser for a small home decor shop in my home town of Sunnyside.

I find that sometimes we find a foundation we like such as paper and forget that there are so much more out there that we can use as our foundation. Furniture is one. Mirrors that you don't like the frame on. Try some silver or gold leaf and watch as the peice is entirely transformed.

Take a look around your home see if there is something you can make new again. Both of these pieces can be seen at Melange in Sunnyside.

Christmas is coming, time for family and friends. Look around your home and see what you can transform and as your family and friends come to visit they may be surprised that paper is not the only thing you can make beautiful.

Now go create something the time is short and leaving your mark no matter how you decide is always a good thing.

Blog Award

2009-11-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

This award was given to me by Valerie Brincheck. She is one of the most talented and giving artist out there. So having her send it my way is a wonderful surprise. The point of the award is to pass it on to 5 other fun and interesting blogs. Plus give 5 interesting facts about yourself.

Here are the 5 blogs I would like to pass it on to:

Elena - She is a dear friend of mine and her blog is always up to date with her newest creations of zetti

Sue - Her watercolor pictures of animals are just amazing. In fact thanks to her my Christmas gifts are almost done.

Pam - Though I do not know Pam personally other than through her classes I have found her blog and her willingness to help her student just a joy. Her classes have helped me more than I can say. Really like this lady

Carol - Her blog is always so full of new ideas. From her book kit's she sells to new finds and fun food. She is one of the those people that brings a smile to your face every time you visit her blog.

Stacy - This woman is a wonder. She is really to happy. Her blog is one that is full of color and just plan happy. She is the scrap booking queen who is always giving.

OK, now for the 5 facts:

1. I received my love of art and crafts from my Grandmother. She was and is a constant joy in my heart. I lost her quite a few years ago; but the impression she left with me will be with me forever. I love and miss you Grandma

2. I have absolutely no directional skills. I can and have gotten lost in a small town of less then 5000.

3. I love candy corn. Not just any candy corn but Jelly belly candy corn.

4. I have been married for 23 years.

5. If I could have super powers and live forever I would have the power of flight. OK, two super powers I really do want to live forever. How cool would it be to see all the changes this world is making and discovering.

When you are touched

2009-11-06T08:07:00.001-08:00

It been sometime since my last post. There are several things I have a need to talk about. One is, I have a short tutorial on shading I will be putting up. But, if you really want an in depth class on it, I highly suggest you take Pam Carriker's class "Shades of Gray" on http://www.creativeworkshops.ning.com/ It really is a wonderful class.

The other thing that I would like to say is the shooting at Fort Hood in Texas is such a waste and a tragedy. If you don't want to go to war DO NOT SIGN UP!!! People, that is what the military is for. Sorry but that is the simple truth. They are there to keep us safe. That means war will come up. It breaks my heart that this would happen. My prayer and thought are with you and your families.

Now to the main reason for this post. There is a dear friend of mine named Elena. We got to know each other through several groups I am on. Then I was lucky enough to meet her face to face in Port Townsend, WA at a Teesha Moore workshop. Once we got there it was as if we recognized each other. As if we had been friends forever. This has only happened one other time for me. I do not make close friends easily. But, Elena well she is just the most special person. Right now she and her family are going through a very heart breaking journey with her father. He has been diagnosed with cancer. It has spread through his entire body.

I have gone through this with my nephew Heath. I understand the heartbreak, the helplessness. The knowledge that your love and support will not fix this. Saying this I also can say that my pain is very different from Elena's. I have come to believe that even when you go through the same experience the pain for each of us is different and very personal. So I want to ask each and everyone who reads this to please keep her and her wonderful family in your thoughts and prayers.

There is a wonderful group Elena and I are part of. It is called Soul Journaling. It was put together by Sarah Whitmire. She came up with a very loving and supportive idea. It was for everyone to send Elena a card with "soul journal love". I want to share my contribution. I decided not to do a card. I have a couple lovely pictures of her family and wanted to incorporate them. The art piece below is my vision of comfort for Elena.

If you have a minute take time to drop by Elena's blog and give her a word or two of support, I know she would greatly appreciate it.

Art Reflections

2009-09-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have created some art journals that are a bit outside of my usual fantasy realm. I am liking the overly colorful as well. The page below is a reflection of me trying to bring more of a whimsical fun element to my pages.

