I like texture, color, and humor and so selected art for the video with those as the focus. This mini collection was made with images and a catchy melody from YouTube. The desk in the video and the arrangement in the room has been moved multiple times since that image was made. I no longer work long into the night. Daylight work is a present to my eyes, and they appreciate it, too.
So here you go- a peek at some of my mixed media, collage, and more. Most of these can be seen in posts by clicking on the "Art" label in the sidebar.
Want to keep in touch? Leave a comment and follow so I can see where you are on the web.
Have you made art videos? Leave a link in the comments and thanks for visiting.
Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts
Second on the 2nd Nearly Free Wall Art the Possibilities
In between detangling garland from lights, I watched an old Hallmark movie, Mystery Woman, cooked an early dinner and while blog reading came across the series,
"Second on the 2nd" at Altered Book Lover-Bleubeard & Elizabeth. Thanks, Elizabeth!
If you like being creative without spending bags of money, my post: Your Nearly Free Wall Art may be right up your alley. Originally published August 2013:
Do you have $1.00 (plus tax) and an empty picture frame? That's all you need for this look.
This is the follow up to Paint Your Own Wall Art, A Home Seller's Tip.
While decluttering to prepare the house for sale, I found several wood picture frames. The glass was gone as well as the backing, I had been saving frames to make a Vision Board or Inspiration Board. I'd also thought of making message boards or just framing groups of aceos or other small works with these frames.
Just hang your empty frame and place the vinyl wall decal inside. That's it. If you want to decorate the frame or put the decal under glass, those are nice additions. I'm running down the clock, so just framing it was the way to go for me.
I first saw these decals in one of those $1.00 stores, although in this store, most prices were higher. I didn't get my first choice of decals since I didn't buy it when I first saw it, but this one seems to have an appropriate message.
The decal came as one connected phrase with the little bird, flower, and butterfly separate. I moved these around until I got the look I liked. You just easily peel it off the wall, there's no mess or sticky residue.
I made these wall art pieces because I took down the paintings and photos to get my house ready for sale, but the ideas would suit anytime. Are you saving broken things for those "some day projects?"
Art Helps
Taking time away from the blog seemed like a sensible idea. Then I discovered that getting mired in the trials and troubles of life and not filling up with inspiration from all of you didn't help to lift the grey veil. As cycles go, it seems as if there is nothing but troubles. I back away from the internet, tv, radio, and all sorts of media. I'm trying to salvage some peace.
Shutting down everything helps for a short while. Sometimes I fill the gaps where the bad news keeps pushing out the positive, with work.
Cooking, cleaning, rearranging furniture, pulling weeds, emptying cupboards, redecoration, throwing things out, and so on ... Just recently I finally tossed a barely used can of pricey hairspray. Hairspray which I had kept for more than ten years. In the old days, I used hairspray nearly every day, these days I use it maybe a few times a year. I surprise myself with the reasons I save potentially useful things.
Sometimes when I get bad news I can clean for a few days and not feel the pain. Or ironing. I've ironed forty pieces of clothing at one go. These were clean items and items in the closet not worn. I still remember that day, the day of ironing and not talking. Bad news that changed the course of my life. These days it would be a blessing if I could iron for hours, but alas, the body can't do what the mind wants it to do.
Pain is a funny thing. You can ignore it or ease into it or face it with all the thunder in your soul.
These past few weeks, past two plus months more or less I have been facing a devil of a dilemma and shut myself off from everything but the necessities to survive.
A couple of days ago I started to accept that there are more things I cannot do than I can ever do and used to do, so will make myself accept the new me. You know that prayer, "To accept the things I cannot change ..."
Art helps. You don't have to be an artist to make art. You just have to listen to your soul and be kind to yourself.
Your blogs are inspiring me and others to keep going in the places of loneliness and hardships, we keep each other company any time we connect. With or without comments, with many or few readers, we leave a trail of ourselves, funny, clever, sad, creative; and these true cookies from the heart remain whether we delete or share. Thank you.
Your blogs are inspiring me and others to keep going in the places of loneliness and hardships, we keep each other company any time we connect. With or without comments, with many or few readers, we leave a trail of ourselves, funny, clever, sad, creative; and these true cookies from the heart remain whether we delete or share. Thank you.
The Stinky Albatross and Writing Something New
 |
| Limited to 20 shapes Pencil drawing, New End Studio |
(Pencil drawing- Lines, Shapes, Space, and Directions. Sorry it's upside down, a little like how I am.)
The situation here is still in flux. One day it's up and the other day it's down, and around ...
To help pass the time and distract me from the myriad of worries I need a little creative outlet. The heat and humidity stops me from gardening. Bless you who can enjoy the sun and the bugs, but give me a screened in breezy porch and I'm happy.
Leaving things unfinished is like bad karma, the albatross on the neck. Stinky and uncomfortable. So, I'm giving myself permission to finish before I start something new. (Update: Two done, a few more to do!)
In the meantime, I started writing a couple of stories. (No boxes to unpack, only my brain. lol ) Last week with the first story, I got about 1,900 words in and I thought this one might need a pen name so I put the story aside for now. With the second one, I was zipping along but my blood sugar was drooping, so I got to about 2,400 words and had to stop. While I was writing it, I realized that it was going to be longer than a short story, so I named the chapters and scenes and pretty much know what's going to happen to the characters.
Writing with new to me software (I long for an old typewriter) it's highly rated, but still an unopened book to me, a puzzle book, pun intended. The software has more features than I have played with- I just want to get the words down and worry about the formatting later.
I don't know if I'll let these stories see the light of day. How do you feel about pen names? Don't care one way or the other? Use initials or be gender neutral? Or, use real name if at all possible? (Something to ponder in case I finish these stories.)
If you've published something leave a link in the comments, too.
