Random Thoughts: March 1 to March 7 2015

March 1

Today was really sweet.  Went to the twice a month Mixed Media Class at the Crafting Place.  It is so nice to work with fellow artists.  We learned a technique coloring white muslin flowers with spray inks.  We also used gel medium to glue down book page circles, and used Gesso and stencils to add texture to page.

To page Layout with painted flower petals

March 2

Today I spent the morning working on Bible Study lesson for tonight.  We are still studying Isaiah 40 to 55.  Bob Blaskey did the wrap up and was excellent.  The message of this week's reading is the God can use anybody to accomplish His mission and we should not question what He can do.

March 3

Completed Lesson 9 of  LifeBook presented by Lynn Whipple.  We were to draw a My Favorite things jar and fill it with all of my favorite things.  After much thought I was able to fill it with things that I love like traveling, fried chicken, church, and many more,

My Favorites Jar

Small Church Community discussion was enlightening this evening.

March 4

Pretty quiet day.  Completed gift for my Mom's prayer partner and worked on Documented Life week 9 project.  Attended 2nd session of Catholics Returning Home.  Wanted to meet the group since I will be presenting on March 18th.  The team is much smaller this year, but we seem to have a really nice group of participants.

March 5

Decided to spend day at home.  It was nice to have the quiet.  Worked on week 10 of LifeBook, making gratitude hearts.  Today I cut out the hearts and began the coloring process with Dylusions Spray inks.  it is amazing how time can fly by so quickly when you are painting and creating.

Watched The Artistic Biker compete in a Wine and Palette painting competition.  He was in Oklahoma Cith and streamed the entire event.  This was a real hoot as a group of us chatted about the people who were standing in from of the camera and blocking our view.  It is amazing what you see when people do not know that they are being filmed.  We gave them names like "suit guy", "plaid guy", "tugging at your dress girl, who was pursing suit guy, and little baby.  Blade the artistic biker won his first section and lost in the finals.  A good time was had by all.

March 6:

Completed LifeBook Lesson 10 presented by Tam Laporte.  I loved this lesson it was very colorful and thought provoking.  We should all take to think about the many things for which we should be grateful.

Folder to house Hearts

Grateful for travel opportunities

Grateful for Family

Grateful for Music

display of all the Gratitude Hearts

March 7:

Today was an amazing day.  I finished my week 9 of DLP.  This was major because it is nothing like I envisioned when I started it.  I was trying to move away from my go to palette and it turned to mud.  Mud I tell you just plain mud.  So I gessoed over the mess, covered that with collage and more gesso.  then I went to my palette of turquoise, magenta, purple and pink it looked really loud so I put a light gesso wash over it to tone it down,  then I had the idea to cover this with turquoise, blue/green and aquamarine Neo color II's.  This worked really nice to even out the colors.  I covered this with clear gesso so I could draw on it with out distorting the blue.

Initially I wanted to use butterflies on the page and made cutouts but they were too big, so I decided to draw flowers and quirky houses.  The end result is below.  I learned a lot about not giving up, covering with gesso and starting again.

Week 9 DLP  5 x 5 layers (or more)

Went to see a performance of Aida at the Las Vegas Academy. Which is the High School of the Arts for Las Vegas.  Let me tell you that these students hare so talented.  I was completely blown away by their showmanship, talent and resilience,  I had such a great time.

This was a great week.  nothing more needs to be said.....

Until next week, pilgrim.
  

Random Thoughts: February 22 to February 28 What a busy week

Inside of My Duct-dori

Cover of Duct-dori

February 22:

The pictures above are of my Duct-dori.  This small book is a faux version of the Midori which is a travel journal of sorts that is available in two sizes one of which is the size of a passport.  The real cover is made of fine leather and the thing that makes the books so special is that the pages are easily removed.  Elastic bands hold in the signatures, so when they are full, you can remove there for storage and insert new ones.

I like to watch live chats on Ustream...it has quite an artistic culture.  Many of these artists have been together for years.  I am quite new to the crew having discovered this phenomena mid-2014.   Viewing is free and most of the streamers provide lessons on a wide variety of artistic techniques.

Scrappy Camper Sisters stream on Saturdays (usually once a month) and the last post I viewed was on making a faux midori using duct tape.  I had been thinking about this for a while and wanted to use my mother's passport for my faux dori.  Hey, since they have a passport size a passport should work, right?  Anyhoo, after watching the stream I decided to give it a go.

Using leopard (I think it is Leopard) print duct tape I covered the book.  I found some mini-composition books at Dollar Tree - perfect.  I did not have to measure anything - I hate measuring.  Next I cut my elastic to size and tied them to the book cover.  Left the original pages in the book, added the mini-comps and closed the book.  OOPS!!! the mini-comps are longer than the cover, does not look good and I do not want to cut all of these pages.  Hmm, solution please.....then I had a light bulb moment.  I made a page extension (cannot think of the cute name) taped it to the back page, covered with leopard duct tape and folded it round the book.  Eureka!!!! Book looks great.

I am going use it in the Stick It Down Challenge the Scrapper sisters are hosting.  Should be fun.  My duct-dori fits in my purse and I can carry my mom with me always.

