giddy up let's ride

Flygirls ATC's for February....

2012-02-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

I finished my February ATC's for my Flygirls ATC trade...

Here is a new book that I got that I am very excited about....

I cannot wait to see what I get in the mail... I really like how they turned out. I am very excited about this book I purchased. I have always wanted to design fabric and now with sites like Spoonflower I think that I am going to develop some of my designs at have them printed up. I have so many ideas.... I wish I had the energy to stay up late every night to work on my ideas.

Well time to call it a night, thanks for stopping by!

Flygirls ATC's one's received and one's to send

2012-01-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

I received my wonder ATC's from my Flygirls... Our theme for January was Dream...

This wonderful card is by Helen Naylor

This wonderful card is by Melissa Combs

This wonderful card is by Deborah Eaton

I am working on my February ones... the theme is Love...

And a couple of photos....

For my February ATC's I am painting on cotton fabric. The first one I finished I did some embroidery work on it. I used my watercolor crayons to paint the background. On the finished on I have also used my Inktense pencils... more to come on the ATC's. Everyday I drive by this tree at the top of my road and finally I stopped and took a picture.... it looks like a heart to me. I also then have to mess around with it with an adjustment layer playing with the "curves". I like how it turned out.

More updates to come later this week. Thanks for stopping by!

here is another project....

2012-01-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, you can never have one project at a time and here is another one I have going...

What is this you ask... well this is going to turn into a screen to block the entrance to my downstairs. I have a dog name Emmett who sometimes has '"accidents" downstairs and I don't want him to go down there anymore without me. I have this ugly old gate thing across there now and he is petrified of it because it has fallen down. I don't what a child's gate so, I decided I am going to make a screen, paint it with artwork (maybe a zentangle or paisley or two or both haven't decided). Now I like to use power tools so I got out the skill saw, measured and cut on the back of my truck. Now the next steps are to gesso the boards. More to come on this project.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting!

new project (along with unfinished ones)

2012-01-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have started a couple of new projects and this is one of them...

I know it doesn't look like much right now but what it is... is my favorite shirt and I have taken it apart to make a pattern. I love this shirt in fact I need to get busy on creating a new one. Now this is just one way to make a pattern out of a garment that you seriously love... there are other methods and maybe I will do a series on that method too but, for this one you actually take apart the garment. Of course this being a shirt I only need one front and the back I cut in half because I will place it on the fold. My next steps are to transfer this shirt on to pattern paper or the pattern "interfacing" I will call it that you can get at the fabric store. I went to fashion design school many many years ago and they had the pattern paper which I cannot find anywhere... it is great stuff. So this week end I am going to start turning this into a pattern so I will take more photos on the process so you can see.

Well thanks for stopping by, off to work I go now. Have a great day!

Flygirls ATC's and snow....

2012-01-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

I got my ATC done for a January trade a bit late.... here they are:

and then there was snow...

The theme for our group this month was Dream... Doing ATC's are new for me, I love the challenge it makes you stretch. This next month is Love and I need to get busy on them because they are due here in a few weeks, can you believe in a few weeks it is going to be February.

We finally got our first snow fall. Typically it doesn't snow down here in the valley but in the mountains close buy it does but even the mountains have not had any snow. The ski resort might get to open in a few days now.... I know it wasn't a lot of snow to move but, to have my driveway cleared off is nice. This is the first year we have had a tractor and for 19 years we have shoveled this driveway by hand, I am now doing the happy dance because I didn't have to do that! Yippy!

In a few days I am hoping to post about a couple new projects I am starting... one is making a screen (sort of speak) to block the downstairs entrance from the dogs and I am making a pattern out of an old button down shirt I love and hope to show you how you can take a garment you love and make a pattern out of it.

For now, it's time to close and go to bed... thanks for stopping by and looking...

my word for 2012.... Embrace

2012-01-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

My word for 2012 is Embrace

My Flytribe from by Kelly Rae Roberts course this past summer is having a Word Hop. We have each chosen a word for the year 2012 and mine is EMBRACE. I chose this word for many reasons... I was getting ready for work one morning thinking about the word I wanted to choose, I was listening to Pandora. The song The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel came on (live version) and when I heard this verse:

Now the years are rolling by me

They are rockn' evenly

I am older than I once was

And younger I'll be and that's not unusual.

No it isn't strange

After changes upon changes

We are more or less the same

After changes we are more or less the same

I realized that you cannot change things out of your control that you must embrace them, that you and others have different ideas and you must embrace them and you are who you are and your personality really can't change... "We are more or less the same, after changes we are more or less the same..." as the song says and so, this year I will try to embrace things that change that are out of my control, embrace who I am and embrace decisions that are made by others that I may be fearful of.

As the year progresses, I will have embraced more only time will tell. I will ad more to my journal and more posts as the year carries on.

Come visit our blog and explore the links of my Flytribe members: Flytribe Word Hop and enjoy reading about my friends. I will also have a button on my page that you can always click on to follow the Flytribe Word Hop.

Hope your New Year has started off well and thanks for stopping by....

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:07:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year to everyone! The past few weeks have been very busy as I am sure it has been for all... My youngest daughter graduated from college a week before Christmas and it was on her birthday too... We had family visit, Christmas and then we put her on a plane to Cambodia on 12/30 for a YWAM mission and with flight cancelations she arrived there today. I did try and make a couple of gifts. Here are a couple of pictures of graduation and a fabric bracelet I made....

got the idea for the bracelet from an email I get daily from Cloth, Paper, Scissors... I need to perfect it a bit. I gave my girls each one and it was quite funny... I also made them aprons (forgot to take a photo). Today I am cleaning my sewing room and I am going to brew a batch of beer with my daughter's boyfriend. We are trying a stout this time... I hope everyone has a wonderful new year! Thanks for stopping by.Karen- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The angel is done...

2011-12-16T18:49:00.002-07:00

Here she is...

outside...

on the tree....

Even thought I am not a doll maker, I do love how my angel turned out. I will have her for a long time and maybe I can make a new "sign" for her to hold during the year and have her out when Christmas is over. I do also like how my new garland came out too. This has been a year of change and I am sure there is more to come.

Thanks for stopping by and looking.

Progress is being made on my angel...

2011-12-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Progress on my Angel... I think she will be finished soon!

When I am painting I always have pages from old books around and then I use up paint on them when I a finished painting on something. I had a collection of pages that have been prepared. When I was painting the body of the angel I was thinking of using fabric to make up her "dress" but I was looking at some of my painted pages and some snowflakes I had made earlier in the month and thought that ummmm that is what I am going to do, cut out snowflakes from those pages. That is what I did and put them all over her body. I glued them down with matte medium gel. After the gel was dried I outlined the snowflakes with ink. Next steps, her face and hair, not sure how well that will go, I am not much of a doll maker.

Thanks for stopping buy and looking.

Angel re-do...

2011-12-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

I started working on my new angel tree topper and did not like how it was turning out with the paper mache I was using (I purchased some stuff at the art store to try). Needless to say most of her went into the trash. I saved the head and the plastic water bottle. Now I have begun anew:

This time I used torn book pages and matte gel medium to "glue" it together. I must say it is turning out much better than the last. I meant to take a picture of my failure but I didn't. Well I think I am off to a better start that before. I need to get this done so I can put up my Christmas tree.

More to come and thanks for stopping by and looking.

More decorations for the tree started...