Time to Decide; Nature is Giving Me a Nudge
How hard is it for you to make decisions? From choosing a pair of shoes to where to go on vacation; from "What's for dinner?" to a new pocketbook- the choices from big to small are just part of everyday living. Thank goodness most decisions aren't the earth shattering, "Will I regret this?" ones.
I grew up having most of my path laid out in front of me. I can tell you this is not the way to live and learn. So I procrastinate and put off decisions even when my "gut instinct" tells me the right one to choose. Sometimes backtracking is obtainable, but mostly a decision is a decision that can't be reversed. From a bad choice comes life lessons and a new decision is made, but 20/20 rear view living is not smart or satisfying.
If you're still with me, I have come to the conclusion that it's time "I made a Decision to Make a Decision!" Can't get clearer than mud there. Trying to go with my gut, checking out the experts, getting good advice and then stepping off into the mostly unknown. Sort of like sky diving or bungee jumping might feel, all the anticipation and excitement wipes out the worry once you can't retract yourself from letting yourself go into the wide unsupported spaces, where only a rope and a parachute are your bosom companions. Step out and then laugh, scream, and enjoy yourself.
Maybe it's the weather with all the wildlife in my neighborhood, you know, the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, bees, and other bugs all doing their thing- getting on with life and preparing to make some new lives, too, which are influencing me. They live moment by moment, prepare a nest, gather the food, and do the best that they can. So why shouldn't we all? All, being me and you and any other worriers or procrastinators who may be reading this.
I thought winter was the optimum time to draw within, observe, and think long on making choices, but the warm weather is nagging me with all the scents and noises saying it's, "Now or Never" to get on with IT. We never know how short or long our lives will be.
Thanks for reading this far. Enjoy the summer (Northern Hemisphere people) and I hope the cooler weather people are having a beautiful change of seasons.
I grew up having most of my path laid out in front of me. I can tell you this is not the way to live and learn. So I procrastinate and put off decisions even when my "gut instinct" tells me the right one to choose. Sometimes backtracking is obtainable, but mostly a decision is a decision that can't be reversed. From a bad choice comes life lessons and a new decision is made, but 20/20 rear view living is not smart or satisfying.
 |
| Abstract Acrylic New End Studio |
Maybe it's the weather with all the wildlife in my neighborhood, you know, the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, bees, and other bugs all doing their thing- getting on with life and preparing to make some new lives, too, which are influencing me. They live moment by moment, prepare a nest, gather the food, and do the best that they can. So why shouldn't we all? All, being me and you and any other worriers or procrastinators who may be reading this.
I thought winter was the optimum time to draw within, observe, and think long on making choices, but the warm weather is nagging me with all the scents and noises saying it's, "Now or Never" to get on with IT. We never know how short or long our lives will be.
Thanks for reading this far. Enjoy the summer (Northern Hemisphere people) and I hope the cooler weather people are having a beautiful change of seasons.
One Foot in Front of the Other
Learning new things is scary and exhilarating at the same time. A few new things crossed my path this past month and I didn't want to do them- at first- but then once I did and put my oar in the water, so to speak, it was a little triumph.
There's another first time thing, a short little video I made. I have been putting off learning how to make a video, and I dropped the camera yesterday so not sure what would be the result, but I just jumped in and tried.My plans to relocate by today due to one thing and another, just didn't materialize. But, never fear, I am forging ahead and still decluttering, selling stuff, and nursing my bruises and wounds. In due time I'll sell the house and move on. As long as it takes, is what ever will be. Unlike St. Nick who settled in for a long winter's nap, I will be working my pace and moving some day. Fingers crossed- by late Spring of next year.
I packed away most of my craft and art supplies, but I still have a few things I can do when I get the time. I've got some makeover shoes for an upcoming post. Have a great week!
Your Nearly Free Wall Art Idea a Poetry Inspiration
Do you have $1.00 (plus tax) and an empty picture frame? That's all you need for this look.
This is the follow up to Paint Your Own Wall Art, A Home Seller's Tip.
While decluttering to prepare the house for sale, I found several wood picture frames. The glass was gone as well as the backing, I had been saving frames to make a Vision Board or Inspiration Board. I'd also thought of making message boards or just framing groups of aceos or other small works with these frames.
Just hang your empty frame and place the vinyl wall decal inside. That's it. If you want to decorate the frame or put the decal under glass, those are nice additions. I'm running down the clock, so just framing it was the way to go for me.
I first saw these decals in one of those $1.00 stores, although in this store, most prices were higher. I didn't get my first choice of decals since I didn't buy it when I first saw it, but this one seems to have an appropriate message.
The decal came as one connected phrase with the little bird, flower, and butterfly separate. I moved these around until I got the look I liked. You just easily peel it off the wall, there's no mess or sticky residue.
I made these wall art pieces because I took down the paintings and photos to get my house ready for sale, but the ideas would suit anytime. Are you saving broken things for those "some day projects?"
This is the follow up to Paint Your Own Wall Art, A Home Seller's Tip.
While decluttering to prepare the house for sale, I found several wood picture frames. The glass was gone as well as the backing, I had been saving frames to make a Vision Board or Inspiration Board. I'd also thought of making message boards or just framing groups of aceos or other small works with these frames.
Just hang your empty frame and place the vinyl wall decal inside. That's it. If you want to decorate the frame or put the decal under glass, those are nice additions. I'm running down the clock, so just framing it was the way to go for me.
I first saw these decals in one of those $1.00 stores, although in this store, most prices were higher. I didn't get my first choice of decals since I didn't buy it when I first saw it, but this one seems to have an appropriate message.
The decal came as one connected phrase with the little bird, flower, and butterfly separate. I moved these around until I got the look I liked. You just easily peel it off the wall, there's no mess or sticky residue.
I made these wall art pieces because I took down the paintings and photos to get my house ready for sale, but the ideas would suit anytime. Are you saving broken things for those "some day projects?"
