Paradise Found

The thing that I'm loving about this art journal thing, is that I can really play without knowing or caring how it's going to turn out.  The whole process is for getting loose, seeing what works and what does not, and just having fun!

I have been reading an article by Angela Cartwright in an older issue of Somerset Studio -- she started using paint strips in some of her work.  Then, she uses some of her gorgeous photographs to add to it.  So, I thought I would give it a try.  Unfortunately, I am not Angela Cartwright - nor do I possess her amazing talent!  But, I did love trying!

Magic Wishes

So this is my journal page for today.  I started out with gesso - then I imbedded plastic canvas into it while it was wet, and made the cool texture in the background.  Then I slapped a lot of paint on it, and went to some of my magazine files and found the bird - so I did an image tranfer, then put some paint on it.  After the dragonfly was stamped on, I decided on the words - a stencil that I have that has lots of words on it.

Now, I'm reminded of how many "Magic Wishes" I've had in the past - and had them come true in the most unexpected ways.  So, here's hoping that all of your Magic Wishes come true for you!

Another Rainy Day

So, thank you, Tropical Storm Debby!  This rain is so needed -- but I'm afraid after a few more inches, it will start running off and start to create flooding.  And, according to the Weather Channel, we'll be seeing rain for a few more days.  I just hope it settles down in July -- Haley is coming to visit, and we have a lot of places to go!

This is my journal entry for today.  I think it's just a hot mess, but Oh, Well, I learned some stuff in the process.  And, that's what these art journals are for, right?

What Is Your Story?

Today, I made a double page in my journal.  I love how this process unfolds!  When I started, I wasn't sure what it would be about.  After I laid down the initial paint and some texture, I decided that it needed some photographs.

So, I went to my photo program - initially to print off some landscapes or some other scenery.  But, these girls caught my eye.  I painted these when I was in Sharon Tomlinson's online class.  I edited them to be black and white, then printed them and sprayed them with fixative.  Then, I collaged them on.  Still wasn't sure what exactly the theme was to be.

Well, I've started writing the story of my life and family - what it was like growing up in the 50's and 60's. (I read a "Dear Abby" column that the older generation should do this for our kids and grandkids)  So, once I saw these girls, it made me wonder just what their story would be!

More Play

I painted another journal page today, using some of the techniques of Donna Downey.  If you notice the butterflies, they are actually an image transfer.  You coat the paper with gel medium, then place the images on the gel, and scrape with a straight edge.  After about a minute or so, you can lift up the paper and see if the images has transfered.  I still had to use my fingertips to rub off some of the paper, and it's always kind of spotty (which I love) - but cool!  Go here if you would like to print off a free butterfly image paper.

The flowers came by way of a new stamp that I got several weeks ago.  Then I just painted in the color.  I know it's all kinda messy, but I really like that look anyway.  It's so funny that Donna and I seem to love the same color palettes!  And, we both love "Drippies" and "Flicks" of color.

I'm really enjoying this process!

Down Another Rabbit Hole!

So, last evening, I was playing around with Pinterest, and found the blog of Donna Downey.  Now, I had heard of her before - through Christy Tomlinson, Somerset and others.  But I was not prepared for what I found on her blog!

Every Wednesday, she has a video called "Inspiration Wednesdays".  In this video, she starts with a blank journal page - and just dives in!  I was mesmerized watching her bring her pages to life.  I love her style, and saw so many things that I could develop in my own paintings.  So I watched probably about 6 or 7 videos and then it was time for bed.  Of course, I couldn't shut my brain off, so 2 hours later I'm still wide awake, trying to figure out what I could practice with in the morning!

Today, I go into the studio, and start making such a mess of this, thinking that maybe I'm just not cut out to be an artist!  I sat down and started watching some more of her videos, and finally figured out how to save this piece.  Some of it is blatant copying, but more than that, it was learning so many new things, my head is still spinning!

Hard at Work!

I've been busy this week - making 3 sizes of fabric bowls, fabric coasters, art prints and these latest bookmarks. The one on top is what the backs of all of them look like.  I'm planning to take another trip to Mt. Dora next week and add to my stock at Hart & Soul Gallery.  The website is up - go take a look!  This time, I'm taking my husband along -- I swear, if we had found Mt. Dora when we were looking for a place to live in Florida, I'm sure that we would have ended up there!

I'll be going back in July, when Haley is here visiting.  Part of me wants to be busy making more stuff (that means that things are selling) - but another part of me just wants to have fun with Haley and not work so hard!

In other news, I was so excited that I sold an original watercolor painting on Etsy last week.  But, after I had spent the money that I made, I was notified by the buyer that she had decided not to buy it after all!  It was for a gift for someone who no longer wants it.  So, she wanted to know if she could just return it unopened.  Of course, I said yes -- what else could I do?  But, she'll have to pay shipping both ways, and I won't refund her money till it's back in my hands.

Unfortuantely, it's made me rethink having a shop on Etsy.  I know I'm overreacting, since all my other sales have gone smoothly and the feedback has been so positive.  But, I'm happy that  at Hart & Soul, once it sold, it's gone!

Finally ... New Art!

This is an 8" x 8" x 1.5" collage.  I can't seem to get out of the bird rut, so I guess I'll just embrace it!  I've been thinking of this piece for awhile.  You know how it starts out one way in your head, but when you try to put it on canvas, everything changes?  Well, this is it!  And, of course, at one point, I was ready to scrap it - but now that it's finished, I like it just fine!  The phrase is the title of music that I cut out and put in there somewhere -- I really wanted the music to show - darn!  Oh well, at least I did some art today!

Holy Cow!

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted.  I've been very busy, but not making art!

I"ve been knitting ruffled scarves to sell on Etsy -- I've been making more coasters and bowls to sell in Grumbles House, as well as Hart & Soul in Mt. Dora. I'm hoping to make some new art to take to Mt. Dora -- just can't seem to get it started.

Good news - I spoke to Brigett Hart today.  The shop in Mt. Dora has been opened for only 1 week now, and she told me that a lot of my things have sold!  Such great news - but, of course, that means that I have to get busy and make more stuff!  And, this is the SLOW SEASON!  When the snowbirds arrive in the fall, I just might go crazy!  But, that's why I do this - to make $$ and keep me off the couch!

I'm also trying to take some time to read.  It seems that when I find a good book, I can't read it in stages, I just have to read it straight through.  So, that takes some time out of my day.

And, just to keep things interesting, I purchased some new computer games last week.  Unfortunately, that keeps me glued to the computer (but out of the refrigerator!)

My granddaughter, Haley, will be coming to visit the 10th of July!  So, I'll have to make time for us to play!  I swear, I don't know how I ever had time to work!