2011-12-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

So I also feel the need to create a new angle for the top of my tree all inspired by an article in the November Cloth Paper Scissor's magazine...

I tried to find a link to the article but couldn't. The article is Angels among us by Erin Butson. Now mind you she is in the beginning stages and not sure how she will turn out. It will be done with papier-mache... this reminded me of a project I did years ago as a Campfire Girl and I still have the angel (I will have to take a photo of her too). More to come as she needs to be done soon.

Thanks for stopping by and looking!

Working on a new garland....

2011-12-09T22:30:00.000-07:00

Some times I get an idea in my head and then I had just have to go with it... this year I am making a new garland for my tree and making it up as I go along....

I am hoping to have a few strands done before the weekend because I do have to decorate my tree... what a laundry list of things that I must get done by the end of the week. I do have a dream of even making some gifts before Christmas... Why do I seem to wait until the last minute? Do you ever do the same thing?

Thanks for stopping by and looking!

time is traveling to fast....

2011-12-06T22:26:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe it is December 6, 2011 already and that I have not been able to post since November 26, 2011. All thanks considered I have been slammed and not by the usual work schedule but by trying to prepare for...

Yes along with trying to get ready for the holidays my youngest is graduating from college. I have been making announcements and, not only is it her graduation but it is also her birthday... wow how time does travel and pass by. One minute there a newborn baby and the next they are graduating from college on their birthday. We will also have guest arriving for the celebration and holidays. Boy, I better get busy and put up my tree....

Well, thanks for stopping by and looking...

M.I.A. but still being creative....

2011-11-26T20:32:00.001-07:00

Between getting sick (a lot better now) and a lot of overtime at work... I have still been able to be creative and do AEDM (almost everyday)...

finished painting....

ATC for December trade....

As I mentioned above, I have been able to squeeze in some creativity time... I have finished painting my "fabric" and now to to cut it up, embellish it and make something out of it. I have some ideas but not sure what direction it will go. I worked on and finished my ATC cards for my group I am in... Flygirls. The theme is winter and I made snowflakes and what fun it was...

Well it is time to go back into my room to work on some Christmas things... thanks for stopping by and looking!

AEDM day 12 and 13, where did 8,9,10 and 11 go?

2011-11-14T21:35:00.001-07:00

Last week was a bust for me as far as making art... I was sick and of course there is my goofy daughter who broke her foot and I say goofy cuz she is 25 and was at a friends got up off the couch to go to the restroom and rolled her foot and broke it... ummm she said that's all that happened... so on Saturday and Sunday I was able to work on a few things:

I added some color to the design.

I have been adding more details.

I belong to a group, Flygirls ATC Group and these are the lovely cards that I received...

made by Shari Ozaki

made by Deborah Velasquez

made by Teresa Cash

So as I mentioned last week was a little rough trying to work on anything. Both my girls work in elementary education one works in a special needs class (she has graduated) and the other is student teaching (graduates in December) and it is almost like when they started school... they bring everything home and you get sick. Enough about being sick... I purchased some liquid dye this past weekend and am now using it to outline my drawing that I am painting in on fabric. I may have to purchase more but I do like the acrylic paints I am using right now. I am very excited about my ATC cards, I have never made them before but am enjoying this very much. The group of gals I am in with are very talented.

Well, time to go, getting late... Thanks for stopping by!

AEDM Day 6

2011-11-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Started off this morning working on my journal, was laying out my page and received a call from my daughter that she thought she broke her foot. I met her at the urgent care and sure enough it was broken. It was rather silly how she did it but she did it. After getting her home and set up at her place I came home and got it together and put my page together. My daughter had shown me a web site where you use paint and write letters on waxed paper, when dry you peel off a letter and glue down with Modge Podge. Have many more ideas to try with that method.

Well thanks for stopping by!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

AEDM 4 AND 5...

2011-11-05T18:18:00.000-06:00

This is a comb post of day 4 and 5 of AEDM... progress on the stamp on Friday:

Started finishing the outside of the paisley.

By the time the night was over I almost had the middle done.

This morning and after a bit of housework it did this:

The stamp is finished!

The stamp has been used...

Two different mediums used...

Also took a picture....

Today I pretty much was in my room with the exception of the time it took me to vacuum my kitchen floors. I was able to finish the stamp and see what it looked liked. The first time I tried the stamp out I used acrylic paint (the red one) and the second time was with a stamp pad. I outlined one of each in black and then the other two without. I like how both turned out, each has a different look. I do enjoy carving stamps, I have a few that I have done now. I think the next time I am going to use linoleum. I have a small block have just not tried it yet. When I was cleaning the stamp off I saw a hawk taking a bath on our swimming pool cover. We actually got a mix of rain and snow last night. That water had t be freezing but he didn't care.

Well thanks for looking and stopping by!

AEDM - Day 4

2011-11-04T07:19:00.002-06:00

Here is what I worked on last night carving a stamp....

I am thinking of entering another reader challenge that is in Cloth Paper Scissors so, I drew a design, reversed the image, transferred the design using graphite paper and now I am carving it into a stamp. I am hoping to finish this weekend and do a test stamp. I have a few other stamps that I have carved, I do enjoy the process. We will see how far I get tonight.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

November - Creative Everyday...

2011-11-03T07:27:00.002-06:00

The beginning of November is the start of Art Everyday Month. You ask what is this? Well, Leah Piken Kolidas has a great blog and started Creative Everyday and Art Everyday Month - November (check out the site: Art Every Day Month). The goal is to be creative every single day for a month. So I started this journey a couple of years ago... so yesterday I started this piece:

I am really getting into drawing and painting on fabric... To start the creative month I fed my creative mind by checking out my fellow flyer's blogs at the hop (which I will continue today) Last night after work I started the piece above. I am going to make smaller designs on fabric along with the other piece I have been working on. Tonight after work I will work on the above.... hopefully. Now that Project Runway is over I shouldn't be to tied to the TV... oh wait there is now that new show Project Accessory. Oh well, I have a TV in my room.

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by!

flying lessons.... blog hop

2011-10-31T23:04:00.000-06:00

Fly and soar with new wings....

Grow and create and live!

Believe in yourself!

Earlier this year I purchased an e-book by Kelly Rae Roberts... it was based on her e-course Flying Lessons... later in the year she decided to offer the course again and I signed up. Now I had read the e-book from cover to cover already and was very excited about the course. One of the reasons I wanted to take this course was because I was becoming very unhappy at my work, missing being in a creative environment (used to own a quilt shop) and wanting to start a new business that I could supplement my income when I retire in a few years or so. In the past couple of years I have gotten my creative grove back (it had been lost for about six years) and with that my drive to do more with my creativeness... One of the best things that I have gotten out of this course is the friendships that are being developed in our group... and in this group we are doing a blog hop. I have gotten wings to fly and start heading on this path and the encouragement and kinship that is growing with this wonderful group is amazing. So go and take a tour and see the talent that abounds in this group.

And as always, thanks for stopping by and looking!