Paint Your Own Modern Art Directly on a Wall, Free $$ a Home Seller's Tip
That is one ambitious blog post title, "Paint Your Own Modern Art Directly to a Wall, a Home Seller's Tip." If I can do it, you can do it. Maybe stripes, maybe swirls, maybe circles, whatever you like- give it a go. Why do it? I did it to have something on the wall, instead of bare walls, thinking it was better to have a lived in look instead of a house with no soul look. Also, I had the supplies so all it cost me was time. There will be a follow up post on another nearly free wall art coming soon. The next one doesn't involve painting and is fast and easy.
Don't sweat the colors on the wall. Make the house clean, tidy (as much as humanly possible), in good repair overall, and cross your fingers that the tide will bring in that one buyer who will make your next move possible sooner rather than later. If it's meant to be, it will be- eventually.
Here's the deal. If you have recently read the blog, you may recall that I am in the throes of decluttering, emptying boxes long stored, repacking, and setting aside stuff for yard sales and donations.
Added to that list are all the normal life routines, plus unexpected surprises (mostly pain in the neck ones) and others. Now you know that I will not repaint my house inside and out. It's already fairly neutral as I knew this day would come and I planned for one less job. So, let a buyer visualize their own colors, use the imagination God gave you. Ranting at anonymous persons on HGTV!
Which brings me to: After several days in a row of being in the basement among the boxes I needed to come up for air and light, plus my mind needed a break from all the decision making of the fate of so many sentimental items. Even the non-sentimental items were getting to me.
I had already taken down all of the paintings in the parlor and had this one blank wall that was nagging me. I taped off a section of the wall and after cogitating on it while doing other things I decided to go ahead and paint it.
I used ordinary acrylic paint from craft supplies. After painting the stripes, I didn't like the starkness and so I blended colors together and decided not to paint a border or frame, the floatiness looked better to me. I used about eight bottles of paint, so that's eight fewer bottles to pack. (Always intentional, lol.)
To make the wall even more memorable, I hung two mirrors off center over the stripes, first the round one and then the rectangle. It's hard to take a photo with mirrors, these are the best I could make. The rectangle mirror has the reflection from the table and window.
Now, you may not like this painting at all, but my question is, "Which one do you like better- the one with the round mirror or the rectangle mirror?" I'd like to know your preference.
Do you have a favorite house selling tip?
Here's the deal. If you have recently read the blog, you may recall that I am in the throes of decluttering, emptying boxes long stored, repacking, and setting aside stuff for yard sales and donations.
Added to that list are all the normal life routines, plus unexpected surprises (mostly pain in the neck ones) and others. Now you know that I will not repaint my house inside and out. It's already fairly neutral as I knew this day would come and I planned for one less job. So, let a buyer visualize their own colors, use the imagination God gave you. Ranting at anonymous persons on HGTV!
Which brings me to: After several days in a row of being in the basement among the boxes I needed to come up for air and light, plus my mind needed a break from all the decision making of the fate of so many sentimental items. Even the non-sentimental items were getting to me.I had already taken down all of the paintings in the parlor and had this one blank wall that was nagging me. I taped off a section of the wall and after cogitating on it while doing other things I decided to go ahead and paint it.
I used ordinary acrylic paint from craft supplies. After painting the stripes, I didn't like the starkness and so I blended colors together and decided not to paint a border or frame, the floatiness looked better to me. I used about eight bottles of paint, so that's eight fewer bottles to pack. (Always intentional, lol.)
To make the wall even more memorable, I hung two mirrors off center over the stripes, first the round one and then the rectangle. It's hard to take a photo with mirrors, these are the best I could make. The rectangle mirror has the reflection from the table and window.
Now, you may not like this painting at all, but my question is, "Which one do you like better- the one with the round mirror or the rectangle mirror?" I'd like to know your preference.
Do you have a favorite house selling tip?
This is my Tuition, What is Yours? Haiku and A Toast to Artists!
Tuition
Unschooled fugitive
journeys in staggers and thrusts
makes radical lien.
I had a Zen type of moment today. The decluttering and all the other normal but stressed out things made me search for a little space where I could clear the mind of all distractions. Deciding to work out a haiku was more time consuming than I remembered, but I did it. Everything comes with a price, cliche, but true. This is my tuition. A little blast from the past, to finally put things back there and lock them away.
I don't often take photos of my desk as there are gifts being made or supplies still in packages. There is just a small space to actually work on and leave pieces to dry, sometimes for days in a row. Maybe because I see it and it is calling out to me, "Get in here and get to work!" that I try to think of all the other things that need doing. I want being at the desk to be a refuge not a burden.
Because I had only one practical art class in college, a required course, I took it during the summer semester so that I could get the misery out of the way as fast as possible. To my unending surprise, the instructor, once he got past the fact that I couldn't draw realistically, was very encouraging. He helped everyone in the class, even me, ahhh the karma of patience.
One day he said he wanted to talk to me, and to go for a walk down the hall. Uh oh. It turned out that he wanted me to sell a pattern to one of his contacts in the city. Just getting into the display case with other patterns was a milestone, but to think it could be valuable, was he kidding? I didn't believe him. He wasn't kidding and was not used to people like me who did not believe in the value of their work. I would have to work this out, my soul did not appreciate what he had said.
In class, I hid behind Abstracts which were easier and more on the surface of my skill level. You didn't have to explain them fully. (Che cosa significa? What does it mean?) Plus, there was a dear older (senior) Italian man, a student, who loved my abstracts, so that helped a lot. ♥♥♥ I haven't thought about him for years, and there he is now front and center in my mind, as plain as day. He's probably up in Heaven right now, painting in Oils.
I don't often take photos of my desk as there are gifts being made or supplies still in packages. There is just a small space to actually work on and leave pieces to dry, sometimes for days in a row. Maybe because I see it and it is calling out to me, "Get in here and get to work!" that I try to think of all the other things that need doing. I want being at the desk to be a refuge not a burden.