I have to say this was one of the more difficult pages because I was trying to force the process. I finally relaxed and just played. Sometimes when we (myself) try to hurry or force something into our art it just will not work. Once you relax things seem to fall into place. I think at least for me, that is the most important thing. Play. When I try to force and "just get it done" nothing comes. It must be fun. This piece was fun and easy when I let the process take over.

Since I don't use words most of the time I need my pages to speak to me through the images I choose. When I choose an image that is not "saying" what I am feeling there is no way for it to come together.

What is your process for creating. Do you need words in your journal pages in order for them to work for you? How does the process of creating effect your art and what you create? Interesting questions. Let me know if you have a minute.

Now, create something. Make it speak to you. Your day will be all the better for it.

A Tribute and other ramblings

2009-09-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

September 11 will always be a day that will be remembered in stark colors for all of us. The ATC card below is my Tribute to those that "Gave All"

The pages below are for a circle journal I am participating in. I am not good with Asian but I enjoyed putting this together. It is always good to try new themes even when they are intimidating.

The card below was done for fun. I liked this image of the witch and it was a piece that came together easily. Don't you love it when that happens.

I hope you enjoy the pieces above and can find inspiration in them. I am feeling very down in the dumps; I have the flu and because of the scare of it being swine flu I am stuck at home. I know it is just the regular run of the mill flu but it sucks and it is so hard to feel creative when your head is full of cotton. Yes, I am the biggest baby when it comes to not feeling well. I guess if I am miserable I would like to share my discomfort with others. Oh well I am going to be fine and am going to be back to normal soon enough.

Just because I am a bit whinny does not mean you have to be; go make something wonderful and if you have time share it. I would love to see what you come up.

My expression through Art Journal pages

2009-09-04T14:27:00.001-07:00

I am not one for writing words. I have tried, but my feelings and emotions just seem to get jumbled up. Plus words are so easily misinterpreted that I have found the use of images a better way for me to express myself. I can record whatever I am feeling at the time with the right image (s). I have found that through images my feelings and emotions are so much clearer and true. I don't try to soften or harden whatever I am feeling when I don't use words. I guess in a simple sentence my journals are now more honest. I am not hiding anything. Everything is right there for all to see. I am enjoying the freedom of this.

The journal page below was inspired from an Open mind challenge. I was stumped then I saw the image; then a good friend of mine names Elena emailed me the exciting news of her being a Grandma for a second time. It just flowed from there. I hope you can see the excitement I know she is feeling; and the through the softness of how I feel whenever I think of new born babies. They are such a joy and gift.

I hope that through your own journaling that you have found a way to be honest and not hide in the shadows. The weekend is upon us. Enjoy it with family and friends. Then make something that will help you remember those feelings for those are what will give you joy through the years. They are our gift to ourselves.

The cover that is

2009-08-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well as promised (for once) I have posted the completed cover of my Dream journal. Over all I am happy with i; though there is a problem with the composition that is bugging me. I just am not willing to totally redo it. So this is it. No more messing around with it. Plus it's suppose to be mailed out on Monday. As John Wayne would say "Time is a wastin"

This is the inside page (back of cover). It is the artist's who will be participating in this little journey. Elena brought all of us together to explore our artistic views on our Dreams. I am so lucky to call her friend. I have found that she a lone can be my "turn on switch" when I am not feelin' the mojo. Her positive view and love of life is always a wonderful thing to be hold.

I still have the back cover and last page to complete oh hell to start. I may be a bit late with the mail out date; oh well life will go on. I am sure I will blame shift it on the Post Office. These gals are so impressed with my ability to blame shift there will be no surprise there. LOL

Please if you are working for the P.O. take no offence if it is not you I promise I would find someone else to shift any blame on.

Now, that you have seen my journal's creation how about you all go make one. It does not have to be a theme of dreams anything will do. Just go make something that will make your heart sing.

Completed page and moving on to the next

2009-08-26T11:34:00.001-07:00

Here is the completed page.

Though the words and lions are the only addition, I am happy with the out come. It says just
what I have been feeling.

Now I am working on a Dream journal with a wonderful group of ladies. The following page was going to be the cover. I got inspired and came up with another idea I am really excited about. I am hoping to post tomorrow the cover and over the course of the next week or so I will show you the pages as I complete them. There are to be a cover, intro, backcover and the inside of the backcover be completed before mailing out. I am to have it in the mail by the 1st of September. Whether I make that deadline is still up in the air. The journal is on it's way to finally be completed that is a good thing. I have been pondering what to do for over a month and nothing. Then a couple of days ago boom things finally started to jell. Nothing like waiting for the last minute. Check out the page that was; and tomorrow or tonight I will post the cover that is.