Check out my follow Flyer's blogs:

Amaranthine Violet http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/

Amy Hillenbrand http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com

Beatriz Peñas B. http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/

Beth Cougler Blom http://sobliss.wordpress.com/

Carmen Patti – http://carmenpattistudio.com/wordpress/

Carol Bray http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com

Christina Fajardo http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/

Cindy Jones Lantier -- http://www.lantier.org

Connie Rawlins - http://www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com/

Dana Brock - http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com

Deborah Velásquez-http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com

Elissa Brown- http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com

Hillary Courson -- http://www.hillarycourson.com

Jacquie Williamson - www.jacquiewilliamson.blogspot.com

Jane Paynting http://inkspiredwings.wordpress.com

Janet Forrest http://tatterednworn.wordpress.com/

Jennifer DeVille http://jenniferdeville.com/blog

Jill Lambert - www.jill-lambert.blogspot.com

Julie Hamilton http://spaark.wordpress.com

Kanchan Mahon - http://Kanchan-Mahon.blogspot.com/

Karen Claverie http://giddyupletsride.blogspot.com

Kari DeSaulnier - http://karidesi.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Conard http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/

Kathleen McKinnon- http://harmonyschoolhouse.com/expressions-blog.html

Kathy May-http://kathymaydesigns.org

Kelley Miller www.kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com

Kelly Corso- http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/

Kelly Hoernig - www.kellyhoernig.blogspot.com

Kim Hyer-http://www.apaperaddict.com/

Kris Lanae Binsfeld - http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

Lenore Angela -http://www.lenoreangela.blogspot.com/

Linda Barutha --http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com

Lisa Michele Products - http://www.lisamicheleproducts.blogspot.com/

Liza Zeni Baker - www.lizazeni.wordpress.com

Lori Leissner--http://leissnerart.blogspot.com

Lori Moon -- http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com

Mary Sterk - http://justmarydesigns.wordpress.com

Megan Schmitt www.schmittenwithwords.blogspot.com

Melanie Douthit www.douthitgallery.blogspot.com

Michelle Dwyer http://www.magnetisedbylife.com/

Michelle Reynolds - http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/

Rachél Payne (Rae) http://collectingyourself.wordpress.com/

Rain Hannah - http://honeyandollie.com/

Rhiannon Connelly - http://www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com

Ruth-Mary Smith http://patchworkfamilieshub.blogspot.com

Sherry Richert Belul - http://simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup

Shirley Ann http://leonardarenaissancewoman.blogspot.com/

Stacey Chadwick Brown - http://staceybrownarts.blogspot.com/

Susan M. Walls-Beverly - http://www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com

Teresa Cash-Czech www.asmilemaker.com

Tina Carlborg - www.tinachicky.blogspot.com

Tonya Love - www.passport2creativity.com

Ursula Smith http://www.EasyScraps.com/blog

Zulma Cadena www.edustory.wordpress.com

a little bit more done....

2011-10-24T18:28:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post... I have gotten a little bit farther on my fabric and I tried taking the pictures in outdoor light. Outdoor light does work better. The colors look like they do in person. I am in a group and they gave me some great tips (thanks gals!). I can't wait to finish this and turn it into something.

Well gotta run, time for dinner. Thanks for stopping by and looking!

This past weeks creative endeavors...

2011-10-19T18:49:00.000-06:00

This week and the last have been quite challenge with a lot of changes going on at my work which has sent me down to "my" room to work on my latest fabric as I call it and trying out something new with a soda can. I read somewhere and I am sorry I don't remember where I read it but, you can take a soda can and carefully cut it open (and wear gloves) and then you can use the aluminum for ummm what I did... I purchased a little kit called: Walnut Hollow Creative Metal Supplies - 8pc/Mini Tool Kit. I used one of the ball points to write Dream in the metal. I need to improve but not to bad for the first try. I have decided I need to learn to take better pictures of my work. I am loving how my fabric is turning out, can't wait to finish it to turn it into something.

Time to go cook some dinner for the hubby. Thanks for stopping by!

What I have been working on...

2011-10-09T22:51:00.000-06:00

I have been working a new project, posted last week about it... It is inspired by one of my zentangle drawings. I am working a fabric, painting a zentangle and also will (I think layer some pieces). Here are some photos of my progress:

I painted on the fabric, embroidered and then used some puffy paint.

Using ink I drew in some more shapes.

I added some color and drew some more shapes.

Painted more colors...

Drew another shape and auditioned my triangles out.

One of my journal pages I added too.

Part of my design wall...

This past week was long like the week before at work. We have lots of changes going on and this next week will prove to be crazy and long too. I am thankful for my creative outlet. I will work some more this week on my various pieces. If I get a chance I will try and post a few pictures.

Thanks for looking and I how you have a great week!

Progress on newest project....

2011-10-03T23:02:00.001-06:00

The past couple of weeks have been quite busy... Week off from work: my Mom having surgery, trip to Las Vegas, back to work, youngest daughter having a fund raiser for a mission trip she is trying to go on with YWAM and a few minutes to work on my art...

Picture of my work area along with the important cup of java...

Another shot of my work area....

The project....

This project is very much at the beginning stage, I always figure it out as I go. I guess I work intuitively. I am hoping that this week I will find time to work on it after work. I love just working on something without having a plan. On thing that I have been doing good at lately is writing my morning pages. It is very good for ones soul.

Thanks for stopping by and looking!

Karen

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

I have been published....

2011-09-25T21:22:00.000-06:00

When I got home from my trip today I had received a large envelope in the mail and low and behold it was the new Quilting Arts magazine sent from the publisher and my quilt is in it....

I am so excited, it is just a crazy feeling... I still cannot believe it is real! All the more reason to keep on dreaming and pursuing other avenues to continue to grow as an artist.

Thanks for looking!

new project....

2011-09-19T23:41:00.000-06:00

I have somehow started a new project while working on other things... I got this idea to paint a quote....

and with this quote I am going to turn it into a wall hanging of some kind which is in the very very beginning stages...

and while contemplating my project, I went out side and prep some more canvas and painters cloth with gesso spray and, I tried my hand at making "fabric paper"...

I added some more tissue paper and color....

I found the information on doing the "fabric paper" from Linda Matthews web site and thought I would give it a try. It is drying out right now and not sure what I will make with it at the moment. I didn't have the cheese cloth like the directions and I am not sure if that will make a difference. I have worked on my "wall hanging" some more and it looks a little different from the photo above. I am not sure how much time I will have the rest of the week to work on my project, my Mom is having surgery tomorrow and I am traveling at the end of the week. I actually may get caught up on some reading and writing.... The Artist Way reading. I have been good and working on my morning pages thanks to the encouragement of Jamie Ridler of Jamie Ridler Studios and her Facebook page.

Well, time for bed.... Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

progress on using Lutradur

2011-09-11T22:27:00.000-06:00

I have made progress on coloring in my drawing on the Lutradur. I have used my watercolor crayons and Inktense color pencils. I even used a couple of colors I was not sure about but, do like how they turned out. Now I have some ideas in my head on what I will do with this but not sure... I think I am almost done adding color and then ready for the next steps. I did go to the art store this weekend and purchased additional brushes and Inktense colored pencils.

Just a quick post for now, thanks for looking!

new fabric painting project....

2011-09-04T21:13:00.000-06:00

I have been painting..... fabric and Lutradur

The base for the first two are pieces I have been working on is a painters cloth to protect the floor while painting walls... I had cut up some pieces and did some background painting. I discovered some new ink pens from Sharpie that are for fabric so I drew and then painted it in. Of course this has taken me about two weeks to complete and get the colors the way I like them. I then scanned in one of my zentangles and printed it out on a piece of Lutradur and now I am going to paint it in. I am teaching myself how to use this product so, not sure if this will work well or not. I will keep you posted. I think that since I don't have to go to work tomorrow... I am going to stay up late and paint (I think?)

