An Inch of Art

Ok, so these little babies are called inchies. Some crazy art form guaranteed to make your eyes cross and your fingers cramp. They are 1"x1" and include an image and a word(s). The idea was conceived by artist Julie O'Neill, and it has become an obsession, apparently. People are doing hundreds of them and swapping them with other artists. There is a great article in the Nov/Dec issues of Somerset Studio Paper and Mixed Media, by Angela Cartwright, where she talks about the idea and the art. Here is my little attempt. Very fun, very fast and very addictive!!

IN This House

This is from Angela Cartwright's "In This House" An amazing book full of great inspiration. This piece is called "Choose" The man is agonizing over which girl to choose. Is it love, will he make the right choice? It is paint, pastels, rub ons, pages from an old book, and copies of cabinet cards that I won on Ebay. Fun!

Again with the watercolors

Ok, somebody stop me!!! I can't help myself. I can't stop with the watercolor lessons in this book. I think this one may be my favorite. Wait, didn't I say that about the last one? Oh well, anyway, I do like how this one turned out. I feel like I am in 9th grade art class. Or 6th grade.....or something. Mine is on the left.

Watercolor Studies

So I got some great Fabriano watercolor paper for Christmas, and figured I should probably learn to paint with watercolors. I have done some painting before, but I knew nothing about basic techniques. I got a book called "Watercolor For The First TIme", and it is very easy to follow and has great pictures to show details!! The following are the first three lessons in the book. This one gave me lots of trouble. Well, considering I had never tried to learn before. I struggled with the shading, but, all in all I am happy with it.

Left is original, right is mine.

Study 2

This one was difficult for me with the detail. I was working on a smaller piece of paper that the book calls for so I was not able to extend the wheat shafts as much as the original. Lucky for me, the scan actually looks better than the painting. Hee Hee. Left is mine, right is original But I had so many issues (read: problems) with trying to learn how to shade in the first study, that I was relieved there were not so many in this one.

Study 3

This one is my favorite. Daisy's are my favorite flower, and I had a really good time putting this one together. I lightened the background more than the original, I might go back and darken the green a bit, I don't know. But I really like how this one came out.

Left is mine, right is original. (DUH!)

Another Post Cover

This is another Saturday Evening Post cover that I paint extended the picture on. The original ends at the cage, the rest is painted. I have no idea how this piece came about, I just really liked the picture. It is dated May 5, 1945

My Happy ending

I did this page today reflecting the trouble I sometimes have getting creative inspiration. The girl on the right is pulling the creativity out of the little artist. She is then looking at me like "ha ha I told you we could do it" Sometimes I feel like I literally have to pull the ideas out, and I don't always know exactly where my creativity comes from. I know it is a true God given gift, but sometimes it feels alot like work. I just bought a little journal kit called "Wide Open-Inspiration and Techniques for Art Journaling on the Edge", by Randi Feuerhelm-Watts. It comes with a creativity notebook, and 50 inspiration cards that are very cool. It has some very interesting ideas, things I would have never in a million years thought of. Like how to take interesting pictures, off the wall photos, where to look for new ideas. It is awesome.

The little artist in this piece is part of a Saturday Evening Post Magazine cover I have. I bought about 50 original covers in an antique store one time. This one is dated October 28, 1950. Click on the photo for a closer look

Next page

This journal page is called "Heredity" This is a picture of my father, taken about 1954-1956. I took the original picture, altered the contrast, and then paint extended the picture to include the rest of his shirt, arms and waist.

New Journal pages

I did a couple of new journal pages using inspiration from Corey Moortgat's "The Art of Personal Imagery". It is an amazing book full of eye candy, tutorials and some great insight. This first one is called "Incomplete Dominance"

Zetti Ornaments

So my friend Barb has opened her Christmas present, so now I can post them here. I made a set of ornaments using Teesha Moore's images and 1"x3" memory glass. I soldered the frames and added beads and embellishments. Darn it!!! Should have made myself a set too. Oh well, next year.