If you have a chance drop me a note and let me know what you think. Have a great day creating; so go get busy people time is a waistin'.

Panties in a twist

2009-08-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

I don't like to use my blog for anything but fun and art; but I am angry, no totally pissed off. Yes that describes how I feel about the latest signing of another bad man to the NFL team the Eagles; Michael Vick. I am sick and tired of the sports community continually signing players that are bad people. Whether they want to believe it or not NFL, NBA, Hockey, and so on are idols to our children. It is a responsibility of the national sports teams to remember this and take it very seriously. Which in my opinion they do not.

Yes, they (players) make mistakes and put their pants on one leg at a time as the rest of us. But there is simply no excuse to have dog fighters, sex offenders; basically felons of every ilk playing in sports that not only make them lots of money but put them out their for our young people to look up to.

I understand that the sports community is a business and needs to purchase the best players they can. But, please, their MUST be a standard. Their is none, when it comes to these teams.

There are some crimes that keep you from getting certain jobs. That is the point of punishment people. There is no punishment when they get to continue with their life as if they did nothing wrong. NO, he does not DESERVE a second bite at the apple. Just like when you are a federal criminal you do not get to vote, or own a gun. They are revoked. Guess what, membership to the sports community should be revoked FOREVER from Michael Vick and others like him.

For once I would like to see people who have done bad stuff go out and redeem themselves by doing something good for the community for which they did the wrong. What good has he done I ask you? NOTHING! Instead he and others like him go back and continue their life as if it is in the past. Past does not mean forgotten. It means you need to learn from it and redeem yourself in the eyes of your community. His community, because he was a sports idol is all of America.

People, this is not just about the abuse of dogs; he tortured them, for goodness sake. That tells me he enjoys hurting those that are weaker. Yes, that is just want I want my children to watch on TV. Who I want to be their idol when he makes a touch down. Go Eagles!!

Now, I am not asking anyone to do anything. That is not what my blog is about. My blog is
about my art, my love of it, my ability to share what I have learned from other artist. Continue the circle so to speak. But, it is also a place I can voice my opposing view of something that truly upsets and sickens me.

Eagles games will not be watched in my house hold. I will talk negatively about them. Yes, I am only one person, what effect will it have on them; the Eagles. Probably nothing, but that is not the point or the why. I will be ignoring them because it is my responsibilty to stand up when their is a wrong. This may seem like no biggy to you. But, I can tell you it is a huge thing for me. Donavon McNabb was so very kind to my nephew who passed away because of brain cancer. Turning my back on a team that had a quarterback that could be so very sweet and kind to a little boy he never meet is in a since heartbreaking. Heath loved the Eagles, and because of his love of them I liked them as well. I will always be so very thankful to Donovan for his kindness to Heath; but the Eagles team well, that is another story all together. They are in my opinion a team that put one very bad man before an entire generation of children. They deserve none of my support, nor will they get it. The very opposite in fact. I wish that team and their owner nothing!!

Beginning to end

2009-08-04T08:50:00.001-07:00

I have been asked to show how I create a page from start to finish. I have taken photo's of each step. Now these photos are down and dirty, I have not touched them up, cropped or anything.

Though I can show you the process of creating the pages, I have no idea how to explain how I come up with a concept for a layout. What I mean is choosing the images, what theme and such. I believe that is an individual process and we each complete this process in a different way. Usually what is going on in my life will dictate the direction of an art journal or even ATC card.

The first three pictures are of the pages being painted. I use baby wipes to move the paint around the paper.

I started out with water color paper. Since the colors of these pages were going to be orange, brown and cream I started out with the strongest color first orange. I did two pages at once since this is a two page spread.

Then I used cream.

This is the final color I used was brown.

This is the first page. I chose this image from a wonderful artist on flickr who gave me permission. You can see her name on my flickr account. She really is amazing.

This is after I did some shading.

This is the completed 1st page. I have added the words, shaded and highlighted around them. Plus added the image of the dog.

This is the second page. I used a stamp with Starz on ink then used more cream to go over the whole page again.

Here are the images I used. I purchased the feather on etsy, the tiger was found on google somewhere. The lady, temple and red tail hawk are from wonderful artists on flickr.

The following pages will show you how it looks before I add the next image. Before another image is added I shade and highlight that image to help it pop off the page.