February 23:

Completed week 7 of DLP.  I am toying with the idea of combining week 8 with week 7.  Week 7 prompt was cover up the good stuff and week 8 is Repeat.  Not sure what I will do.  Will let you know at the end of the week. 

Bible study last night was really good.  We are studying the second major portion of Isaiah, chapters 40 to 55 in which the Israelites are rescued from exile in Babylon and the Redemption promise is revealed.


February 24:

Well I decided to combine week 7 and week 8.  It was just so natural.  This is the first time that I have really used stencils in my design and I have to say that I like it.  I now have one more technique under my belt.  Next up.....gelli plate and printmaking.  Lookout world.

DLP Journal page layout

February 25:

More work on the duct-dori.  I decided to paint the covers of the mini-comps and I like the way they came out.  I can no longer look at bland covers, they must have color and pizzaz.  It took most of the day because of drying time, but I really was not in a hurry.  It is the process and the fun of creating that counts for me now.

Had two meetings MOMs and Pastoral Council both were good meetings, but I was tired when I got home.  I realized that I will not have day free of meetings other activities until next Thursday.  I think I am going to have to get some Geritol (do they still make it?)

February 26:

Meeting I was supposed to have was cancelled, so I did not have to leave the house today.  This was a welcomed surprise.  I spent the day working on art projects and just relaxing.What a treat.

February 27:

Today was a great day.  I went down to the Tropicana Hotel to attend the vendors portion of Creative Painting Convention held in Las Vegas every year.  I had not heard of this convention before; however, Tracy Weinzapfel Stratton mentioned she was going to be there demoing products for DecoArts.  How do I know Tracy?  I watch her live stream on ustream.tv on Monday evenings.  I watch quite a few streams on this channel and some of the streamers recommended Tracy's show Mixed Media Mondays. She demo's DecoArt fluid acrylics and usually completes a painting within an hour.  There is great conversation and her tutorials are the best.

When Tracy mentioned she was going to be in Las Vegas at the convention, I thought it would be perfect to go down and meet her in person.  So, I hopped on the bus and away I went.  When I arrived at the Tropicana, I followed some ladies that had on badges figuring they were going to the convention.  I was right.  In order to get in the Vendor's exhibition hall, it was $10.00, armed wallet in hand, I asked the guard at the door where I could go to pay my fee, since it was the last day, she let me in free of charge---be still my heart.  Next, find booth 810 - DecoArts. As I walked down the opening aisle at the very end I found booth 810 and Tracy.  It was like greeting an old friend.  She knew on sight and greeted me with a big hug (We are Detroit girls).  It was such a great honor to meet her and chat.  Another Mixed Media Monday  fan travelled from Boston.  We took a picture together.

After saying good by to Tracy I wandered through the aisles looking at some great products, out of the corner of my eye I spotted Stampendous products.  Whoo boy, I had to stop.  Bought some wonderful stamps and when I was paying (it was getting to be the close of the show) the sales person said if you buy a couple more stamps you can get one free.  Well I was on a budget and could not buy anything else at that booth.  She looked at me, I looked at her and she said "it is the end of the day, here is a free stamp anyway."  How nice was that????

Ok, I had about $20 left to spend and I circled the floor a couple of times and saw the Brush Guys. Desert Art Supplies had recommended this booth because of their $1.00 and $2.00 paint brushes.  I got so excited to see brand name brushes - Simply Simmons, etc. for that price that I could hardly breathe.  In Fact I had to stop and calm down.  So I ended spending $24 (tax included) and got some excellent brushes.

Purchases in hand it was time to go home.  I was a happy, happy camper at the end of the day.

It was great to meet you Tracy.

February 28:

Last day of February.  Today was the retreat for children making their First Communion.  Spent the morning helping them paint chalices that will be glazed and fired and then practicing receiving Communion.  This was their first taste of the wine and some of them were hilarious.  It is so rewarding working with these young children, helping them grow in their faith.

I spent the rest of the day working on lifebook week 8 project, Treasure Seeking,  presented by Mati Rose McDonough

Painting on 9x12 Canvas

I really understand now that I am a folk artist, self taught and basically simple in scope.  I love it, because it really displays who I am.  Folk art speaks to me and my spirit.  I find that I am growing and thinking more.  I am trying things and feeling pure joy.  No more comparing, just doing.

See you next week,  thanks for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave a comment.  They make me happy.

Random Thoughts: Feb. 15 to Feb. 21: Currently On Parole

Feb. 15:

Last Night I was accused of Murder.  Yep I was handcuffed and taken away.  Freed a few minutes later because I had get home and get ready for church.

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity of participating in a Murder Mystery Dinner, Who Killed Tom Dooley.  Set in 1959, I played the role of beauty Queen Tiara Diamond and her twin sister Hope.  Tom Dooley was my fiancé (I dumped Chubby Cheese for him).  Tom had developed a roving eye of late and Tiara was devastated. I suffered a nervous breakdown from the stress and my twin Hope in a moment of rage killed Tom as he was cooking chicken on the grill.

I have to tell you dear readers, I had so much fun.  I had never been to an event like this before and really did not know what to expect, but it was something everyone should try at least once if they have the opportunity.  You will have a great time, trust me on that.