Because I had only one practical art class in college, a required course, I took it during the summer semester so that I could get the misery out of the way as fast as possible. To my unending surprise, the instructor, once he got past the fact that I couldn't draw realistically, was very encouraging. He helped everyone in the class, even me, ahhh the karma of patience.
One day he said he wanted to talk to me, and to go for a walk down the hall. Uh oh. It turned out that he wanted me to sell a pattern to one of his contacts in the city. Just getting into the display case with other patterns was a milestone, but to think it could be valuable, was he kidding? I didn't believe him. He wasn't kidding and was not used to people like me who did not believe in the value of their work. I would have to work this out, my soul did not appreciate what he had said.
In class, I hid behind Abstracts which were easier and more on the surface of my skill level. You didn't have to explain them fully. (Che cosa significa? What does it mean?) Plus, there was a dear older (senior) Italian man, a student, who loved my abstracts, so that helped a lot. ♥♥♥ I haven't thought about him for years, and there he is now front and center in my mind, as plain as day. He's probably up in Heaven right now, painting in Oils.
My high school art teacher despaired as she was of the mindset that if you can't draw, and draw it to look just like a photograph- a realistic depiction, then you can't make art. She wasn't the only teacher who pounded this message, beginning in First Grade. That's why I said "misery" to speed through the summer session.
So, you see, if someone mentioned art, I would be interested, but aloof. One of my good friends got a Masters in Art from a well known art college. All okay for her, she could draw realistically, but during all of the time we spent together, she never expressed that art comes in other forms.
Let me tell you this little story: My friend wanted to make a gift for me of two framed notecards. She showed me a selection of pretty, store bought, embossed cards. I chose the yellow and the gray cards. The colors appealed to me and I thought they looked well together. She delayed, hemmed, and hawed telling me it was a big mistake, a little, okay, a lot of ridicule thrown in just to establish that she was the art major, the one who knew better.
Let me tell you this little story: My friend wanted to make a gift for me of two framed notecards. She showed me a selection of pretty, store bought, embossed cards. I chose the yellow and the gray cards. The colors appealed to me and I thought they looked well together. She delayed, hemmed, and hawed telling me it was a big mistake, a little, okay, a lot of ridicule thrown in just to establish that she was the art major, the one who knew better.
I could not be swayed from my color choice. Yes, she would have felt better if I acceded to her M.A., but then I was left feeling, well, you can imagine. Funny thing is, a short time after she finished the frame, she decided to include the piece in her portfolio for a possible gallery showing. She presented her portfolio and the gallery owner wanted my selection of the yellow and gray cards. Bites. She asked me to lend her the framed piece which was then hanging on my wall, so I handed it over. From that one piece my friend received orders for framed cards. I would never gloat.
I carried the yellow and gray cards for many years from apartment to condo to several houses to storage. Last week I finally dismantled it. It was a reminder to me that sometimes those with more schooling, more experience, etc. don't always know more than the person who is leaning from the heart. To take a chance, especially when you haven't learned all the conventional ways, the conformist ways loaded with biases, can sometimes be the best way, your peace of mind way. But you already know that. I've kept the cards with faded edges to maybe reuse in some new piece of mine. The frame is in the Future Yard Sale Pile.
I'm still learning and experimenting. Blogging has brought more people and their art to me than all the museums and galleries in total that I have ever visited. It helps to see their dreams and passions for their chosen media splashed out across the blogosphere. Bright, gloomy, day glo, sepia, and everything else, whatever they make is another day in paradise, well, sort of. Here's to all the artists and the artists at heart!
This is my tuition. What's yours?
This is my tuition. What's yours?
(Go see some of my Treasuries on Etsy here. There is even a Yellow and Gray one.)
Do you update your Treasuries?
She Sells Seashells at the Seashore, Painting Over a Memory
To heck with the natural look, I put a couple of coats of metallic paint on these seashells. Use a stiff brush to get into the grain and swirls. Look at the textures of your seashells, if you have any. They are fascinating up close. Forget that seashells are the houses lived in by the creatures, you may have eaten them! LOL
My usual practice is leaving things looking natural, but these are very old shells from my childhood days on the Jersey Shore. They aren't in perfect condition and there was some discoloration. I decided I may use them as props in photos or display with my collection of Sand Castles and other seashells. Two coats of paint just about made them look like something in a fancy schmancy store jewelry case.
The paint didn't make my wistfulness for walking on the beach and running in the waves disappear. One day I hope to leave footprints on a beach, okay, maybe not footprints in these polluted times, but sandal prints. I could live dangerously and roll the slacks up to my knees and kick about in the water in the cold autumn winds. If it's warmer, picture me in a sundress, that's my style, too.
There's also a canvas in progress on the desk. At this point there are 3 or 4 layers and I hope it will have the finished look I am imagining when it is all done. All you can see in the image is the wet glue and a star peeking through. There are more layers, glazes, and embellishments to apply before it is ready to be mailed.
What's your attachment to childhood collections? Rocks, shells, toys, books, ...?
My usual practice is leaving things looking natural, but these are very old shells from my childhood days on the Jersey Shore. They aren't in perfect condition and there was some discoloration. I decided I may use them as props in photos or display with my collection of Sand Castles and other seashells. Two coats of paint just about made them look like something in a fancy schmancy store jewelry case. The paint didn't make my wistfulness for walking on the beach and running in the waves disappear. One day I hope to leave footprints on a beach, okay, maybe not footprints in these polluted times, but sandal prints. I could live dangerously and roll the slacks up to my knees and kick about in the water in the cold autumn winds. If it's warmer, picture me in a sundress, that's my style, too.
There's also a canvas in progress on the desk. At this point there are 3 or 4 layers and I hope it will have the finished look I am imagining when it is all done. All you can see in the image is the wet glue and a star peeking through. There are more layers, glazes, and embellishments to apply before it is ready to be mailed.