I hope this makes since. If you have any questions please email me and ask away. As for the images, please do not ask me to forward them to you. I do not own any but the feathers. I got them off flickr. In most cases I have asked permission to use them. I do not feel comfortable forwarding images I have not paid for. Thank you for understanding.

Again if you have any questions please ask away. I love hearing from you, both positive and negative (just be helpful not hurtful).

I have found mixed media artist to be the most giving and helpful group around. I ask question and receive answers to my questions. I want to pass on that positive thing, so never feel as if you are bugging me. If by chance I do not get back to you please know either I forgot or your email got put in my spam and I did not check it properly. I in no way want anyone to feel as if I am ignoring them. I appreciate each and everyone who takes the time out of their day to stop by my blog and look at my art. Ask all the questions you wish.

Have a great week. Go create something.

The series Continues

2009-07-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is an ATC card that I just completed. I really like the whole effect of mystery behind her. The tiger was an awesome find. It is from Steve Buffington's photostream on flickr.

This is where I need your help. I found the warrior female on photobucket. I do not know how to contact the artist of this image or others that I have found there. I would like to be able purchase them (the images) and use them without feeling as if I am stealing. They are just wonderful and so detailed. So if there is anyone who can help me out I would so appreciate it. I want to open an etsy shop, but until I can rightfully use the images I like I need to find a way to contact these wonderful artist.

Now, have a great week and go make something wonderful.

Guardian series

2009-07-25T11:54:00.001-07:00

Have you ever found yourself in a protective stage in your life. Whether you are feeling insecure or just over protective of self and those you love? Well I am in one of those. No idea what has brought this on.

As most of you know I love fantasy. In the next month I am going to explore this theme in a series of journal pages and ATC cards.

Below is the first page in this series, it is not completed by along shot. Since I have been asked to show my progress on some of my pieces I thought I would do that with this series. As I continue to work on this page I will up load pictures showing the creation. I am also in several circle journal groups so beware, those of you that are in them, this will probably be a theme you will be getting. I will also be doing ATC cards.

I have never done a series of anything. My style is fantasy, but I tend to try not to stay with one idea. But, since I cannot seem to get out of it I am going with it this time. If you have time drop me a note and let me know what you think. Tell me if you have ever done a series? How did it effect you? Were you able to work through what ever was bothering you? Or was it just a fun idea you enjoyed doing? Have a great weekend creating.

The Progress of a napkin

2009-07-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

I am sorry it has taken so long to get this up. I have promised to post this and something is always getting in the way. I will try and explain as best as I can the process of how I did the napkin technique.

Basically it is layering; shading using charcoal and colored pencils.

I started out with a 5 x 5 piece of white card stock. This is the napkin I chose. Nice and bright and clean.

I separated the colored part of the napkin from the white part. Using decoupage to adhere the napkin to the 5 x 5 card stock as you see below.

I use gel medium to adhere all the images to the napkin.

Now that all the images are on I began shading using a charcoal pencil. I started around the black hat.

In this close up, you can see how the hat is beginning to pop.

I continue shading around all the images including the parrots and background of the napkin.

As you continue to scroll down threw the images the page is showing more depth as I begin using the colored pencils. I simply use the same color as what is already on the napkin. Do not make this brain surgery. The background of the napkin already has chosen the colors for you. Just follow that as your guide.

This is a close up of the flowers. I wanted them to have a bit more pop. So I shaded around them and then used the colored pencils to bring more of their color.

This is what it looks like once I am done. I am still new at the shading and remembering where my light source is coming from. That is OK. The more practice I do the better I will get. Just as you will. Try the techinque it is really fun.

If you have any questions please email me. I will try and answer them as best as I can. This is a fun technique to do I cannot stress that enough. There really is no end to what you can do with napkins.

Now, off with you. Make a page that will make you smile. Email me the pix if you have time, I would love to see what you come up with.

Karma Award

2009-07-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

Michi awarded me this wonderful award and I am over the moon about it. Her blog is always so full of inspiring creations; and she has always been willing to help with answering question or just giving you a bit of positive words. She really is the one of the best of us out their.

The wording for this award is as follows . . .

The Karma Award: These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

I am to deliver this award to eight blogger, that is where it becomes difficult. I have found so many bloggers that have inspired me, helped with silly questions and just simply offered their hand in friendship. So narrowing it to only eigtht is difficult.

1. Elena

2. Lillian

3. Elizabeth

4. Mar

5. Pam

6. Carol

7. Eileen

8. Val

Napkin Technique Continued

2009-06-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

I am still working and playing with the napkin technique. I really like working with napkins. Although gluing them down without creases is a challenge I am NOT enjoying. I am finding that if you use colored pencils to bring out the background of the napkin it makes the overall art piece pop.