Then as if things could not get better, I went to Mixed Media 2.0 class today.  It was a great class. Each month we learn a new technique.  Today it was making mold and using resin to make ephemera to put on an art journal page.  The mold product we used was a 2 parter that when mixed together and roles into a ball became a source for making images with a variety of media.  We used children's wooden blocks and low odor resin to complete the process.  The mold mixture was placed over the child's block with initials in order to have a mold I could use for making the ephemera with my initial.  The resin is also a two part process and you have to measure equal amounts.  This proved be a challenge so something that should have taken 5 to 10 minutes to cure is still curing.  I am going to let it set overnight to see how hard it will get.

We painted a page that will receive the initial square once it is cured and painted.

WIP art journal page

my mold....isn't it cute

February 16:

Completed 2 page spread from class

Worked on my pages today.  Painted my tile, added some stabilo black around the words and the white tag and activated with water.  The "smudge" really adds depth and texture.  I like the outcome of this page.  I cannot wait until the next Mixed Media 2.0 class.

Today was a pretty quiet day and I am really starting to like these days.

February 17:

Watched the videos for Lifebook.  I am trying to watch them through before I decide if it is a project that calls to me.  I really like the one for this week.  The teacher used a canvas instead of paper and I think that I am going to use a canvas also.  I may try to use more canvases just for a change of pace.

Small Church Community tonight, conversation was exceptional.

February 18:

Today is the first day of Lent.  This is a time in the church calendar that I love.  It is a time of reflection and renewal.  I am trying to understand where the Holy Spirit is leading me as I journey through the next 47 days,

I was lector at the 12;15 pm Liturgy of the Word service.  I love being a lector and proclaiming the word to the congregation.  It is truly an honor to read the words and hope that somehow they will touch their spirit as the Lord intends.

February 19:


Today was a really cool day.  I visited a friend that is in Las Vegas on vacation.  I have not seen her in over 14 years.  We worked together at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for many years.  She retired in 2000 and I retired in 2003.  We reconnected on Facebook and the opportunity to just sit and reminisce for a while was a sheer delight.

The Midori travel notebook is all the rage now.  I have been watching videos on making a fauxdori and wanted to use my old Passport cover for the base of my faux passport size travel book.  I am going to spend a couple of weeks working on my concept.  Here's hoping it all works out.

One last thing for today. It is Chinese New year and I was able to go over to the Bellagio and see the Chinese New Year exhibit in the Conservatory area.  The exhibit has been on display since December and truthfully I had forgotten about it.  I do not go down to the Strip often, but I have decided that I need to do it more often, there is so much to see. It is like sensory overload.  But when you live 15 minutes by car or about an hour by bus (my mode of transport) away, you have to take advantage of it (did you hear that Glenda?)

Below are photos taken at the Bellagio Conservatory commemorating Chinese New Year.  I love these displays.

February 20:

Another socially active day.  BFF Velcia came to visit.  We live about 15 minutes from each other and have not seen each other since November.  I have been that busy.  Whew, I really need to slow down. So this weekend is a stay at home weekend.  I am going to try and have at least one weekend each month where I stay home and chill.  Let's see if it really happens.

February 21:

Jammy day!!!!!  Have some projects to work on today and it is perfect day to get them done. I am feeling relaxed this morning.

Had to write this thought while I was thinking about it.  I love watching PBS and here in Henderson/Las Vegas we have sub channels such as Create TV.  Today is a celebration of Chinese New Year and it is amazing to see places that I visited in 2013. It still blows my mind that I have been blessed to travel so many places in my life.

Spending the evening working on my document life week 7 and thinking about what I want to do for week 8.

This was a very busy week, whew.  However, it was really enjoyable.  Visiting with friends, working on art projects, spending time in reflection for Lent, and I am still on parole.

Until next week....pilgrim

Random Thoughts: Feb. 8 to Feb 14--Poetry and Murder Mysteries

February 8:

Life's Highway

Life's highway is tricky, full of potholes and curves
I trudge along dodging deadens and detours.
As I make the journey I look over my shoulder,
just a quick glance
to make sure you are still there.
Because as I travel this long, long road
I often think how lonely the trip would be
without you.

For many years (from the age of 15 actually) I wrote poetry.  Some were just my thoughts and feelings and others were commissions from family and friends.  Life's Highway was written around 1990 and I have always loved it because it can relate to anyone from God to your best friend, to your spouse.

February 9:

Still working on my under papers painting.  There has been a significant amount of drying time.  This really teaches patience,  Today I added lines using Pebeo cane liner and then filled in the spaces with Liquitex Pouring Liquid.  I had never used this medium before and I was nervous, but I love the results.  You will see what I mean when I post the picture.  Really looks like glass.

This is a busy week starting with Bible study tonight.  Group shared great conversation.

February 10:

I am going to take a few minutes to vent.  I cannot understand why some drivers have so little regard for pedestrians.  By my own choice I do not drive, as a result I do a lot of walking.  This morning I walked to UPS  Store to mail a letter and then to Smith's to pick up cupcakes for tonight's Small Church Community meeting.  There is a corner, Corporate Circle and Green Valley Parkway, that I just hate.  People block cross walks, turn before you can clear the crosswalk, just so many instances of poor driving.