What's your attachment to childhood collections? Rocks, shells, toys, books, ...?
Mixed Media Wall Cabinet for Altered Oz 2013
Now that it is finished, here is the reveal of the wall cupboard, or is it cabinet? This is my mixed media and anything that was lying around was fair game that could be glued or painted and affixed to the interior "cabinet."
First is a closeup of two of the three shelves I made over for Celebrate Oz, the Altered Oz blog hop.
I pinky promise that all the photos were resized, tidied up, exposures fixed, etc., etc., and yet the photos are not as good as they can be. It's one of those unexplainables. If you see holes, that's the open holes for the screws to hang this cabinet on the wall. I didn't have time to hang it up before taking the photos. You can enlarge the images by clicking on them.
Linda Oma's of Olde Baggs 'n Stuft Shirts is the Ringleader for this fun event. Last year I participated and if you want to see the art and jewelry I made for that, just read this post. This year the theme for Celebrate Oz is, "Altered Oz." You can interpret that any way you like, so I went just a teensy bit to the dark side, not too much, no scary parts, at least I don't think it's scary- odd, maybe, scary, nyet. This altered art is making me Russian, what????
Anyway, here is a closeup of the bottom shelf:
I decided I will put some of Lucy's paraphernalia in the cabinet, so there are just a few doggie type bits, although you could consider these a nod to Toto.
Magazine and newspaper clippings, ribbons, scrapbook embellishments, beads, curtain rings, rubber rings, fuzzy balls, and more are all inside the cupboard.
For the door I used several layers of paint, glitter glue, ribbons, paint pen, and laundry marker. I took last year's clip art and painting and made a color copy and then just accented those.
I was going to embellish the shelf edges and the back of the door, but I soon discovered that the door wouldn't close if there was anything with any thickness on it/them. It will stay like this until I figure out what to fill in the open spaces on the door.
The cabinet was originally a stock oak type cabinet which I painted three times and sanded in between each coat of paint. The door has a mirror on the outside which I left intact. When it's hung on the wall, no one will no what evil/weirdness/altered universe lurks inside.
There are about 30 plus bloggers participating in the Altered Oz event. I'm going to enjoy clicking through that list and visiting the others.
I've tried to end this post with a question for you as I usually do, but this is stumping me tonight as I write this on the eve of Celebrate Oz. I'll say instead, "Take care and watch out for yourselves as you walk forward on life's YELLOW BRICK ROAD!"
First is a closeup of two of the three shelves I made over for Celebrate Oz, the Altered Oz blog hop.I pinky promise that all the photos were resized, tidied up, exposures fixed, etc., etc., and yet the photos are not as good as they can be. It's one of those unexplainables. If you see holes, that's the open holes for the screws to hang this cabinet on the wall. I didn't have time to hang it up before taking the photos. You can enlarge the images by clicking on them.
Linda Oma's of Olde Baggs 'n Stuft Shirts is the Ringleader for this fun event. Last year I participated and if you want to see the art and jewelry I made for that, just read this post. This year the theme for Celebrate Oz is, "Altered Oz." You can interpret that any way you like, so I went just a teensy bit to the dark side, not too much, no scary parts, at least I don't think it's scary- odd, maybe, scary, nyet. This altered art is making me Russian, what????
I decided I will put some of Lucy's paraphernalia in the cabinet, so there are just a few doggie type bits, although you could consider these a nod to Toto.
Magazine and newspaper clippings, ribbons, scrapbook embellishments, beads, curtain rings, rubber rings, fuzzy balls, and more are all inside the cupboard.
For the door I used several layers of paint, glitter glue, ribbons, paint pen, and laundry marker. I took last year's clip art and painting and made a color copy and then just accented those.
 |
| Wall cupboard in Mixed Media for the Altered Oz event, March 2013. |
I was going to embellish the shelf edges and the back of the door, but I soon discovered that the door wouldn't close if there was anything with any thickness on it/them. It will stay like this until I figure out what to fill in the open spaces on the door.
The cabinet was originally a stock oak type cabinet which I painted three times and sanded in between each coat of paint. The door has a mirror on the outside which I left intact. When it's hung on the wall, no one will no what evil/weirdness/altered universe lurks inside.
There are about 30 plus bloggers participating in the Altered Oz event. I'm going to enjoy clicking through that list and visiting the others.
I've tried to end this post with a question for you as I usually do, but this is stumping me tonight as I write this on the eve of Celebrate Oz. I'll say instead, "Take care and watch out for yourselves as you walk forward on life's YELLOW BRICK ROAD!"
When You Get a Bouquet, Say Yes
The last bouquet was all miniature carnations. I'd never seen those before, they just made me take them home. They were so perky and petite and practically jumped into the cart. These minis conjured up images of tea parties and teddy bears with dolls and my grass, leaf, and twig salads. Even as a young girl I knew one day I'd be eating the green stuff!
They are darn hardy flowers, too. I had them for almost three weeks, I really enjoyed them. They brightened each day for me. As the life for the bunch was ending I wanted to do something other than drying them out to remind me of their gift to me. Not a gift as in, I bought them, but a gift of their scent, colors, liveliness, and company. Divinity and Nature from the Original Creator.
There you have it. Take the petals off the flower head and save all the best parts of the stem and buds. Once you start pulling or cutting off the petals you'll see other parts of the flower that weren't visible before. Such as little green softnesses, yes I made that word up, and thin stringy moist shapes- all those things that go into making a flower so special and amazing and it didn't even need any help from us to be so beautiful.
I put the petals in a large bowl and the stems in a separate container as it made it easier to sort and select. Put some background down, I used colored cardstock. Arrange your letters using the petals and the other flower parts as you like. Keep wagging tails out of the area or your petals will go flying off the paper! (Lucy likes to be in on the action.)