There is a challenge of finding napkins that are not full of children themes. I now have a huge stash of extra napkins and the stash is growing.

I am finding that even with the bright colored fun napkins I just cannot help but bring a bit of vintage. I guess I will always have to age shade, play with a piece until it has an old look.

I hope many of you are giving this technique a try it is fun and at time a challenge; but I guess that is the point of trying new techniques.

On a side note have any of you done any of Sarah Whitmire's prompts? Have any of you visited Michelle Wards blog? The reason I am asking is because I did the challenge of doing a prompt but twisted it to make it my own. I want to know if any of you have done this. What were your results?

I will post my results tomorrow or this evening. I know watch out two post in one day stop the presses. I am finding that when working on prompts there are those people that are done way before me and I just cannot help myself and have to take a peek. Then all I think about is how they interpreted the prompt instead of how I would. I am finding this to be both a difficulty but also a challenge. It is forcing me to get outside of not only my comfort zone but my box. Yes, I am one of those people that automatically colors inside the box. Knowing this, I try to push myself and get out of the box.

Are you a color inside the lines kind of person, or have you always lived outside of the box? Experiment challenge yourself see where you are. Let me know what you come up with if you have a minute; love to hear from you.

New techniques

2009-06-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

This is a new technique I am playing with for a fat book swap. It is the use of napkins. It is described in the Jan/Feb edition of Paper Scissors Magazine. I am have a good time with this.

The napkin scene at least for me, dictates where my page will go. These two pages are of a beach scene. I have been in Lincoln City this last weekend and completed these while I was there. This technique is fun, but (is there not always a but) they easily tear and wrinkle. I am finding that it is helping me relax and not worry about those little imperfections. They make the over all page more mine, I think.

I would also like to say that the class I have taken from Pam Carriker has also become most invaluable. I am finding her idea of shading truly does make your pages come to life. Though I still have problems with getting my light source mixed up; over all, I have never been more thrilled with the progression of my work.

If you are looking to try a unique techique find some paper napkins and have some fun. If you have a minute drop a note telling me what you have created with napkins.

Art and life

2009-06-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have been working on more art pieces. Not to mention enjoying the Spring weather. I love to create out on my deck where I can look at my lovely back yard. It has a water fall and it is almost always cool enough to enjoy. Even with our 100 + temps.

The pieces below were created as I enjoyed my little sanctuary. I have several other pieces in mind and cannot wait to get started. Funny how you can go forever without being moved when it comes to creating; then all of a sudden it comes in an avalanche.

I hope that you are enjoying the weather wherever you are. Find time to enjoy the outdoors. Though the economy and other things may be out of your control; if you can find time to get lost in your art you will find that no matter what is going on around you, you can find your own little piece of heaven. Create a world of your own making it can be as beautiful as you desire. Let your imagination go, follow it and see where it takes you. At least for a bit there are magical places that only you can go.

art journals and other stuff

2009-05-27T19:19:00.001-07:00

I have been busy creating art journal pages. I have been experimenting with acrylic paint and distress inks. I like how they work together. I get the bright color in the background; but with an aged patina.

With the use of two different mediums the outcome is almost always an age patina look. At least with how I use it.

More on circle Journals

2009-05-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a couple different circle journals. These are three of the pages I have completed. I am loving this art form. As time goes by I will be posting pages as the journals come my way.

I urge all of you to start your own art journal. The stories you can tell are unlimited. Stretch yourself further than just ATC cards. Don't let the larger pages intimidate you.

Meyer-Imports

2009-05-11T08:55:00.001-07:00

A few months ago meyer-imports put a call out to artist asking if they would create pieces using their product. I responded and was chosen to receive this pack.

Since they are better at describing their product I copied and pasted the description below of all that is included in this lovely box of goodies.

A little bit of this, a little bit of that..take this box and make something! In one easy to store box, you'll get some mushrooms, glass glitter, flatback gnomes, ladybugs, trees, deer and sooooo much more! Use for any papercraft project, cards, scrap booking..or for a sweet diorama or shadow box frame! Add just a bit of glue and you're ready to go!
Take and Make Crafting Kit 113Product #218-0113
Full Kit box measures approx 3 3/4" x 5 1/2"
Beautiful detailing, a wonderful item with old world precision workmanship.

I was also sent some lovely German scrap. I created a tag for my Mom on Mothers day using the beautiful spray of flowers.