This morning, on my return home, a big truck blocked the crosswalk so  decided to just miss the light and wait.  Now I had the right of way, but you can meet your maker, insisting you have the right of way,  Anyway, there was a young lady crossing from the other side, she was on her phone, clearly had the right of way was walked behind the big truck.  Another truck approached the intersection and proceeded to make a left turn.  The driver could not see the lady but I did and shouted for her to stop. It took about three shouts before I could get her attention, well she stopped just as the other truck was completing his left turn.  He then saw her and slammed on the breaks, if she had not stopped and jumped back she would have been hit. She thanked me for shouting to her and getting her to stop.  Scared me and I just shook my head.  Drivers, pedestrians are people too and when we are in the crosswalk, please pay attention.  Ok, vent over...

Busy day, pouring liquid is completely dry, not much arting today.

Under Papers in Faux Stained Glass

February 11:

Spent the morning preparing lesson for MOMS meeting tonight.  Next couple of hours worked on Week 6 DLP prompt, Layers....Used Kaila Givehand's deck of mixed media prompts to develop my layers.  I have had the cards for over a year and this is the first I have used them.  They are wonderful.  I pulled out 15 cards and have used 12 of them so far so that means I have 12 layers on my page.  Never worked with this much layering and it is interesting.

February 12:

Completed Week 6 of DLP - Layering, don't stop till you get enough.  Truth, started not to do this one
because I always feel I am not good at layering.  But....since this year is the year of using what I have and getting use out of all of the tools I have purchased over the years, I thought about the Mixed Media Cards I purchased from Kiala Givehand.  They look like a deck of cards and you shuffle them and pick randomly.  I picked 15 cards and used all of them to form various layers.  The page started out with layer of gesso and layer of collage papers.  Then I used the mixed media cards.  The last 5 layers include a Patti Tolley Parrish stencil, drips from a tooth brush, and brass ephemera.  Still feel a little stiff, need to learn to loosen up more.

Layer upon Layer

February 13:

Friday the 13th one of my favorite days of the year.  I spent today relaxing and cleaning.  The temperature is in the high 70's.  I watched Tam's videos for making the Seeds of Love Painting.  Think I will work on it soon, just not today.

Decided to go to the Mixed Media 2.0 class on Sunday, since I do not have any meetings at church.  I really like these classes.  Great price and learn some great techniques.

February 14:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

BE KIND TO......

City of Love

The card front is a rubber stamp image of an apple, painted with water colors and the photo is of the Arche De Triumphe in Paris.  Hope both of these pictures remind you to be kind and love all you meet.

Hope you had a wonderful day.  Me?  I am going to a barbecue murder mystery party, should be fun.

until next week.....pilgrim

Random thoughts: February 1 to February 7, 2015

Learning to be Free

February 1:

I think this week is going to be about learning and growing.  Sometimes it is not easy and sometimes you have to peel back many layers to get to a place where the lessons become clear.  Today I worked hard at church getting signups for Small Church Community.  Over the course of 5 Masses we got 9 sign ups.  Not a lot, but at least it was something and for that I am grateful.

I serve on the Core Team for Small Church and I have this nagging feeling that after 5 years it is time to step down.  I realized that what is needed is fresh blood on the team.  Getting ego out of the way, it is really time to step down and do other things.  I feel more drawn in a different direction.

Watched snippets of the Super Bowl, at my chili and wanted to walk through the TV at the last play.


February 2:

Bible Study this evening.  The discussion was fantastic.  I feel that when we discuss scripture it is important to look at it from the standpoint of how the words can relate to our lives today.  There is a message that will help with the ups and downs of today's life.  The Bible is timeless and the message personal.

The Grand Canal in Venice

February 3:

I did it, I put together my Lifebook Book of Paintings.  It was really emotional to see the first painting and how I progressed over time.  It took me 2 1/2 years to make this book.  What should I do?  I did not want to bind it, so I found a sketchbook large enough to hold 9x12 pages and glued them in.  I left  blank pages to write notes and feelings and I now have to decorate the pates (minimally so as not to take a way from the painting).  It is truly amazing when you realize that you have a body of work.

Time to work on DLP week 5.  It will be interesting to see what I do.

Feb. 4:

Today is the birthday of two very special men in my life.  My grandfather John Eddie Young (Daddy John).  My grandfather was a great man.  He was humble, hardworking, loving and funny.  He and my grandmother Zelma Lee Young were married 57 years and he was devoted to you everyday of those 57 years.  They were very young then they married Dec. 17, 1929.  He was 18 and she was 15.  my mother was their first born and I was the first born grandchild.  I so loved to be with them.  They were down to earth everyday people with a great love for the Lord.

The second very special man is William Allen King.  He taught me so much about life, raising children and taking care of myself(that lesson I am still learning).  I had known Mr. King since I was 6 years old.  He was the neighborhood champion and civic leader.  He and my mother helped to work with politicians in the area of Southwest Detroit.  Mr. King will always have a special place in my heart.