March 10 is the three year anniversary for the blog. I said yes to this endeavor, and hope to continue as long as I am able and the technology exists. It (technology) changes so fast, doesn't it?
I want to say that you are my Vitamin G: girlfriends, blogfriends, readers, commenters, a bouquet of varied and colorful souls; and I appreciate each and every one!
Thank you for your energy, jokes, gifts, and sharing this space with me.
You make this blog smell better!
When you have the choice, if at all possible,
Gloria
♥
Question: What's your favorite once in a while treat you give yourself?
Sneak Peek for Celebrate Oz, Who IS Behind the Mirror?
Take an ordinary wall cupboard, paint it, sand it, repeat two more times. At the last moment before you stencil and paint some more, have a brainstorm while laying in bed late at night, so that you can't get up and make noise while working on said brainstorm. This cupboard has been travelling with me since at least two house moves before where I now live. I think it used to be in a powder room, but I can not say for sure, it may have been elsewhere. I decided to do something with it.
Altered Oz is the theme of Celebrate Oz, the blog hop where we will be revealing our projects on March 15. See the button on the right side bar? It's not too late to join us.
Last year for Celebrate Oz I had nine projects including earrings, necklace with pendant, an aceo (pocket art), two paintings, and three painted clip arts on paper. Check out that post HERE.
By the way, that brainstorm? I didn't use it, I'm on a totally different tangent. Must follow the Yellow Brick Road wherever it leads me. At least until the scary apple trees start throwing their fruit. That part of the original Wizard of Oz used to scare me (along with the flying monkeys), but I could see that the trees were rooted and they couldn't follow Dorothy and friends plus Toto, so they were not SO scary after all.
Did anything scare you in the Wizard of Oz?
Thanksgiving Greeting
My Thanksgiving Wish and Prayer for You
is That You Are
Abundantly Blessed and Enriched with
Good Health, Peace, and Prosperity
at Home, at Work, and Everywhere You Go.
Thanks for making your visit here
a bright spot in my day.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I used vintage clip art from the Graphics Fairy to make the Thanksgiving greeting, and it's available here.
I used vintage clip art from the Graphics Fairy to make the Thanksgiving greeting, and it's available here.
Honoring Veterans Day through Remembrance
Happy and Peaceful Veteran's Day to All Who Served and for Those We Remember.
Rosy Outlook for Winter
I was on a kick using these bright acrylic paints and some paper napkins in this aceo. The smaller strips remind me of candy wrappers and the rose is a rose, well- it's a rose. Once I scanned the aceo I could see the texture in the napkin much clearer, so I may add something to it to embellish the rose; something lightweight as the coldpress paper will need backing if too much is laid upon it. Maybe add a little aging to it overall?
It's a little cheery to look at with the dark and dreary winter out here in the midwest. Last year we were fortunate to not have the usual omnipresent snow and ice for months on end. We had some weeks with less snow and for that, I am very thankful. Hope we get an encore this winter, no guarantees, of course..
I started this aceo last winter, and put it aside, maybe I'll finish it
before Spring, lol.
Are you looking forward to the winter or would you like a long autumn?
A.S.A.P. Angel Intervention
There have been times in my life where I felt that divine intervention, some supernatural power not of our earthly realm was stepping into my personal space. Angels are said to be Secretly Always Present, always nearby. We are usually unaware of them; unaware until something happens to make that connection visible.
Example: I used to regularly drive on an interstate to go to and from work. The highway was several lanes in each direction, traffic moved fast unless there was a jam. There were lots of on ramps and exit lanes and although yielding is the rule, you can forget about that being practiced on the interstate. It was always rushing, cutting in and out of lanes, you know what I mean.
That morning the sky was lovely, the weather was comfortable, and I wished I was going somewhere other than work. I saw the car coming up behind me, but I was boxed in, with no where to maneuver.
In a split second, which seems to last much longer, in close calls, I knew that I was going to be hit and probably die if not be tragically incapacitated. Yes, it was that dangerous a situation.
I said to myself, "Okay I won't get to be an old lady, Mom and *** are going to be very upset about all of the blood..." and I accepted that. Isn't it strange what goes through your mind at those moments? Then I expected the impact, but it didn't happen.
Something took the steering wheel and whoosh, the speeding car seemed to pass through me, not around me nor to the side of me. I knew something, not my actions, not the other driver, but something else unexplainable had moved me through time and space to escape inevitable disaster. That was a very weird sensation. I repeat, that was a very weird sensation.
Right after, I felt a sense of being chided, scolded, I got the impression that my guardian angel was a bit annoyed with me for having to be on the ball and work hard and fast to save my life that morning. Wow, maybe I would get to be an old lady someday after-all, maybe there was a reason for this save.
There was no other way to explain what happened. He had done the same thing for me years before. No, I'm not a bad driver, the earlier rescue happened on a two lane road, one lane in each direction. That time the car was headed directly towards me, driving in the wrong lane. Maybe that's why he was annoyed, he had done this before and possibly he wanted a new assignment? I was driving a lot and it wasn't a good thing for my health, besides the traffic, it was the hours of driving that were wearing me down. So, do angels get tired, too?
On this same highway, on a different day, miles from that near collision, I drove past a burning car, the woman driver was inside. I saw her moving in the flames. People had already stopped to see if they could help her when I drove past her burning car. I wanted to help her, too, but if those men couldn't pull her out of the car, I didn't think I could either. She didn't survive.
That image of her inside the car has stayed with me even though I don't think about it. I've wondered about her life, how did she get to that place that morning? Was she distracted, angry, daydreaming of a vacation, reviewing her workday, pondering a divorce? I thought about what she might have been thinking other than how to get out of the car, you know, was she thinking of her children, her husband, or something else? Did she have hope that she was going to be rescued? Was she cursing or praying? Were there regrets? So many questions... .