Thanks for looking!

Journal page complete...

2011-08-28T22:25:00.001-06:00

I finished another page in my journal...

I have pages that I have the background prepared already so that when I am inspired, the base is there to start creating. This page reflects a journey I am on... A journey that feels as though big changes are in the air. I was inspired by the e-course Flying Lessons and some words I read: focus on the right fit. Right now work has been a struggle... 8 years in a non-creative environment and it is time for a change. Working back in a creative environment... Getting my life back.

Thanks for looking...
Karen

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap... Blog Hop!

2011-08-26T07:28:00.000-06:00

The postcard swap is done and I sent 5 postcards (you can see them here) and received 5 beautiful postcards in the mail:

I am not sure where this one came from?

Ashley Sisk

Jen Erb

post card from Carolyn in Idaho

Petra Kern

I really enjoyed participating in the swap and making connections with other artist and to receive beautiful artwork. I was like a little kid waiting for the mail to come everyday to see what I received. These days we really don't get much exciting mail, no one really sends anything by snail mail anymore. It is kind of sad.

Thanks to Kat for organizing all of this, what a big endeavor! Job well done!

I must be off to work, thanks for looking.
Karen

Creative Saturday morning....

2011-08-20T12:01:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things to do when I get up on a Saturday morning is (after feeding the dogs) make a pot of coffee, go to my sewing room, put one of my favorite movies (listed on the side bar) that I have watch about a hundred times and work on a project. Today I worked on my journal, and as I started to get my supplies out I had a big laugh. I had recently went on a road trip with my daughter to visit my S-I-L and while my daughter was driving I worked on my tangle. When I was done I left my pencil case on the dashboard... Well I opened up this morning and went whoops...

I should not of left my pencil case on the dashboard. I am going to run to the art store to get another... Here is the progress on my journal...

I have been busy trying to keep up with the e-course I am taking and my Moira ing today is a reflection of this... It is wonderful and the feeling of community is wonderful. I started blogging from reading Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts... I wonder where this will all lead...

Thanks for looking, have a wonderful weekend!
Karen

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

working on backgrounds, my last postcard, and a few photos...

2011-08-13T23:44:00.000-06:00

My last postcard fromt the trade from Petra Kern

I have been working on some new backgrounds for my journal and I have also been working on painting canvas pieces for maybe making another bag. I was very excited to receive my last postcard from trade. Petra Kern's work is lovely, I really love it. Check out her site you will like it, www.petrakern.com

I also took a few pictures of the sunsets in the past couple nights... It is just so breath taking, I love taking these photos. My last picture is of our '65 GTO. We went to a car show today and I liked how the car had the reflection of the Thunderbird and Coupe next to us. We will see what tomorrow brings, thanks for looking!
Karen

post cards and a new tangle...

2011-08-08T21:42:00.000-06:00

working on tangle in the car on a road trip....

scanned in after got home...

postcard from Ashley Sisk, North Carolina (www.ashleysisk.com)

post card from Jen Erbe (jennifererbe.wordpress.com)

post card from Carolyn in Idaho

I must say that receiving these postcards has been so much fun. In the day and age of technology it is still fun to receive something in the mail. I am waiting to receive one more... are they not just lovely. I started a new tangle while visiting my sister-in-law. My next step will be to add some color. You should of seen me traveling with my little green suitcase from the 70's with some of my art supplies. It worked out great. I am so excited, I started an on-line class Flying Lessons by Kelly Ray Roberts. I purchased her e-book at the beginning of the year and I have been waiting for her to offer this course again. It is the only time this year.

Well I need to wrap up and let my daughter use the computer for a lesson plan... happy creating and thanks for looking!
Karen

Wow... today is my 200th post...

2011-07-29T18:31:00.000-06:00

Wow... I cannot believe that this is my 200th post on my blog. I am sure glad that I started this adventure, it has rekindled my creative bug! I finished another zentangle:

I received my first postcard today from the Liberate your Art post card swap that Kat hosted from here blog kateyeveiw.com the button is on the left sidebar on my blog. Here is my first card I received:

The postcard is very cool... I am not sure where it is from? I am going to put it on my wall. I cannot wait to get some more!

It is very hot here today where I live so I am sitting in the air conditioning and I am going to go downstairs to my room and work on another project.... maybe in my journal? Thanks for looking!

Karen

busy summer so far....

2011-07-23T23:19:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe that July is almost over! I have been working on a couple of things. One of which is my latest tangle...

The other thing that I made that I have not taken a photo is a cover for a piece of outdoor "furniture" we have nothing too crazy. The weekends have flown by... garage sale on one and then I volunteered for the Special Olympics as a basket ball scorekeeper and it was a lot of fun. Well, kinda of short not for today. Thanks for looking!

Karen

Quick post....

2011-07-11T23:33:00.001-06:00

This is just a quick post about a website I discovered by the recommendation of a gal who came to a garage sale we were having at my Mom's house. She told me about this web sit called pinterest. It is so cool (I thought). People "pin" links to things they find on the Internet that they think are cool. Like the idea for this (need to find the link I did not copy it) but the gall took a wine rack and plastic cups to hold her markers:

and food from this web site Seasaltwithfood. I made these potatoes last night and umm they were easy and good...

Well.... Thanks for looking!
Karen

spring cleaning...

2011-07-06T23:18:00.000-06:00

Since my last post I have been busy cleaning up my "sewing" room and closet.... in one of my last posts I showed some pictures of my closet and totes full of fabric as I started organizing and cleaning. I am finished and got rid of a lot of stuff but still have a lot. How can one accumulate so much fabric and art supplies? Here are some shots of organized chaos...

I have also been working on a new tangle....

During this time, my husband delivered the quilt to my sister in law and she loved it. I think I may need to make another. I sent my postcards off for the swap I am in Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap I used a couple different zentangle drawings that I manipulated using Corel Paint Shop after I scanned them in...

I hope who ever gets them likes them... I can't wait to see what I get. I do love to get mail and it seems so rare now a days. Next few days I am going to focus on my latest tangle and finish making a cover for our bar outside... thanks for looking!

Karen

I am a finalist....

2011-06-21T22:44:00.000-06:00

I am so excited... I finished my mini journal quilt...

and I entered in the reader challenge that is in the current Quilting Arts magazine called "Tag You're It" and I am a finalist! It was announced on their blog Quilting Daily. I can't believe it, I am so excited. A couple of years ago now I signed up for Creative Everyday and it actually happened to be the November and the them was Art Everyday Month in 2009 and that is what got me out of my creative slump and started being creative again. And as I participate in Creative Everyday and slowing travel my journey with The Artist Way I am gaining my confidence in what I am doing and being an Artist. A couple of years ago I was not able to say that. I am glad I discovered blogging from reading Kelly Rae Roberts book Taking Flight and finding all the cool blogs I have gone to, follow and thank you to all that follow my blog. It is a great community!

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day!
Karen

the quilt is finished....

2011-06-16T06:40:00.002-06:00

The finished product.

Now I am working on cleaning up and out my "sewing room" starting with organizing my fabric stash...

and then there are quilt tops to be finished....