Memories made this day very special

Feb. 5:

Today has been a pretty quiet day.  Mailed cards and ATC's that I made, studied Confirmation lesson and relaxed.  Had a meeting at church and the bus fare box ate up my brand new 30 day bus pass.  Had to buy another while I want for a replacement.

Feb. 6:

Another quiet day, did not do a lot of art today, just was not in the mood.  There are times when I have to really think about how I want to work with a prompt and this week was such a time.  I finally decided my plan of action for using under papers in my art.  Since most of my under papers are deli papers, I decided to make a faux stained glass collage.  I am loving it.

Feb. 7:

Helped at church this morning and then to the art supply store to get some Pebeo paints.  I have an idea for enhancing my stained glass collage with these paints.  The project is a work in progress, cannot wait to see the finished product.

This was a good week filled with happy memories, good thoughts and an art project I am really excited about.

Looking forward to next week......until then,  pilgrim.

Random thought about my week Jan 25 to Jan 31, 2015

Artful Wordsmith Lesson

Jan. 25:

I am going to be posting art work done during the week.  This one was actually completed on Friday of last week, but I wanted to post it today for a reason.  This is part of Lifebook 2015 and I really enjoy the lessons.  Actually I started not to participate this year because I had become severely discouraged by posting work and not getting comments.  I know, I know that is not the reason to do art, but I felt very vulnerable posting my work and to not get many comments just messed with my head.

What changed?  Well some of my art friends are teaching this year so I just had to support them.  In the process of supporting others, I decided that I could adopt the following attitude.  Comments should not be the expected outcome of my art journey.  I had to really examine my intent, it is to be popular or is it to have fun.  I am 65 years old, I will probably not make money from these efforts, but I can just create for the sheer fun of it.  Also, I can release fears and frustrations by putting my heart on the canvas.

I am still somewhat tentative as I create and my goal this year is two fold, believe in myself and go for the gusto.  So today was a day of deep thought as I checked in to make sure I am still on track with my goals.  So far so good.

Jan. 26:

Completed the Ballerina lesson by Patti Ballard.  I did not watch the video over and over, I printed out the picture and used it as a guide.  It was really easy, although I need to get better with the jaw shape.  I have been hesitant to try using photo's as a guide for drawing and painting, but I think I am really going to give it a try.

Tonight Bible study begins, will be studying the second phase of Isaiah from chapters 40 to 55. Should be really good.

Jan. 27

I have spent years pushing myself, operating on 3 and 4 hours sleep a night, thinking that was all that I needed.  It wasn't.  Lately my body has been telling me it needs more rest, it needs more attention
and I am starting to listen.  Another thing is I dream in technicolor with sound.  I used to think it was crazy, but it isn't it is just me.  Some of those dreams are messages, messages that I need to listen to and explore.

Taught Religious Ed today.  We are starting the study of the Mass.  How can we make the Mass come alive for 7 year olds.  It has to be more than a thing we do,  means to an end.  The Mass and the act of going and participating has to become a way of life, a part of their core being so that when the time comes when they walk away (and for most it will), there will be a yearning in their spirit that will call them back and they will answer so they can be fed.

I put a base coat on the cover of a book I am using for Mixed Media 201 class.  I love the base and how the colors mixed together.  But the real deal is that I just could not leave it blank and lifeless, the colors bring it to life, give it depth and make it personal.

Jan. 28:

5 am.  A dream woke me up this morning.  Not a bad dream, not a nightmare; it was a call, a call to get busy and do what I am supposed to be doing.

My husband Donald was in the dream doing what he has always done...."My wife can help you....." in the dream was a lady who wanted to write songs. Donald felt I could help her write her songs.  She was sitting with her book with nothing on the page but desire.  She told me that she felt called to write, the words were welling up inside of her begging for release.  Her husband picked up his guitar and strummed a few cords, but she could not voice the words.

"I took a walk today, looking for something to feed my soul,  yes, I took a walk today looking for something to feed my soul, there were no answers, only and empty goals."  In the dream I sang these words and everyone stopped and looked at me.  Immediately Donald said you can write her songs and I said no.  She had to do it for herself.  If the words are welling up inside of her, only she can let them out one word at a time.

When I woke up I realized that the dream and message was for me.  It is time to follow my path, do my art, write my words, take my walk and find what will really feed my soul.

Today was a busy day.  I was lector at Mass this morning, then grocery shopping.  Home to do chores and get ready for meeting at church.  Fell asleep early, a sister was tired.

Jan. 29:

14 years ago I said my final goodbyes to Donald Hoagland.  Where has the time gone?  I often think about that day because it reminds me of how important it is to really get to know someone.  Donald was an interesting and complex man.  He could be funny and exasperating at the same time.  He put the Cheap in cheap and yet he could be very generous with his time.  He fancied himself a ladies man, yet he needed the stability of having someone he could count on.  He wanted to live forever and died relatively young.  Miss you everyday Donald.

Since I went to sleep relatively early, I woke up early.  No dreams last night.  I woke up to Rick Steves touring the Amalfi coast.  It piqued my interest since I was there in 2007.  I was reminded of how wonderful my life has been and all of the experiences I have had.  I was also reminded that I have so many pictures that I can sketch in my journals....I have built in prompts......