I don't know why I was saved from these near tragedies. Maybe someday I'll find out that it wasn't even about me, maybe it was for the other driver to live another day. To realize their dreams, to mentor, raise their kids, create a charity, patent a remarkable invention, create art, train cooks, capture light and beauty from nature in a way that gives pleasure and happiness to even one person, to fingerpaint with the grandkids, to cuddle with the furbaby, to love, to forgive ...
If you're interested in my photo, it was taken on a train travelling from near The Loop in Chicago going to O'Hare Airport. I was attempting to take a photo when the train stopped, to show the station name, but this is what I got instead. Those are the lights and my camera flash reflection. I liked the effect for this subject.
Example: I used to regularly drive on an interstate to go to and from work. The highway was several lanes in each direction, traffic moved fast unless there was a jam. There were lots of on ramps and exit lanes and although yielding is the rule, you can forget about that being practiced on the interstate. It was always rushing, cutting in and out of lanes, you know what I mean.
In a split second, which seems to last much longer, in close calls, I knew that I was going to be hit and probably die if not be tragically incapacitated. Yes, it was that dangerous a situation.
I said to myself, "Okay I won't get to be an old lady, Mom and *** are going to be very upset about all of the blood..." and I accepted that. Isn't it strange what goes through your mind at those moments? Then I expected the impact, but it didn't happen.
Something took the steering wheel and whoosh, the speeding car seemed to pass through me, not around me nor to the side of me. I knew something, not my actions, not the other driver, but something else unexplainable had moved me through time and space to escape inevitable disaster. That was a very weird sensation. I repeat, that was a very weird sensation.
Right after, I felt a sense of being chided, scolded, I got the impression that my guardian angel was a bit annoyed with me for having to be on the ball and work hard and fast to save my life that morning. Wow, maybe I would get to be an old lady someday after-all, maybe there was a reason for this save.
He will give His angels charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91: 11-12There was no other way to explain what happened. He had done the same thing for me years before. No, I'm not a bad driver, the earlier rescue happened on a two lane road, one lane in each direction. That time the car was headed directly towards me, driving in the wrong lane. Maybe that's why he was annoyed, he had done this before and possibly he wanted a new assignment? I was driving a lot and it wasn't a good thing for my health, besides the traffic, it was the hours of driving that were wearing me down. So, do angels get tired, too?
On this same highway, on a different day, miles from that near collision, I drove past a burning car, the woman driver was inside. I saw her moving in the flames. People had already stopped to see if they could help her when I drove past her burning car. I wanted to help her, too, but if those men couldn't pull her out of the car, I didn't think I could either. She didn't survive.
That image of her inside the car has stayed with me even though I don't think about it. I've wondered about her life, how did she get to that place that morning? Was she distracted, angry, daydreaming of a vacation, reviewing her workday, pondering a divorce? I thought about what she might have been thinking other than how to get out of the car, you know, was she thinking of her children, her husband, or something else? Did she have hope that she was going to be rescued? Was she cursing or praying? Were there regrets? So many questions... .
I don't know why I was saved from these near tragedies. Maybe someday I'll find out that it wasn't even about me, maybe it was for the other driver to live another day. To realize their dreams, to mentor, raise their kids, create a charity, patent a remarkable invention, create art, train cooks, capture light and beauty from nature in a way that gives pleasure and happiness to even one person, to fingerpaint with the grandkids, to cuddle with the furbaby, to love, to forgive ...
If you're interested in my photo, it was taken on a train travelling from near The Loop in Chicago going to O'Hare Airport. I was attempting to take a photo when the train stopped, to show the station name, but this is what I got instead. Those are the lights and my camera flash reflection. I liked the effect for this subject.
Have you been rescued by an angel or encountered one for another reason?
Hope you aren't put off by this subject. Let me know if this was too dark for you, it isn't meant that way. ♥
(Another time a bank was involved, but I'll save that account (pun) for another day.)
Your Reach
Some months ago I went to this site and entered a web address. A screen appears and asks you to sign a petition to end world hunger and then in a few seconds the graph of the webpage you entered starts "blooming" on the screen.
The graph as it forms is a pretty expansion of multi-color circles and lines that enlarge and turn as it fills in the data.
I took that old graph and went over to PicMonkey for some image manipulation; cropping, rotating, coloring, etc.
This is the result.
Hope everyone is having a great changeover from summer to autumn. We have some leaves changing colors, squirrels scrambling for provisions, and many cold nights. I already bought my Halloween candy. Fresh pumpkins have gone way up in price, due to the drought I suspect.
Do you decorate much for Halloween?
Something Special From The Train Jeweler
I love a good travel memory and Cynthia's blog, "Antiquity Travelers" tells an entertaining story from her overseas travels, vacations upstate, or riding the rails to her day job in the city. She weaves the cast of train riding friends and coworkers into characters you can laugh with/at or nod/shake your head in agreement with. She's blessed with daughters who are happy to model the jewelry and are interested in learning to make jewelry, too. Cindy forges her love of designing into a real labor of love. ♥ See for yourself on her blog or Etsy shop.
Her jewelry designs are gorgeous and with her blog posts you also get an historical perspective on the gemstones. It's more than educational- it's fun and pretty. Check out The Train Jeweler's post about the other bloggers given these awards. They are a talented and encouraging group of ladies; I am both surprised and honored to be included, happy to have Cynthia's friendship, and going to work a bit harder now!
It's no easy task selecting bloggers for these awards. Friends? Strangers? Size of blog? Theme? I've only read a fraction of so many inspiring, educational, and fun bloggers. How do I choose?