The quilt was delivered to my sister-in-law on Tuesday and she loved it. I am so glad that she liked it. I finished it at 1:00am that same day. I had so many obstacles to getting it done this weekend (I need to go back a few chapters in my Artist Way and read again). Now I am tackling my sewing room; We had to replace our water heater and the power supply for the water heater is behind a wall in my sewing room closet so, I had to take everything out on one side. My Mom's neighborhood is having a garage sale so I thought it was time to go through stuff to get rid of it. I have decided I am a fabric hoarder (don't tell my husband) and I cannot part with any of it because I might need it some day. Next are quilting books, I know I have some of those I am going to part with.... I will have to take a picture of the shelf now as they are full.

I am taking tomorrow off of work so today is my "Friday" yippee! Have a great day and thanks for looking!

Karen

progress on one journal page, cleaning out a cupboard and beautiful skies...

2011-06-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

I have been working on my newest journal page which is turning out to be a quilt, a small one....

I changed one of the elements on the side, same words but
written on different material, I have also sandwiched it together
and I am making it a mini journal quilted page.

I have been quilting it with embroidery thread....

I do like experimenting with different materials/mediums. I originally was going to incorporate this into a cover for my iPad but, I decided to turn it into a quilt... still working on it. The other weekend I decided to clean out my cupboard where I store all my plastic containers, yup it was a mess and yup I had more lids that bottoms...

to the recycle bin they went....

On Monday we had some more clouds and rain (we have had a lot of rain for where we live), and I just love to take pictures of the sky....

The sky is so beautiful, and I have so many pictures of the sky and clouds... so day I am going to have to print some up and hang in my house. I am hoping to start a new tangle this coming week along with cleaning out my sewing room closet (ha ha). So it is time to head off to bed... thanks for looking and have a wonderful day tomorrow!

Karen

journal page coming along...

2011-06-02T23:35:00.000-06:00

I have been working on this journal page....

I have been having fun playing around with the Lutradur... my journal page is mixed media of fabric, Lutradur, paint, paper, wire and clay buttons I made. I may turn it into a small quilt not sure... still contemplating. More will develop hopefully this weekend... I do need to work on the quilt project I have going. I need to have it completed 6/13 as I will need to ship it to my sister in law. Well just a quick post... thanks for looking!

Karen

Stuck in a vacuum called work...

2011-05-24T22:05:00.000-06:00

Work has sucked me up again and I am fighting to gain control and not work any overtime.... it cuts into my time and this weekend and some of last week I did get to work on some projects along with planting some new bulbs. I took my latest tangle that i posted about here and printed it on Lutradur...

and then I scan in one of my papers I have painted and printed it on Lutradur...

and then I started playing around a bit.... (need to learn to take better pictures sorry)

I know the product has been out for sometime and I purchased my packet a month or so ago and finally tried it out. It is fun to play around with. I never know what direction I will go with this but, (I just remembered I think I left my paint brushes in water from the other day whoops) I am having fun with it. I have also been putting the quilt together for my sister-in-law, half way there.

Well, I better go take care of my brushes, it's not so good to do what I just did. Thanks for looking!

Karen

Quilt and a new tangle...

2011-05-11T07:24:00.000-06:00

When my job gets crazy it seems to change everything I do because it drains me. I think since be fore Easter. I have been working on the quilt for my sister in law, everything went haywire at work last week (worked to much over time,... I walked in the Race For The Cure and worked on a new tangle that I am try to make into a repeat design.

Here is the quilt I have been working on the for my sister-in-law:

I have started playing around with a new tangle and repeat design which is brought to you by the letters A, L and V:

I have added more to the design:

I have been better this week so far about not staying late at work, that's why I got a little further on my drawing above... well... time to run to work!

Thanks for looking!
Karen

zentangle #43 finished...

2011-04-24T07:46:00.001-06:00

I have finished another tangle....

I was going to do some coloring on it and decided not to. I like how "light" and "airy" it is and decided not to... I liked how it turned out. This is the one that I played around with doing a repeat design on the computer. I am actually going to try another but not in my journal. I am going to draw it on a piece of paper so it will be easier to do the process.

I have also joined Liberate your Art postcard swap over at The Kat Eye View. I am excited to receive and send postcards of artwork. It will happen in July... check it out.

Happy Easter everyone... I need to get ready to go to church. Then my family is getting together. Have a beautiful day!

Karen

started a new quilt....

2011-04-18T07:06:00.000-06:00

This weekend I spent some time in the beginning of the day working on a new quilt...

This quilt is for my sister-in-law who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her favorite color is purple and blue. I am making a quilt that as you are piecing you are quilting it at the same time...

I laid out a few of the blocks that I put together....

It is a fairly simple design to make. Reversible Quilts by Sharon Pederson is the book the instructions come from. I have actually done some free motion quilting in the triangle... I will have to take a picture of it. The quilt will be assembled by a sashing. I have made a couple of smaller things using this method. I am trying to get it done by the end of the month. The other thing I did this weekend was teach my friend from work how to use her sewing machine. Her husband gave it to her for Christmas and she has been afraid to try.... now she is not so afraid of it. It was fun, will have to show her more.

Thanks for looking...

Karen

journaling...

2011-04-11T07:27:00.000-06:00

All was forgotten about cleaning the attic...

my daughter and I went to some thrift stores

my journal page in progress

using my ruling pen

finished with the ruling pen

my next page to work on...

my cat scooter

looking out the window wondering if it is going to be gray all day long....

I am so glad I had a chance to finish my journal page... reflections. Even though I am craving to see the sun the weather does make it easier to stay inside and be creative. I tried to show how to use a ruling pen. I have a book, Acrylic Revolution by Nancy Reyner and that is were I learned about the ruling pen. My first try with ink not so good but with paint much better. The book has all kinds of techniques in it. I have tried a few so far. I also picked out some fabrics to make a quilt for my sister-in-law. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will soon start chemo, she lives in another state so when my husband goes to see her in May I will have it finished. I am going to quilt it as I go using a technique from the book Reversible Quilts by Sharon Pederson. I have done a few things out of this book, it's fun.

Well better head off to work now. Thanks for looking!
Karen

zentangle #43 in progress....

2011-04-06T23:55:00.000-06:00

I feel like I fell of the edge of my creative world... but tonight I managed to work on my latest zentangle:

It seems that spring kinda of here... (may get snow tomorrow) so there has been some cleaning going on in the garage, the barn and one more tree cut down. The tree was about 18 years old and the last on that had to be done... after getting the chain saw wedge in the cut (my husband was cutting) and I had to climb up into the tree to figure out how to get it out and indeed may I say that at 52 I can still get into a tree. Ha! One rope later and my husband pulling on it while I was in the tree holding the chain saw, the LARGE branch came crashing down. When we got that huge limb cut up there still was a tree to cut down. So this morning I searched on Google and found great directions on how to fell a tree so while I was at work the tree came down. Yippy it's done!

Now that it was done while I was at work, tonight I had a chance to do a little bit of drawing on my zentangle. This is the one that I play around doing the repeat on. I have actually changed some of the design. I need to do some more details and then I am going to try and do a repeat design with it again. I also purchased some new things to try... Transfer Artist Paper by Lesley Riley and Lutradur. If my husband forgets about cleaning out the attic this coming weekend, I may get a chance to try them out along with practicing with my ruling pen. Which I hope to share more on...

Well thanks for looking!
Karen

zentangle in progress...

2011-03-31T07:31:00.000-06:00

So I have started a new zentangle and one night I was reading and started thinking about repeats in fabric... I did a search in google and found this blog... http://www.designspongeonline.com so, I have been wanting to try it out so, I scanned in my drawing last night and here it is time to go to work and I am playing around in my Corel program and did this:

It's pretty rough but... I am excited to try more!