To create this tag I used the following items.

The inspiration piece was the spray of flowers from meyer-imports
I used Tim Holtz's distress inks in several colors

Dog is God spelled backwards

2009-05-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you have watched the news about a 3 year old little boy gone missing in Missouri. He was found after almost 50 hours wearing nothing more then a pull up diaper, t-shirt and one tennis shoe. I was watching the news this morning and the anchor said how they believed that the child was able to survive the cold nights by snuggling up to two stray dogs.

I don't know how much of that is true; but believe there is something to it. The temps had been in the 40's with rain. This little boy was found with only a few scratches not overly cold nor did he downed with several creeks running through the woods where he was found. Plus one of his tennis shoes was found close to a creek.

I have always believed the reason God gave us Dogs, was because it is his way of giving us something tangible. Faith is important and should be unshakable. Saying that, I have found that there are times that my faith is shakeable, and my need to hold, see and touch something that will bring me the faith I need. The feeling of absolute love, and understanding and not being alone. I know that we have people that love us; but being people talking and sharing our hurts is almost always in the equation when it comes to giving comfort. We want to understand, explain the pain so that we can FIX it. Dog's don't want to fix it. They know that the pain cannot be fixed talked about or explained. It is pain and you just need to have their presence to lessen it so we can deal with it. Maybe that is why Dog spelled backwards is GOD.

If you want to read more about this story follow this link and it will give you more details of a very happy ending. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519216,00.html

Circle Journals

2009-04-21T09:07:00.001-07:00

A few months ago I got involved with a group of artists to do a circle journal. We decided that a stamp would be chosen and sent with the journal. Then the artist would make a page that was inspired by the stamp. The journal page below is for a lovely lady in the United Kingdom. She chose a sun stamp. I have had this beautiful image of the brave and Indian maiden I have been dying to use.

This journal page is also for the same circle journal group. She choose a cat stamp. I wanted to try and do more of a collage this time around. Though I am not fond of my writing, I felt it was important to use it versus rubon's or stamps. I wanted to put part of myself into this page.

Each page is a learning experience. Art journals are a unique way using images and words to express yourself.

I have been been taking a few classes that I really love. Sarah Whitmire has some advanced techniques that she is teaching. Pam Carriker is teaching a couple of wonderful classes at http://www.creativeworkshops.ning.com/ called visual Journalism 101 and Shades of Grey.

Out of all three classes, Shades of Grey is my favorite. It shows how you can shade your images on your journal to make them pop off your pages. Using images, stamps or your own doodling. It matters not. Shading really makes all the difference. Totally in love with that class.

I don't want to down play the other 2 classes, though. I love all of them and would recommend anyone of them. Sarah's class is stock full of techniques that really make your journal book a wonderful adventure of surprise pop outs and windows. By adding the shading and techniques I have learned from Visual Journalism 101 and Shades of Grey my journal is becoming one of my favorite places to create.

Take time to check out these wonderful Ladies classes and start your own art journal.

Dreams of Provence continue

2009-04-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

As promised these are the other pages I have created for this swap. The idea for these came from Disney. I like the idea of opening the doors to view a new memory. Each memory is different but lovely.

The kindness of Gale Franey to allow me the use of her images is greatly appreciated. The other images came from the following flickr photostream's j prowland's, mesmanimages
Suzee Que

Having the avalibility of these images and so many more is a wonderful thing. I am not able to create my own images so it is wonderful to know that their are so many artist out their willing to share theirs and those that they find. Thank you.

Though it took me right to the deadline to complete these pages; I have to say it was a fun experience and I urge each and everyone of you to stretch yourself and try something a bit outside your comfort zone.

Fat book of Provence France

2009-04-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

I have been working on these pages for over a month. I have a couple of other pages that I have done that are very much different then these that I will upload later this week.

I have to do 10 pages; with back and front decorated. I have discarded so many different pages trying to come up with an idea for this theme. I have to say I am very happy with these pages. I was able to bring the idea of looking through a window to view another time. With the Arch I felt I was able to achieve a bit of whimsy as well as the look of another time to these pages.

The background was achieved by using Tim Holtz distress inks. I then used an arch stamp from Stamper's Anonymous as the "window". The stamp was embossed with Tim Holtz's distress embossing powders. I then did a resist to add some age to the arch. The little girl in the above page is from Queenbee's flickr images that she was generous to share.