Today I am going to Aaron Brothers to take advantage of the closing of our local store, what sales will I find?  I found black gesso for $5.00, a Sillman and Birn journal for $8.00, string gel for $5.00 and other great deals.  I am a happy camper.

While waiting on the bus I was thinking about the Art Chain challenge in which I am participating, and the type of art I do.  I realized that I am truly  mixed media artist.  By that I mean, doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  Not so much drawing and painting but photography, needle arts, jewelry making; just enjoying the process.

In the Shadows of Zion Utah

This photo was taken in November on a driving tour of Zion National Park in Utah.  I love taking photo's with shadows.

Jan. 30

Rainy day in Henderson.  It rained all day and I stayed home. Worked on art, relaxed, enjoyed chocolate milk, took a long nap and then watched Serena Williams win the Australian Open at 3 am.  What a day.  I am finding that I like staying home creating and I need to get on track with my scarf of the month project.

This was a nice week.  Until next week, take care......pilgrim

Random Thoughts and Arty things....January 18 to January 24, 2015

New Week, new opportunities:

January 18:

Got a really groovy idea for week 3 of DLP 2015.  It is a slow process because of 24 hour drying time between steps, but it should work out.  My mind is still churning.  We are using the Dylusions journal for our projects and I have been doing double page spreads.  I think I am going to make some single page spreads.

Also it is time to start my 100 faces in 365 days project.  Have not done a lot of faces in a while, this should be interesting.

January 19:

Began working on first painting for You and Me with Wyanne.  I did not have a12x12 canvas, but I do have 12x12 wooden substrates so that is what I am going to use.  Gesso applied today and the first layer of paint.

Worked on Artist Trading Cards I was swapping with two art friends

January 20:

Mailed the ATC's and visited Desert Art Supplies.  I needed to find a few neo II crayons, Liquitex Liquid and golden high flow paints.  Very productive visit.

Taught Religious ed this afternoon and then came home to relax.  No Art tonight.

January 21:

I was lector at Mass this morning and then went shopping at Dollar Tree.  This one was much larger than the one close to my home.  It was dollar store shopping nirvana.

Continued to work on DLP week 3.  I painted the silk flowers that I glued to watercolor paper with gesso, then it was over to the drying rack to dry.  I have a box that I use to place things I need to dry so that I don't put my fingers in the paint, drop it or otherwise mess it up.  How do I know this can happen?  From many oops.  I am glad that I am not an artist that has to move quickly because this project required a lot of patience.

January 22:

Today was a great day.  I decided to just spend the day working on art and stay home.  I finished the DLP project which included a major oops or as Carolyn Dube would say and Outstanding Opportunity Presenting Self".  I was following a process I learned from Donna Downey and once the painted flowers have dried, you cover them with embossing ink and then cover with CLEAR embossing powder.  Using a heat tool  you melt the embossing powder. WELL!!!! I grabbed a bottle of ultra thick Utee and poured it on the flowers, grabbed my heat gun and realized my flowers were turning white.  Uh Oh, time to look at the label ---white----. So much for assuming I had the right stuff.  What was I going to do?????  I made a wash of acrylic paint, painted it over the white utee and used the heat gun to melt the paint in the the embossing powder.  It worked.  So now I am not mimicking anyone---I have my on take on the process.

DLP 2015 Week 3 - Colors of the color wheel

January 23:

Completed Joanne Sharpe's Lesson from Lifebook-Artful lettering.  I almost talked myself out of doing this project, but I am glad that I did it.  My goal for this year is to try each lesson regardless of my level of success.  Also, not to put so much care into if I get comments or not when I post, just enjoy the process.

January 24:

It is a beautiful Saturday here in the Vegas Valley.  Had a meeting at church, stopped by Von's to get a few items and then home.  Painted 3 postcards that I am going to mail on Monday as a delayed of Love Notes project.  3 or 4 times a year I participate in a program where  a partner/penpal is assigned and for 3 weeks we send a post card or note based on a prompt.  The idea is to stay in the habit of corresponding via mail.  There are times when a partner does not follow through.  I volunteered to send postcard to a few that did not receive a note.  It was so fun to do.

Well another week has come to a close.  Where does the time go?

until next week.........pilgrim

Painting Composition Book covers Effy Wild Style

Plain Composition Book

Dear Reader, this is my first attempt at providing instructions on an art project I have been working on.  Since the beginning of the year this is the 3rd Composition book cover that I have painted.  I learned the process from Effy Wild who is an amazing mixed media artist.  The first book is being used as a journal for LifeBook 2015 and is part of a group sponsored by Effy.  The second book/journal is for a wonderful 8 week online program "Becoming" sponsored by Jeanne Oliver.  Below is the painted cover for that journal.

Painted cover for my On Becoming Journal

Two of my friends, Michele and Monica, wanted to know the steps I followed, hence my instructions.

I have fallen in love with this process and the Composition books are very inexpensive.  The book I am currently painting is my Letter Love Journal based on a lesson by Joanne Sharpe.  The journal can be used for practicing the art of lettering.  I have glued my pages together and added wash tape to the edges of pages.  The last step was to paint the cover.