For A Song

This is an 8x10 canvass board titled "For a Song" Glenn brought back a notebook from Cypress, that looks like it was made from leaves and string and wood. I took it apart and used it to show and frame these birds and nest. The images are from a great set of postcards called Natural History from Carte Postale. Sometimes things roll around in my mind and never form into anything I can decipher. This literally came together in less than an hour. My inspiration for this piece is Somerset Studio's "Nature Preserved" issue from July/August 2007. Speaking of which, I sent off my "Hero" submission yesterday to Somerset, so fingers crossed!! (If you click on the picture, you can get a better look)

Wings of Change, Crown of Confusion

I did this set of ATC's for a zetti w/angel wings and crowns swap. I did th ewhole set while watching the Sci Fi channel take on "The Wizard of Oz" called "Tin Man". Not being a sci fi fan, I am very pleasantly surprised with how good this show is. Down side: not paying attention to all the preview commercials that called it a mini series event. Bummer, why they gotta drag it out for 3 nights. Oh well, maybe my muse will enjoy the science fiction change of pace!!

Glenn's big day

Wow two big days in a row. Yesterday we flew to Sacramento where Glenn was honored by the Red Cross at their annual Hero's Luncheon. What an amazing day!!! The family of the girl he saved met us at the airport, and took care of us all day. We got to visit the capital, where Glenn was given an award by the Lt. Governor, and then on to UC Davis, where the luncheon was. It was so emotional to hear the story again, and to be there with the family while they were giving Glenn the award, was amazing. God has a great plan for this girl, and I am so grateful to Him for allowing us to be a part of her life.

Connor's big day

Today was Connor's Christmas program at his school. I must say, it was one of the best school programs I have ever been to. And I am not just saying that. I have been to some of Connor's in the past that were painful, really! Not that he was ever anything but amazing. This year, however, he really did shine!! We were so proud of him, so of course, I feel it is my duty as a parent, to make my friends and family sit thru the video. Lucky for you, this one is only 15 seconds long. For those of you who don't know, that's him on the right, in the brown sash.

Domino Necklaces

These necklaces were a joint effort between Dana and myself. I made the dominos with alcohol inks and rub on transfers, and Dana made them into necklaces. I told you she was amazing!!

.......Beautiful one?

Shhhhh it's a Christmas present for the coolest chick I know!!!! Let's see her make this into a balloon animal!!! The text in the moon reads "and who are you, beautiful one?"

New Obsession

So I have this friend, Dana, who is an amazing artist. She hand makes jewlery; beads and wire and ribbon, and just awesome stuff. On Monday she gave me a lesson in soldering so I could finish a canvass piece that I am submitting to Somerset Studio Magazine. I am hooked!! So I finished the piece, then she showed me how she makes ornaments. With memory glass, collaged images, ribbon and beads, I made my first ornament. I promptly went to the bead store ( The Garden of Bead'n-is that not the greatest name ever?), and then to the place that sells all the cool solder stuff, and came home and made more. Here is the first of (what I suspect) will be many.

Healing Art

My Journal that I used a skinny page to embellish with. Pardon the sad sentiments, just dealing with some stuff that I am working through in this journal. I have been using this book more than I ever have and am really feeling the benefits of it. I can rant and rave and vent and cry and love and praise and worship and create, and all of the things that show me how I feel. I have been really searching this last week for direction from the Lord and feeling like He has me waiting on Him for a reason. Alot of pain and alot of questions and I have been in the Word more than ever. So we'll see where this takes me.

An Old Woman's Life

This is a piece I did titled "An Old Woman's Life" It is 16"x20" on canvass, handpainted background with collaged images, mica, acetate letters, with a heavy gel gloss layer over the top.

Friday Night Art

This is one of a set of 6 "Oriental Zetti" ATC's. Teesha Moore's images are so amazing, I love them. The backgrounds are hand painted using Chrysti Hydeck's technique.