These last two pages are done as I discribed above. I have 4 more pages to complete by Thursday. I am a bit paniced; but I will get them out because I am more afraid of the host of this swap then I am of being late. She is the sweetest person; but she repeated more then 3 times that she expected us to be timely. So I believe she meant what she said if she took the time to say and write it that many times.

This is so outside of what I am use to creating that I have really had to struggle. But, I am so very happy with the results. Let me know what you think if you have time to drop a note.

My second love

2009-03-20T09:03:00.001-07:00

Is this not one of the most beautiful views. This is a picture off of my friends back deck. This is where I go when I do serious dog training. It is also the reason why I love to dog train. How could you not want to be outside when you can wake up to a view like this.

These two pictures are of an area that we do quite a bit of training in. This is what revitalizes me. It also reminds me that staying inside can stifle you. It is simply breath taking here. Watching Murphy's joy in being able to do what he was bred for, is nothing but amazing to me.

I live in town and get caught up with day to day activities and forget about the beauty that surround me. This is a place that reminds me of where I come from. This is the place I found my first best friend. I love Stevenson and the joy I get out of training and being with my friend Karen.

As I watch Murphy work it amazes me how much joy he gets just doing what he was meant to do "hunt". Here there are no worries of traffic, deadlines or what is next on my list that needs completed. A dog lives in the moment; they are focused on what is in front of them. There happiness is simple; being with you, being able to do what they were bred to do, and of course playing with the all important ball. He brings home the importance of stopping and looking around to see the simple beauty that God has given to all of us. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day activities of the daily grind.

A dog does many things for us. The roles they take on as our companions and friends are as diverse as the different breeds there are to chose from. For me Murphy does not only do the job of being my partner but he is also the comedian. I tend to scatter my attention; jump around a lot. Not focus on what is in front of me. Murphy forces me to pay attention. He is not gentle with this job either. He is in my face saying look at me, work with me, pay attention NOW. He is my greatest achievement and my greatest irritation. Dogs are the mirror of who we are. They are what we put into them. They have their individual personalities; but they will and do take on the quirks, of who their companions are. So, make sure to put in a bit of joy for they will return it to you 10 fold. That is what they do; bring you joy in the simple things in life.

Now, I am off; I will try to remember the beauty of the forest when it is raining cats and dogs. Yes, the forecast is for rain all weekend. There will be tons of mud and wetness. I may not be totally into that; but Murphy will be thrilled. For him to be wet and muddy that is this side of heaven for him. I will try to remember what I said above and find joy in that.

Kreativ Blogger

2009-03-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

I just received my second award, is this cool or what. Now according to the rules I need to come up with 7 things I love and then pass it on to 7 bloggers worthy of this award.

First off, I must say there are so many worthy bloggers that I am totally blown away that Eileen thinks I am one of them. Her blog is always stock full of her beautiful creations; such eye candy.

Blogging has opened up a whole world of art that I had no idea was even out there. It is just thrilling and inspiring. So, without further a due. My list of things I love is as follows:

1. My husband - his acceptance of me is unbelievable

2. My dog Murphy - having a partner in search and rescue that is so smart and willing is an amazing thing.

3. My life - it is always full of something to look forward to

4. My friends - always supportive yet honest what more can a person ask

5. Movies tiny escapes that take you to another place for a short time. Love that

6. Potato chips, hamburgers, french fries, and so on. . . . junk food in general what joy you bring me except when my pants become a bit tight.

7. My Iphone - always fun to play with can't think of a toy I love more

Now the blogger that I want to forward this to:

Lillian

Heather

Analise

Gale Franey

Karen

Valerie

Ingvild

Please take a minute to stop by these diverse and amazing artist's blogs. They are not just full of eye candy; but are so very inspirational in their creations. You could get lost for hours. Enjoy and thank you for stopping by.

Getting to know polymere clay

2009-02-23T20:06:00.001-08:00

I have fallen in love with 3 D effect. The first few cards are using polymere clay then adding moon dust and or perfect pearls to bring out the design of the stamp. I like how a story can be interpreted for each viewer. It becomes more like a story instead of just a card to be viewed.

The above card I call "Solitude"

Lady Justice

This card I call "Self Comfort"

Now the cards below I did not use polymere clay to give me the 3 D effect instead I used the same picture on top of each other; being adhered with foam dots. Or just foam dots to make a figure stand out.

This above card is calle "Eve"

The below card I again used the foam dots to bring the "Queen" out.

The above card is "Queen of the Damn" opened. Below is the card's back.