Supplies used:

• Gesso
• Montana acrylic markers, pink, blue, green and orange
• Tim Holtz distress paints blue, pink
• Cream coat acrylic paint white and yellow
• Pitt big brush pen black
• round punchinella (sequin waste)
• washi tape
• Golden soft gel (glossy)

Plain Composition Book covered with Gesso

Paint applied to book in random pattern

White gesso used to mute the colors

Finished cover for the Letter Love Art Journal

This is the end of my tutorial.  Hope you learned something and will try to enhance a really inexpensive journal.  Thanks to Effy Wild for helping me to learn this wonderful process.  I have now completed 3 journals and need to make one more for my Painting play with Wyanne Thompson.

Random Thoughts - January 11 to January 17 2015

January 11:

It is a rainy Sunday in Henderson, NV a few miles southeast of Las Vegas.  The perfect Jammy day.  After church I came home, put on my jammies,  had my once a week treat of fried chicken.  I worked on art and it was good.   I am participating in a series of online classes and I am noticing that something interesting.  While I love Lifebook and the techniques I learn,  I am finding a sincere fondness for classes like Document Life and Journal 52 which give you prompt and then you create from your own voice.  It is scary at first, but once you let your mind go, the possibilities are endless.

I have a lot of meetings this week at church so it will be interesting to see how much I will be able to create...here's hoping for a lot.

January 12:

Worked on my Document Life Project and painted a book cover for online Bible Study class on becoming.  Below is a picture of the cover.

January 13:

Taught Religious Education Class.  Played catch up watching the videos for Creative Jump Start.  It is a yearly program held on January designed to help get the creative juices flowing.

I have been thinking a lot about my life.  65 years have come and gone and now it is time to really consider how I want to make the most of the years I have left.  I have no idea how many years that is, but I dod not want to waste a minute of it.  Yet I am perplexed.  I know I will figure it out, i just have to be patient.

January 14:

MOMs Meeting tonight, it was a really good meeting with great discussion about saying "Yes" and making choices.  We are studying "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joann Weaver.  Sometimes the book is a challenge and I do not agree with what she rights, but that is a choice.  You do not have to agree with everything in order to learn something.  It is about the little "Yesses" that get us through the day, month and year.

January 15:

No meetings today.  Hair cut and relaxation today.  Nice day.

January 16:

Shopping day.  Nothing extravagant.  But, drum roll please, I used up all of my Golden soft gel (gloss) and needed to get more.  Went to Aaron Brothers and bought a few things I needed.  Found out that the store is closing which is really sad.  There are two stores remaining open in other parts of the valley, but it always sad to see a business close.  I always worry about the employees.  Just one more reason why I am so happy I am retired.

January 17:

Very busy day.  Three Meetings and now I am planning how I am going to do my week 3 of Document Life.  But first I need to make a couple of ATC's, do week 3 of Life book  and a couple of other projects.  Truthfully, I have been putting off doing the life book project, but this is one of my little "yesses".  Bite the bullet and get busy.



What a week, I learned a lot, thought a lot and laughed a lot.  until next week....pilgrim

January 4 to 10th

Beacon of Light Painting

January 4th:

Today was a lot of fun.  Went to the Crafting Place for the Mixed Media 201 Class.  Dee Dee Catron leads these classes and I will be attending when I can.  Today we learned about Tip-ins.  Tip-ins are pages added to and existing page in a journal to extend the area for drawing and journaling.  What makes this class so different?  The items used to bind the pages together.  We used antique lace ( I love this process - picture will be included) Paper doily, envelopes, tape.  When I got home I used a swatch of fabric as a binder and it was cool.

I am really thinking about how I want to spend my year arting.  I have some classes that I will work through and some that I probably will review but not do much art in because they just are not singing to me at the moment.  Who knows what I will feel like in March?  I will download the videos so I can  make my final decisions as I move through the year.

All of my favorite Christmas movies are gone for the year.  It is strange getting back to regular programming.

January 5th:

Was lector at morning Mass.  It always feels good to lector.  Pot of Chicken noodle soup on the stove and Christmas trees are coming down.  Back to "regular programming" in the house.  I will miss the lights.  Sitting in the dark house with the lights twinning brings me joy.  Oh well, time to move on.  Boy that soup really smells good.

January 6th:

After a great deal of internal conversation, began work on the Beacon of Light portion of the Lifebook 2015 project.  It is much easier said than done having the courage to paint and then share it. But start I did and boy did it feel good.

Religious Ed classes resumed today.  We will now be teaching the children about Holy Communion since they will be celebrating this wonderful experience later in the year.  12 young minds, 12 eager learners, such an exciting time.

January 7:

Finished Beacons of Light painting.  My 2nd painting of the year and first portrait.
It was really great to work on this project and see the finished result.

January 8:

Spent the day working on various art projects.  Start working on my Awesome Day Jar putting the first layer of collage on the jar and it looks good.  Was going to by a jar and then I found one at home that I could use. Falling into my use what you have theme for the year.

Met an arty friend and gave her some of my extra art supplies.  There is nothing like sharing.