Better run so I am not late for work! Thanks for looking...
Karen

There is something to be said for a rainey day...

2011-03-27T23:57:00.000-06:00

It has rained a lot this last week and weekend so, I got to get away to my room and....

Oh and here are my puppies.... they are waiting for some red bell peppers.

I have always loved paisleys.... So of course I am painting some more. I have two things in mind to use them for but not sure so time will tell. I also had to chance to work in my journal. I like the direction I am going with it. I experimented with masking fluid on the pages, I cannot wait to try it again. Last weekend I purchased a ruling pen... I tried that too. I ended up with big ink drops on the paper and more ink on my fingers than on the page. I defiantly need to practice with it more before I try it with a a project.

In closing I wish you all a great week... Thanks for looking!

Karen

zentangle #42

2011-03-24T23:32:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post, zentangle number 42 is finished...

After American Idol (great show tonight like last night) was over I went to my room and finished my zentangle #42. I am glad I enjoy this and have the drawing as an outlet... it's been a long week. My eyes are heavy and I need to get to bed, one more day at work and the fun spring cleaning this week (ha ha). Thanks for looking,

Karen

zentangle, fabric and emboridery....

2011-03-22T07:23:00.000-06:00

I have been working on a few things....

before color...

adding color....

There is so much change... change in our worlds... the world... and change in ourselves.

working on painting fabric....

Kat who has a wonderful blog... kateyeview has sent me a couple of her post cards made from her lovely photos. She had posted a comment on my blog from when I posted about my zentangle book markersso I thought I about how she has be kind to send me the post cards I emailed here a couple of my zentangle to color. She did a wonderful job... love it.

colored by Kat

wow... made years ago...

I have been busy for the past few days... rainy days are great for creativity but I do wish the sun would come out... having to use tanning lotion to not feel so glum. Well, anyway... I have started painting fabric again, trying a different approach (painting and cutting out the piece) not sure where it will lead. When I got home from work yesterday my husband wanted to clean out some shelves in the garage. We pulled down a box and I found the piece of embroidery I did years ago. I think my influence was Cat Stevens for the guy ummm. not sure can't remember. My daughter thought it was funny - did you wear that on a shirt? she asked... some things better left unsaid.

Well, thanks for looking must make my lunch before I head off to work.

Karen

zentangle book markers...

2011-03-16T00:14:00.001-06:00

The other day I was reading one of my magazines and one of the things I will do if I want to comes back to a page, I will fold the corner, maybe use a post it note, or a scrap of paper to write a note on. Well, I thought I want something better...

I picked some of my zentangle drawings and using my Corel program cropped and merged onto one sheet to create my book markers. I printed them on card stock and cut them out. Now, I can write a note on the back about the article and what I want to remember and stick it in that spot of the magazine to have as a reference. I thought I would share them with you so, if you would like you can download this PDF file (book markers) and print them on card stock and have some book markers too.
Thanks for looking!

Karen

Crazy weekend... still managed to work on some projects

2011-03-13T23:25:00.000-06:00

This weekend started off with our well pump dying.. No water... So the pump guy came out...

We were without water from about 2am until about 5pm. Today helped the hubby spray stuff so weeds won't come up and finally when that was over I ran down to me sewing room and...

Well, I didn't really run... I am a bit sore from moving wood and walking all day... But, I did manage to work on a few things. I painted some fabric and journal pages and tried the Tulip Fabric cannon...it's like a spray can of fabric paint. It was cool I cannot wait to try some more colors. I also finished a journal page in my sunflower journal and painted some more background pagers in the book. I am so excited that the time changed... Longer days, more daylight to possibly stay up a bit later to work on projects.

Thanks for looking,

Karen

Some photos and progress on my latest zentangle...

2011-03-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

We have been having some rainy days here in Idaho... On my way home the wind was blowing and the rain was coming down. I was getting ready to cook dinner when I noticed out my front door window the sun breaking through the clouds and shinning bright getting ready to set for the day. I grabbed my camera and took some shots from my front porch and then from the back of my house, the sky was beautiful... here are a few of the shots....

Front porch shot....

another from the front...

one more from the front

from the back of my house

one more from the back.... the sky is beautiful

progress on zentangle #42

I am really not a fan of the rain but, I am trying to enjoy it more. It always seems so gray out (ha it is isn't!) it just doesn't always make for the best mood. When it does clear up and the sun comes out, it makes me happier. I do get excited to take photos. I cannot tell you how many sky and flower photo's I have. Some day I need to print them out and frame a few to hang in my house. I have been drawing on my latest zentangle as I watch American Idol. This Saturday I am going to get up and head down to my room to work on painting some more fabric.... may come up for air to go to a car show with my husband. It is supposed to rain all weekend so that does make for creative time. Well, thanks for looking!

Karen

Started a new zentangle and prepping fabric

2011-03-07T22:52:00.000-07:00

New zentangle....

Prepped some fabric...

I don't think I was very productive last week with my art. I had to watch Amercian Idol (I know but, there are some great kids on there this season).
This past weekend I had to clean up my sewing room a bit so I could start a new project (and maybe work on one I have in progress too); a while ago I bought a painters canvas.... what you lay on the floor when you paint the walls to protect the floor, I am cutting it up to use as my base. I got the idea from something I read (will need to figure out where) and I painted it with gel medium to start. Now I am ready to go... Don't know what I will end up with but I am sure I will have fun. I will be sure to take some pictures along the way. I do love working this way. Not knowing what I am going to do just do it... How about you? How do you like to create?

Thanks for looking!

Karen

It's finished.....

2011-02-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

The final steps to a finished bag....

finished up some hand work and sewing two pieces together

a bit of detail, some embroidery

i fused some swirls on top of my piecing and then quilted

everything is trimmed and ready to sew together

it is starting to look like a bag...

the bag is complete... one side of it

the other side....

zentangle #41

I have finally finished my bag that I have been working on for a while. I have enjoyed the process and love how it turned out. I have to admit I love bags, I have a few. I don't know why I have to carry so many things but, you have to be prepared for anything. It must of been a habit I developed when my kids were little. I really wanted this bag to bring some of my art supplies with me where every I go. So I have things packed and ready to go... It always goes to work with me. Well thanks for looking!

Karen

photo of the sunset....

2011-02-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

One of the blogs I follow is The Kat Eye View and her blog today was about Exploring The Camera: Capture the Sky. One of the things I love to do is take photos of the sky....

I took these this past fall and I did not change anything with my photo program. I think I may have change a setting on my camera but, I cannot remember. I really love taking these kinds of pictures, I actually have a lot of them. The sunsets and sunrise here where I live in Idaho are beautiful. If you get a chance, check out Kat's blog it is wonderful. Thanks for looking!

Karen

zentangle #41 in progress

2011-02-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted one of my zentangles in a while.... I have been working on this for a few weeks (spending more time on my other project). While watching American Idol last night I finished drawing and started coloring. I will attemp to do more today while watching American Idol ( you gotta love Steven Tyler).
Well, need to head off to work, thanks for looking and have a great day!

piecing a new panel for my bag...

2011-02-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

I have slowly been piecing the other side to my bag...