I hope you will find some time when you make yours cards to add a 3 D effect or two. I believe it can take your card to the next level without a lot of trouble.

Fat book technique

2009-02-11T08:56:00.001-08:00

I have never been involved in a fat book before. So I was very excited when a swap came up on my group. These are some of the pages I did. My particular technique that I did for the book was crackle paint with beeswax for a vintage feel. A mouth full I know. I enjoyed doing the pages there was 15 in total. I am not going to show you every page but the images below are some examples.

The process is fun and easy. This is to get a very vintage feel to your work. I have to say most of my work is vintage. I like the look of something that has been around a while; been enjoyed and well loved.

I started out with water color paper that I painted with Lumiere paint. I used two different colors. Once the paint had dried I applied a crackle paint from Tim Holtz's line. Once that was dried I used chestnut and white chalks from color box. I used the white to highlight some of the cracks in the paint. I then used the chestnut color to go over the cracks to add more age. I also went around the side of the page. I then had card board cut the the side of the page that I adhered the pages to. That way each page was strong enough to be handled a lot. Then the back would be done in the technique but without any embellishments except for the directions. Once the pages where adhered to both side of the cardboard I then used the chestnut chalk again to go around the edges so the pages so there was no white showing. I then embellished one side sparingly, and the other with only the directions. Then after the images, rubons stamping was done I added beewax to the entire page; both front and back. The images came from Paper Imager Design.

The pages below are the only pages I did that used moon dust. After the crackle paint had dried I used a script stamp with perfect medium. Then dusted moon dust over the stamped area. The image was then applied as I did for all other pages as well as the beeswax.

If you have any question on this technique or what products that were used please email me and I will answer any questions you may have.

Accepting your style

2009-01-23T15:35:00.001-08:00

This is my latest ATC card. I call her "Delicate Beauty". I like her and am very happy with how she turned out; but, yes there is a but. I wish I could be more whimsical in my art. If you have noticed by now most of my pieces are all pretty formal. The embellishments and layering is at a minimum. Which is very frustrating to me. I want to add more; but every time I do my piece looks as if it went from a lovely woman to a harlot. All it takes is that one step to far. So very frustrating.

Then there is Laura Carson and Valerie Brincheck who can add layers upon layers and their cards turn out beautiful; never over the top. How in the world do they know when enough is enough, or just one more thing will complete it? Another artist who can bring fairies to life, well two other artists are Debrina and Amanda Howard their art is so sparkly and full of fun and life. I cannot tell you how hard I have tried to make my pieces come across as theirs does.

Then one day it was as if I finally got it. We all can't do the same thing. We all can't do all the techniques perfectly. What a very boring world it would be if we all had the same style. I am finally at peace with what my style is, vintage. Yes, I want to continue to progress and get better; but I have realized that I see the world very linearly. I can get out of the box to some extent; but I will always be somewhat formal in what I create. I am not jealous of these artists and others I have seen who can do what I cannot do. I just sometimes wish I could be a little less formal in my art. Because believe me there is absolutely nothing formal in my daily life. Maybe there is a Freudian thing going on there. My mother would be so thrilled if the formality I see in my pieces would spill into my every day life. Well I guess she can dream as I can; wishing for something that is not going to be.

WOW I am thrilled with my first blog award

2009-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Linda from just my little bit sent me this award. Does it not just rock!!

Marie Antoinette award. Is this cool or what. OK, maybe you guys have one and think this is no biggy; but to me it rocks. It made my day. Thank you Linda; the best part is knowing that there are others out there stopping by. So if you get a chance please stop by Linda's blog and say hello. Her art is inspirational and fun and I know you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Now, for the rules of this lovely award:

1. Put the picture of Marie Antoinette on your blog
2. Link to the person who you received the award from
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs
4. Link to those blogs from yours
5. Leave a comment on their blogs to let them know you've shared the award with them.

Here are my 7 blogs that I visit and get inspiration from. There is no order of favorites they all just inspire me and I hope they do you as well.

Elena at http://elenaismyname.blogspot.com
Ginny at http://smallstudio.typepad.com
Debrina at http://whimsicalworldoffairies.blogspot.com
Michelle at http://michelleward.typepad.com
Sarah at http://sarahwhitmire.blogspot.com
Kathryn at http://collagediva.com
Lee at http://leesiebella.typepad.com
Adrienne at http:// asouljournal.blogspot.com

I hope you all will stop by these blogs and say Hi they are eye candy to be enjoyed and shared. Again thank you Linda for the award.