January 9:

Started working on Document Life week 1 painting.  I have put this off, not thinking that I could do it, but I was wrong.  Today I collaged book pages on to the pages in my delusions journal.  the pages buckled and I was so disappointed.  I decided to let it dry overnight and put some binder clips on the edges to hold the pages straight.  I also made a journal for my Becoming you online class, it turned out really nice.  The entire day was spent creating.  I ended the day watching videos by Wyanne Thompson for a class I am taking with her "You and Me"  painting together.  By Sunday, I will be able to begin painting the first project.

January 10:

This morning I looked at the pages I collaged yesterday for DLP, wow drying overnight really made the difference.  The pages looked great.  Next step, used Golden liquid acrylic paint to put a wash over the page.  The color palette I chose was turquoise, magenta, yellow and light green.  White was used to tone down some of the colors.  It is looking good.  Next step will be embellishments and then put my intentions for 2015 in the pages.  Hope I can finish today, but it will probably be more like tomorrow.  We shall see.

Thoughts about the week:

It has been a good week.  Still learning to take it one day at a time.  I learned something really wise from Wyanne.   "There is always someone somewhere that will love what you create.  You may not love it, but someone will."  I needed that and it made me smile.  

Instead of being eager to start the new week, I am going to enjoy the rest of today, savor each moment.

Until later......pilgrim

Welcome to the new Year

Pebeo and Resin Painting

Happy New Year

January 1, 2015

A new year is here once again.  The first day of 2015 is filled with anticipation and wonder about what the year will bring.  This year I am going to have a different approach.  I am not going to wonder about what this year will bring.  Instead I am going to try to enjoy one day at a time.  Really pay attention to the day at hand.  So what happened on the first day?  I went to Mass and learned that January 1st is Pray for World Peace day.  This day was instituted 48 years ago by Pope Paul IV.  I never knew this before today.  As a result my thought and prayer for the day was "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."  This lyric from a song we sing in church and I have always liked it.

Also worked on the cover for my Document Life Journal.  It is still in progress.  So fun.

January 2nd

So far I have won the internal conversation of spending when I do not need to.  Oh I had great plans of going to Michael's and Joann's and buying art supplies.  When all of a sudden something inside me said "hold on buck-a-too, why would you go and buy one more thing?  You have all you need." So the battle began.  But they may have something really cool on sale versus you do not need anything.  Today, you do not need anything won.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring.  Remember I am taking it one day at a time.

One more thing for today.....this year I will not anguish over posting my art and getting comments.  This year, my art is for me and it will be fun.  I have a lot to learn and each day WILL be a new lesson.  If I find myself falling in to the trap of need for approval, I will stop posting - did you hear that Glenda?  Chill.

January 3rd

Working on 1st week of Lifebook, doing the warm-up page.  I am not a fast artist.  I like to let things dry and then look to see where I want to go next.  I am using a combination of follow and risk it.  These terms were introduced to me by Effy Wild.  Follow is following along with the teacher trying to cover all of the details.  Risk it is turning off the video and working on your own.  I have my basics done and now I will work on my own and see where it takes me.

I have a lot of projects lined up for January.  It is my purge and clean month.  I have more than enough room in my condo, I just need to get rid of some things.  But instead of thinking about all that I have to do, I am just going to try and do at least one thing everyday.  Manageable bites, if it takes until the end of February, who cares....I love alone so there is no one to please but me.

I also need to start knitting more, love making scarves and I have finally given most of them away so I need a new supply.  Night time watching project.

This has been a great week.  Tomorrow is Epiphany and the end of the 12 days of Christmas, so down  comes the Christmas tree - boo hoo.

As The Year Comes to a Close.......

As 2014 comes to a close I was thinking of what I would write in the final blog post of the year.  At first I thought I would  post one picture which represented my favorite of the year and then wax philosophical about my hopes and dreams.  While looking for the perfect, one of a kind photo, to represent 2014 I realized that there were many that I loved and that they could tell the story much better than I could.  Below are my favorite photo's of the year.

Favorite Photo's - 2014

Fruit at the Farmer's Market in Venice

Boats on the Canal in Burano, Italy

Painting from Class with Judy Wise

Man copied using the upside down process

First ever painting on a large Canvas with Katy Kendrick

Another painting from Judy Wise Class - love her expression

Original Painting done for an Auction

Duschetes River in Bend, Oregon

Sitting with David in Florence, Italy

I can never get enough of the Eiffel Tower

The Mountains in Zion, Utah

Drive through the marvels of Zion National Park

I had a wonderful year.  Starting with An Artful Journey at the end of February and ending with a Women's Retreat in the Zion National Park area in Utah in November.  I had the pleasure of spending my 65th birthday with 66 other women discussing the joys of Advent.  In between I spent 11 days with my Art retreat and travel friends winding our way through Florence, Venice and Paris.  I also went on a retreat in Three Rivers, CA discussing the comparison between St. Francis Assisi and Pope Francis.

I am most thankful for all that I experienced and accomplished....there is still more to do, but today - December 31, 2014- I am just going to relish these beautiful pictures as they remind me of a year well lived.

Until next year........Happy New Year my friends, pilgrim.