I have been able to get some sewing in this week. I have started the next side of my bag. I made some squares and painted some curvy lines. Added some more strip piecing and feeling like I know how I am going to put it together after I quilt everything. I think I am going to call this bag "getting over it". I am getting over my creative funk that is have been in for the past seven years thanks to my morning pages.

I went shopping today and picked out a few things... Some embroidery thread, a new book: Surface Design Essentials by Jand Davila's and a Fabric Paint Cannon by Tulip. I read about it on this blog: . I cannot wait to try it out.

Well, it is midnight and time for bed so I can go to work. Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Karen

a little bit more done....

2011-02-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

I have been working some more on my quilting project...

free motion quilting....

close up of what I just quilted...

I think I am done with this panel....

I did some embroidery....

just another view....

I decided to do some embroidery on this so, where I had painted the dots I embroidered over them and then added some more shapes. As I work on this and read my book the Artist Way I am unblocking my creativity.. it really has been block for about seven years. I have not embroidered for years. I used to really enjoy it. I actually experimented and "taped" my free motion quilting to put on my blog but I need to figure out how to turn off the audio because my sewing machines squeaks too much... It has always done that. Tomorrow I am going to start the other panel and then I am hoping that within this week or next it will become a bag. We will see. Thanks for looking!

clean up for superbowl....

2011-02-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

I had to clean up the Man Cave for the Superbowl....

all my my fabrics ended up on my sewing table....

I have been doing some quilting on my piece....

I have been thinking I may do some painting within my quilting design but not sure. I had to make the man cave nice and clean so we could play in the room on Superbowl Sunday... Well, this is brief I know but I am going to head down to my room to be creative tonight instead of watching the TV in the living room. I may put on Pirates of the Caribbean and sew, sew, sew. I am going to hide away from my "crazy makers" in my house. Thanks for looking....

I have been doing some stitching....

2011-01-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of my fabric I painted turning into a quilting piece...

I am putting some strips together and making a bag out of all this fabric. I am finally excited about sewing and quilting again. It has actually taken me many years to get this feeling again... I contribute that to working on the Artist Way... I have a huge mess on my ping pong table and oh what fun. I need to learn how to take better shots of the quilting I am doing... this last one was a quick shot. Well, I need to finish typing up a form for my husband. I want to say thanks for coming and visiting my blog and looking.... I really appreciate it! I will check in again after I have done a bit more on my project.

making progress....

2011-01-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

I am thinking I am ready to use the "fabric" I created....

I have "auditioned" some fabric with it....

this is from my stash (I did not realized when I started painting my fabric how I trended towards these colors years ago)

I think this was a Hoffman Challenge fabric years ago.... isn't it great!

I have an idea to make a bag out of all of this but, I am thinking on whether or not I am going to draft a pattern or just cut and sew. I need a new "purse" to carry all my stuff in.

One of the other things I am working on is The Artist Way, I am taking longer than the book says but, I think you need to self pace yourself when you do these things. Terah at cowgirlred ask me if I could share my journey so, I am going to try and do that... let me get my thoughts together and in the next few days I will start sharing....

Well, my sewing room is calling me... I am going to pour myself another glass of Three Blind Moose Cabernet Sauvignon and cut some fabric up.... or watch American Idol.... Thanks for looking!!

what I have been working on....

2011-01-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of what I have been working on...

I am lucky to have a "Man Cave" to work in... we have a pool table with a ping pong table on top of it...

I have been off work since Thursday this past week (I gave my husband a trip to Scottsdale to go to Barrett Jacksons auto auction but we had to cancel - thought our well pump went out but we were lucky it didn't) It was a bummer we didn't go but, I have been trying to make the best of it. I have been painting and sewing. I am trying to figure out what I am going to make out of my fabric have some ideas running around in my head. I finally finished my youngest daughters graduation quilt from high school in 2007. Now if I could finish the other fifty tops I have, I guess one at a time. And finally I hemmed a pair of jeans that I have had for a long time. Very productive and hope to do more this week. Thanks for looking!

Work in progress....

2011-01-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

This past week I have been working on my "fabric". I have been learning as I go in using acrylic paints. I hand to laugh at myself for not following the directions on my flow aid. I have been mixing it straight into the paint and you are supposed to premix it in equal parts of water first before you mix it in the paint. That is what happens when you are teaching yourself how to do all this stuff. I need to figure out some more designs to go into the paisleys. I have started another zentangle, more to come on that. Going to spend some time doodling....Thanks for looking!

working on one journal and fabric...

2011-01-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

Work in process...

This past week I have been working on a new page in what I am calling a journal, decided to try and make my own fabric design and I have been reading. One of the books I am reading is Simple Abundance by Sarah B. Breathnach. I am keeping up on reading it each day and absorbing and making notes (I always have to take notes or make reminders).

The other book I am reading and have attempted to do for two years now is The Artist Way by Julie Cameron . I am finally ready to follow and do the work for the next twelve weeks. It may take a few extra days but I am in. It is a challenge to look at yourself and recognize issues, things that have been a road block in your life or have influenced you and created behaviors good or bad. Also to recognize the road blocks that have hindered my creativity. I am ready to move on.

Enjoy your day and thanks for looking!

1/3/2011 - day off from work.... creative day

2011-01-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

There is something to be said about an extra day off from work....

Beads I made from air dry clay

Painted beads...

I loved this picture I found in a magazine!

Strung my beads and added to the page...

I think it's finished!

As I started working in my room today I figured out that there are reasons why I don't throw things away contrary what a husband might think one should keep. I keep a lot of things that I think might come in handy like the small cork board that I pinned my beads into. I made the beads out of air dry clay by Crayola. I have only tried a bit of it with the beads I made and want to try more. My tin is full of somethings I did for future projects.

I strung the beads on a small gauge wire and twisted the wire in between each one. I glued the beads in place on the page. I loved the picture I found in a magazine that was an add. She is very expressive. It is like set me free woo hoo! I guess I am ready to rid myself of some baggage, you know baggage you carry around from your childhood. Junk in the trunk that I don't need any more.

Thanks for looking!

zentanlge #40 and sketchbook challenge

2011-01-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

Happy New year! It's time for a new start or I should say continue what I have been doing with the addition of reading The Artist Way and following along for twelve weeks and reading Simple Abundance. I tried reading The Artist Way in 2009 and the beginning of 2010 but wasn't mentally ready but, I am now. I finished my zentangle I started a couple of weeks ago. I got some Inktense colored pencils for Christmas which I used along with water color paints and crayons. I used my new sketchbook for some doodles which I am using for the Sketchbook Challenge. So, I now have three journals going which is okay by me for different "moods" I might be in. Well... Time to hit the hay, almost midnight here. Thanks for looking!

Zentangle #40

2010-12-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday... I started working on another zentangle when my daughter had her surgery last week. She had the surgery last Thursday and well. The doctor said it was the worst gallbladder he has seen in someone her age and it quit working a long time ago. She is felling much better now.

Can't believe the end of the year is upon us. I am trying to get my room ready to do more "art" I got some new art supplies for Christmas so I am excited to try them. Once I get my house back in order I should be to go. Well thanks for looking time for bed...

zentangle #39 - not so good...

2010-12-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

I do believe this is my ugliest one I have created and the funny thing is I never liked this from the beginning...

It is nice that you can change the look digitally like this one....

or like this one....

It is funny how you have a feeling about something but, I thought I should stick it out and I did. Maybe it was a reflection of how much my arm was hurting not sure but it's done and it is ugly. Now I can start a new! I wonder if I can make a couple of more before the end of the year. I think I am going to call them something different because I don't know that they are truly a zentangle....