Royalty

These are two journal pages I did yesterday. Once I got the paint down and then a border, all the blue and gold reminded me of royalty. Then I realized I AM ROYALTY!! Thanks to God! I read in a article about using yourself as subject matter, so I dug up this picture of me. It may be my favorite childhood school picture. The second is the opposing page with me riding on a bird.

WHY ME LORD?

Why Me?
I am busy. I have way too much to do to be inconvenienced with the fact that I lost my wallet. Or maybe it was stolen? I don’t know, I do know that I am angry. Tonight is the Pumpkin Patch Bash at church, and I am not ready. I still have so much to do and now, I have to drive to the places I have been, go to the bank, cancel my credit cards. "WHY ME LORD?! It is too much right now". And HE said “WHY NOT YOU?”
As I am driving back from the bank, thinking of the hour I’ve just lost, I see a toddler walking up the street, with no parent anywhere in sight. I pull over, jump out of my car, and grab the baby before he can go into the street. As I am holding this child, trying not to think of what could have been, I am so scared. I find the house two doors down, and knock on the door. They answer, having no idea how close their family was to a tragedy, and take the baby from me. Driving back to work, no longer angry at the hour I’ve lost, the Lord speaks to me and says “What was too much for you, was exactly enough for that baby”

Heroically Speaking

Ok, so my husband, Glenn, is a hero. Now I know what you are thinking, "Of course you would say that, he is your husband" or "Yes, a hero to the family, all fathers are." While these are both true, my husband truly is a hero. He has had more than his share of "right place at the right time" to be able to be used by God, for His purpose. He helped save a man whose ultra light plane crash landed into Lake Havasu. He pulled a young girl from a burning car after her SUV rolled into a ditch, and worked tirelessly giving CPR to a young man after an accident at the gas dock at our lake house. Unfortunately, not all endings were happy ones. But God uses him. That is my point, and he goes and does and allows himself to be used, however God sees fit.

He just left yesterday for a 2 week trip to Israel. Little nervous, yes, but even he knows that if the Lord wants him somewhere, he goes. So, after much prayer, and some fear, I have accepted what God may have in store for him. I believe that this will be an amazing trip, not just for him, but for the entire team going.

There are 3 Pastors, my husband, 2 members of our church, and a new Christian that is going to be baptized in the river Jordan. How amazing is that?! I am so excited for the things they will see, the lives they will touch, the blessing the Lord will pour, and the lessons they will learn. Here is the team that is going, please keep them in your prayers for God to use them as He needs. (L) to (R) Pastor Craig, Pastor Roy, Joyce, John (gonna get baptized!whoo hoo!)Glenn, Pastor Mandy, and Richard. Heroes, every one! I love you guys!!

Halloween CDV's

These are Altered CDV's. CDV's are "carte de visite" cards from the early to mid 1800's. Originally started as basically a calling card, when calling upon friends or aquaintences. They are 2 1/2" x 4" and mounted on heavy mat board. I belong to a group that artistically alters them, usually according to a theme. These are two made for the Halloween swap.

Is 40 Really the new 30?

No REALLY?? So my 40th birthday was Saturday, and what an amazing birthday it was. My hubby flew family out from Phoenix, and my best art buddy and her husband from Memphis!! Amazing!. So he threw me a "Princess Party". Ok, so anyone that knows me, knows that I have never had anything "princess" in my life. That goes for any birthday parties growing up too. Just not my thing. So I ask him a few days before the party, if he has any dollars that I can have to go buy something to wear. After all, it is not everyday a girl turns forty. (Thank you Jesus!) Now, mind you, I have no idea that there is a "theme" to this party. So he says, "Oh I have that taken care of, I already got you something to wear" Now if this does not strike fear into the heart of every woman, who's husband doesn't know exactly what size they wear, she must be a size 4. So this could go either way right? So I did the only thing I could do. Pretended like I didn't hear him, and went to buy a cute pair of jeans. So the day of the party comes, and I am out entertaining folks until early afternoon, and come home to my husband saying "Your outfit is hanging in the bedroom". So I go in to find the coolest princess costume ever!! Complete with elbow length white gloves and tiara. The entire backyard is set up beautifully, with catered food and a DJ (complete with Karaoke!!) So I don my princess outfit, and hit the party!! The caterer asks if I am the birthday girl. I tell him "No, I just like to be the center of attention wherever I go" Silly, of course I am! I am, after all, the princess!