What I've decided to do is what Cynthia said, "But what these awards mean to me is a way to tell a few of my bloggy friends how much I've appreciated their friendship and their encouragement for me to keep blogging -- to keep trying new techniques, to keep making something I love ... " In her case jewelry, in my case a range of things and because of your comments and visits I keep coming back to share and post. Thank you. ♥♥
Chris writes, "Golden Lilly Crafts," and is Down Under so has Spring while we're heading towards Autumn where I am. Her comments make me smile, she's so talented, has a beautiful garden, plus she named her blog after her two little dogs. Please go say "hi" to her if she's new to you. Or, maybe that should be, "G'day mate."
Debbie writes, "Crafty Moose Crafts, " is a french bead artist who also paints, learns new techniques and shares them and is mad about moose or is that meese? Whatever, Debbie has a way with words, her comments encourage and I'm happy we met somewhere in our blog travels. Please head over to her blog if you haven't already.
Karen Anne writes, "Ireland Brady - Musings to Ponder", is always perfecting her skills, learning, sharing, and has a talent for drawing, you must see for yourself. Her comments are wise and from the heart. Please go visit her blog and enjoy the portraits and the photos; also a wee Irish humor. There's a real Danny Boy, too.
Stacy writes, "Magic Love Crow, " is devoted to drawing crows. Not just any crow, but well, she has a reason why and you should find out for yourself. I don't think you will ever see a more devoted crow artist. Stacy comments and you know she is cheering you on. She uses lots of colors in her work and her words as does Chris, Debbie, and Karen Anne- they make you feel encouraged.
All three of these awards can go to everyone who reads and comments, your company is much appreciated!
I want to recognize Inspiration Avenue and the people who participate there. I haven't linked up much recently, but when I did, the other bloggers who stopped by here gave me great feedback and encouragement.
In February 2012 I joined the 29Faces Challenge from, "I Love 2 Paint Ayala Art." It was a great experience and the people who came by were so much appreciated.
But that's not all... I know this is a long post, but it's worth it to meet some fresh faces and blogs. Cynthia has turned the blog awards around and given us new ones to give out. Here is the preview for the next set of awards. I'm going to edit this post in a few days with the awardees. (SEE new post HERE instead!)
I hope you check out some great links and discover people you might not have seen before now. Thanks to Cynthia for giving me this opportunity to share. ♥
Her jewelry designs are gorgeous and with her blog posts you also get an historical perspective on the gemstones. It's more than educational- it's fun and pretty. Check out The Train Jeweler's post about the other bloggers given these awards. They are a talented and encouraging group of ladies; I am both surprised and honored to be included, happy to have Cynthia's friendship, and going to work a bit harder now!
It's no easy task selecting bloggers for these awards. Friends? Strangers? Size of blog? Theme? I've only read a fraction of so many inspiring, educational, and fun bloggers. How do I choose?
What I've decided to do is what Cynthia said, "But what these awards mean to me is a way to tell a few of my bloggy friends how much I've appreciated their friendship and their encouragement for me to keep blogging -- to keep trying new techniques, to keep making something I love ... " In her case jewelry, in my case a range of things and because of your comments and visits I keep coming back to share and post. Thank you. ♥♥
Chris writes, "Golden Lilly Crafts," and is Down Under so has Spring while we're heading towards Autumn where I am. Her comments make me smile, she's so talented, has a beautiful garden, plus she named her blog after her two little dogs. Please go say "hi" to her if she's new to you. Or, maybe that should be, "G'day mate."
Debbie writes, "Crafty Moose Crafts, " is a french bead artist who also paints, learns new techniques and shares them and is mad about moose or is that meese? Whatever, Debbie has a way with words, her comments encourage and I'm happy we met somewhere in our blog travels. Please head over to her blog if you haven't already.
Karen Anne writes, "Ireland Brady - Musings to Ponder", is always perfecting her skills, learning, sharing, and has a talent for drawing, you must see for yourself. Her comments are wise and from the heart. Please go visit her blog and enjoy the portraits and the photos; also a wee Irish humor. There's a real Danny Boy, too.
Stacy writes, "Magic Love Crow, " is devoted to drawing crows. Not just any crow, but well, she has a reason why and you should find out for yourself. I don't think you will ever see a more devoted crow artist. Stacy comments and you know she is cheering you on. She uses lots of colors in her work and her words as does Chris, Debbie, and Karen Anne- they make you feel encouraged.
All three of these awards can go to everyone who reads and comments, your company is much appreciated!
I want to recognize Inspiration Avenue and the people who participate there. I haven't linked up much recently, but when I did, the other bloggers who stopped by here gave me great feedback and encouragement.
In February 2012 I joined the 29Faces Challenge from, "I Love 2 Paint Ayala Art." It was a great experience and the people who came by were so much appreciated.
But that's not all... I know this is a long post, but it's worth it to meet some fresh faces and blogs. Cynthia has turned the blog awards around and given us new ones to give out. Here is the preview for the next set of awards. I'm going to edit this post in a few days with the awardees. (SEE new post HERE instead!)
I hope you check out some great links and discover people you might not have seen before now. Thanks to Cynthia for giving me this opportunity to share. ♥
Remembrances and Intentions
This is such an inspiring and comforting prayer I decided to put it onto an aceo. I resurrected this aceo just before the recent murders of our embassy workers and the widespread riots and attacks throughout the Middle East and around the globe. It seems very timely, unfortunately.Not wanting to distract from the intention of the words, I used clippings for the background which I want to convey a mood of struggle, support and hope.
When I see this prayer, the melody of the song for these words pops up in my thoughts. It's an easy song to sing, a kind of mantra- soothing and spirit building at the same time. An adult lullaby of sorts.
I don't know how many versions of this song there are or if Francis actually wrote any version. The prayer first appeared in 1912 in France, and the saint died around 1182 aged 44.
To be associated with this powerful message and to be remembered throughout the centuries is a powerful achievement, even if the composition was intentional and not authentic to the saint.
Francis is the patron saint of ecology and pets. His feast day is celebrated on October 4.
Do you want to be remembered and for what?
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)