Byron Visits Morpharchengigel - via Niara Theme

Today I finished the contents of an envelope book round robin for The Recollection Parlor. The top two photos are of the envelope which I made by transferring my collages onto fabric and then sewing the envelope. The other photo is a layout of the contents (double because it shows both fronts and backs) that will fit inside the envelope. Although it's difficult to see, I used a stencil sent to me by Sija for one of the cards. Thanks Sija!! It's on its way now to New York for Layla of Girellygog to have a turn.

This rotation was for Michele's book with a "Folklore" theme. Byron visited The Secret Gardens of Morpharchengigel and had a rare glimpse of a Morphelbeast. He met Arley Snooker and packed his envelope full of magical seeds.

Tweet

30 minute Sketch - International Fake Journal

Our 3 1/2 year old Yorkie - Mini

Tweet

A little further along....but a long way to go....

Tweet

International Fake Journal exercise

My inner critic was alive and well today and, as a result, it took courage to stop myself from the part of me that wanted to rip it out and try again and again. The 30 minute time limit and commitment to not judging myself so harshly eventually won! To join in, visit Roz's blog at www.officialinternationalfakejournalblog.blogspot.com

Tweet

From the "Daily OM"

There are times when gloom or darkness causes us to momentarily lose sight of the light. Although it is at these times when the thought of the sun can help us. Its warm, glowing rays brighten even our thoughts, and it’s good to remember that despite appearances the sun is shining right now. We may not be able to see it at this very moment, but if clouds block our view, they are only filtering the sun’s light temporarily. If darkness has fallen, we know that the sun is still shining at this very moment somewhere not too far away, and it’s only a matter of time before it will shine on us again. When we remember that the sun is still shining, we know that things are still in motion in the universe. Even if life feels like it is at a standstill, sometimes all we need to do is have faith and wait for the time when everything is in its perfect place. Or we can we can choose to follow the cues of the sun and continue doing our work and shining our light, even when we can’t yet see results. In doing so we exercise our patience, making sure we are prepared when opportunity knocks and all other elements are in their right and perfect places. The sun also reminds us that our own shining truth is never extinguished. Our light shines within us at all times, no matter what else occurs around us. Though the sun gives us daily proof of its existence, sometimes our belief in our own light requires more time. If we think back, however, we can find moments when it showed itself and trust that we will see it again. Like the sun, our light is the energy that connects us to the movements of the universe and the cycles of life and is present at all times, whether we feel its glow or not.

Tweet

wonder land

Come, see the north-wind's masonry, Out of an unseen quarry evermore Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer Curves his white bastions with projected roof Round every windward stake, or tree, or door. Speeding, the myriad-handed, his wild work So fanciful, so savage, naught cares he For number or proportion. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tweet

Day Two - " Fake Journal"

Refer to www.officialinternationalfakejournalblog.blogspot.com

This morning I was excited to create another page in the 'fake journal' and thought I'd try to loosen up and attempt my very first real pen/watercolor drawing/painting with watercolor pencils. I was very aware of how self-conscious I was initially, and as a result not as loose as I would love to see a watercolor. At about 40 minutes into 'it' I noticed I began to loosen up and I think that made the shovel handle look more like I prefer. Nevertheless, it was a great way to familiarize myself with watercolor and ink.

Tweet

International Fake Journal Month - Roz Stendahl

Art and Journal Page by Roz Stendahl (Copyright 2009)

Early this morning, while looking for something entirely unrelated, I came across a site that caught my attention and captured an hour of my time this morning. Initially, I was more inspired by the artist's (Roz Stendahl) beautiful art work. I often leave comments about art work, but seldom read any ART blog entries that appear to be overly lengthy. I'm there to look at the art afterall. But, this was the exception. PLUS, she is hosting a contest for the International Fake Journal Month (April each year) and the requirements aren't too demanding. Just do a fake journal entry. Invent an alter ego, and depersonalize your entries....anything goes really. Check out her blog for more details at http://www.officialinternationalfakejournalblog.blogspot.com After that, you'll also find some other links to her gorgeous work.

So, the above is Two's watercolor/journal page to this fabulous, set yourself free, idea. I just followed the end of my nose (which may be what I choose to paint tomorrow???) If you have a moment and especially if you are prone to being self-conscious about 'painting outside the lines' or journalling about your life - this just might be the answer to set yourself free. I loved her line - "Life's so Short, Why Only Live One?" p.s. the watercolor well..... it started out as a feather!!

Tweet

? April 23rd ?

Tweet

Update on Drawing/Painting

Another week has passed although I was distracted with other projects and an ATC craze for a couple of days. Judging by my progress, it will be one more week before I get to actually laying down any paint. This week I tried to begin to add some value differences as well as begun to sketch in the final two children on the right.

Tweet