Newfangle

So this zentangle is ATC sized instead of the customary 3.5x3.5, because I wanted to include this in the workshop as one of my pen and ink "Ultracard"

Accordian Book

My online Bernie Berlin workshop is almost complete. I finished up the accordian book ATC holder yesterday. I did not like how my cardstock held the bleach, or I should say didn't hold it, but I made do with ALOT of ink and paint.

Journal Me This......

So, ever since I took a journal lecture from Teesha Moore at the Carson RSC in July, I have been steadily working on my first one. Now my style is not my own....technically. I have pretty much followed her techniques step by step. Her images and writing and layouts are just so amazing, and I am trying, I guess, to kind of find my own way via her way. I named this journal "A Year in Faith and Art" and I spend alot of time journaling during worship at church, or listening to worship music. I still journal everday stuff, the process of designing and finishing my art studio, and normal stuff. But it has definitely helped me start to find my own journal style. I am going to Art and Soul Retreat in No. CA next April, and will be taking a 3 day journal class. I am so excited.

Zentangle What???

"Zentangle is an easy to learn and relaxing method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being. "

This is what the Zentangle website says about this art form. I don't know how new it is or how much my personal sense of well being will be affected, however..............I LOVE IT!! I took an online class with the originators of this art form, and via webcam and conferencing, learned a couple of simple techniques. That was 3 hours ago and I just finished what was started in class. Intricate, detailed, hypnotic and, well, just super fun. I ordered the kit and am excited to go a little deeper into this style.

Kelly Clarkson - Up to the mountain (Idol gives back)

Up to The Mountain

Ok, I freely admit it........I am a huge American Idol Fan. I watch it every season, I pick my favorites and I vote every week. Ok, that being said, the best performances of any season, to me, was the Idol Gives Back Concert. Especially the duet with Kelly Clarkson and Jeff Beck. When I heard the song that night, I was moved. And I have continued to be moved every time I listen to it. Which is every day, because it is on my worship playlist on my Ipod. I wanted to share it with anyone who hasn't heard it. It is amazing.

Welcome to Studio 13 - For Reals!

So special thanks to my hubby, for working endlessly to help me put this together. This is my computer desk, with the coolest lamp ever!! Next is the super organized shelving from IKEA, with every bin labeled. The upper wall cabinets hold art books, ATC binders, photo albums, specialty papers and software. The photos are over the computer desk and are of my boy helping paint the room with Daddy, and his first day of school. Then there is the work desk, where hopefully my Muse will meet me everytime I sit down. The wall hanging has some photos, my charm bracelet from "Muses" charm swap, and pages from my Art Journal.

So needless to say I am extremely happy, extremely exhausted, and feel right at home here.

Last Skinny page

This is page 5 of the skinny book pages. Since I will be copying and embellishing the copies, I will make 5 of each(plus one for our lovely host Chrysti), and keep the originals.

Ok maybe this one is my favorite, titled "Nesting Creativity" I do like a good bird theme!

Skinny Pages 3 and 4

These are pages 3 and 4 of the skinny book. "A Year in Faith and Art" is my favorite, and the second one says "under the fairy tree"

Finally flooring

So finally got the flooring down. Wow, for waiting for three weeks for this tile, and it was done in two hours. We just need to finish the carpet edges and base moulding. and clean all of our sticky grimy fingerprints of the white!! I am so excited, now the furniture and organization begins.

Hopefully by next weekend I will be Officially in my new studio!!

Skinny Book Pages

These are the first two originals in a skinny book swap I am in. I am using techniques from Chrysti Hydeck, in her Cloth Paper Scissors article. I absolutely loved every step of this techniques. If you have not made backgrounds like Chrysti's, try it. You are in for a treat.