Trece asked me if I do my drawings freehand and the answer is yes. I draw in pencil first and then go over my lines with a pen. I use Pigma, Prismacolor, Bic, Sharpie's, Staedtler and Pitt pens and various sizes. I also have a collection of colored pencils, crayons and watercolor paints I have been using. I just play around.

I am sure most are busy getting ready for Christmas this week me included. I am going to be happy to report to my P.T. tomorrow that my "tennis elbow" actually feels pretty good! Our big adventure this week will be finding out if my oldest daughter has gallbladder surgery this week... she had an attack on 12/16 and we spent the day in the E.R. They wouldn't do surgery that day so she goes tomorrow to find out when ummm a fun week ahead! Happy Holidays! Thanks for looking!

zentangle #39 progress

2010-12-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to physical therapy for my "tennis elbow" and he said I could draw for 20 minutes and take a break.... so this morning before I am off to work I did a little on my zentangle...

I am not sure if I will keep the penciled in part or not? I am very excited though that I can do a little bit more and not just sit and watch TV (that sucks) I would rather do something while I am watching TV. Well I better get ready to leave for work. Have a great day and thanks for looking!

zentangle #39 in progress....

2010-12-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Having been under doctors orders not to write for more than 10 minutes at a time for two weeks has put a damper on drawing... well yesterday was two weeks and I couldn't take just sitting there and watching T.V. any more and falling asleep in my chair so... I picked up my zentangle journal and went back to working on this one I started on 11/23:

Last night I did this...

I have a bit of drawing to do and then add color. It is hard not being able to draw or work on projects. I think I have caught up on a lot of sleep.... Now need to get ready to go to the Saturday market and do a little Xmas shopping. Thanks for looking!

AEDM Day 30

2010-11-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I cannot believe the month is over.... and so is AEDM. I added more to my journal page... now I may not be able to complete this until I have read The Artist Way. I really have enjoyed being creative almost everyday this month. It has made me relax a little bit more about work. I have stretched a little bit more in what I have been working on. I really enjoy sharing my work and looking at others and their talents. It has been a great experience. Thanks for looking!

AEDM day 28 & 29

2010-11-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I played around with fabric, glue, paper and tissue and today...

I had a picture from an old Reader's Digest book that I saved, glued it to the fabric and then glued tissue paper over it. Tonight I flipped it over and added the "cowboy" and more tissue and paper and then did some stitching around it and stitched to a page in my journal. I have a couple of more ideas to add to the pages before I journal in them.

I can't believe that the month is over tomorrow and that tomorrow is the last day of Art Everyday Month. I am pretty happy with myself that I only missed a couple of days this year. This was my 3rd time participating and I have come a long way in getting back into being creative again. I am so excited! Thanks for looking!

AEDM Day 26 & 27

2010-11-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving we had a great time... here are some pictures of what I have been doing...

I painted some more background pages.... for my journal as you can see above and below... (I noticed that I have a tendency to use the same colors, is that good or bad? I guess it doesn't matter because I have having fun right?)

On the page below I had experimented with fiber, paper glue (on the left side) added some trim buttons and embroidery too...

Yesterday I added the words "move on"

Today I am going to finish this page and continue to work on a zentangle I started this past week but have not posted any pictures yet. I am moving a little slow as the Doctor doesn't want me using my right hand very much (had a "special" treatment on my elbow to get ride of the tendon problem). I have been good but do have to go to work tomorrow which will be a challenge not to write. Well thanks for looking!

AEDM 22, 23, 24

2010-11-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

I have been on vacation from work yippee... I have been wanting to make chair pads for our wooden chairs that go with the kitchen table... started them on Monday and finished today and I worked in my sunflower journal...

I am playing around with fabric, paper, watercolor crayons, paper bags, pages I have painted from old books and magazine clippings for my collage. I am going to try and play around tomorrow after I get my turkey in (and vacuum before company comes). Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for looking.

AEDM day 21

2010-11-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

I am always cutting stuff out of magazines and above are some of the words that I have clipped. Below is my journal page I have been working on for a few days.

I have finished adding "thoughts" by using words cut out of magazines and added lines to journal...

ahh.... the page is complete....

This looking out my sewing room window... it's been snowing all day!

we have a lot of quail running around....

a few more...

I now want to go work on another journal page or try making "paper" fabric that I saw watching a recorded quilting show. Not sure may actually sew... need to make some place mats for my kitchen table. it's nice to be on vacation and not worry about going to work tomorrow and thinking of projects I can do... thanks for looking!

AEDM day 20

2010-11-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

I finished my "Christmas Trees" today. I am now ready to make a full size one for outside. I am going to drill holes in the wood and poke lights through them. My oldest daughter now wants to make some of these for her house. Now back down to my room to work on something else.... thanks for looking!

AEDM day 17 & 18

2010-11-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

I have been working on my "sunflower" journal for the past couple of days in the evening after work. I started off by drawing the "diamonds" and then last night started adding the other elements last night. I think I am going to add a little bit more and journal. Thanks for looking and have a great day!

AEDM Day 15 & 16 = zentangle #38

2010-11-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

For the past two evenings I have been finishing my zentangle #38. I am also thinking of calling it chaos... I am having a inner struggle with working (my job has become not challenging which is hard for an overachiever)and finding a job that is more creative (may have to start another business). Of course, I have to have insurance so finding another job is not a reality, my insurance and benefits are great and with one kid in college you are locked in. I am ready for my vacation next week to snap out of it and will have happy thoughts about work again. Okay, I will have a little wine with my cheese... I know I am lucky so I will happily go to work now... Thanks for looking and have a great day!

AEDM Day 10 to 14... (skipped 9)

2010-11-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

I had to figure out how to work on art, balance work and time on the computer posting and looking at blogs... the computer lost out this last week. I missed doing anything on day 9 (bad day at work fell asleep in my big chair but who cares, can't let it get you down right!) Here are some pictures of what I have been working on:

My Mom gave me a jigsaw for Xmas last year so I have been wanting to cut out something so I drew the Xmas trees and not sure how they will turn out but, I am having fun! I am going to make a big one to sit out in front of my porch and maybe put some lights on it... not sure. Well off to work and will do something creative after that. Have a great day and thanks for looking!

AEDM -- Day 8

2010-11-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

I worked on my journal page in my sunflower journal....

The next thing I think I would like to do is add some lines to the page and then journal. I think I need to add to the journey the reading of a book I have The Artist Way by Julie Cameron. I started reading it last year but not sure if I was ready if that makes sense. I didn't get to far in the 12 week commitment. I think a am ready this year as I am coming to terms that I don't have to work excessive amounts of hours in my job that it really creates to much stress and I don't need that. Really everyone, thanks for looking, I really do enjoy the comments.... see ya tomorrow!

AEDM DAY 5 and 7...

2010-11-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

I was able to do art on day 5 but missed day 6 (okay we love college ball (BSU) and our team was playing and the gang came over to watch which means cooking and cleaning) I made up for it on day 7...

It was a rainy day here so when I got up, I made some coffee and went down stairs to my room. I painted, carved a couple of stamps and started a zentangle... I think I may work on my zentangle some more tonight. We thanks for looking!

AEDM day 4

2010-11-05T00:23:00.000-06:00

This is may work for AEDM day 4.... finished the left page of my journal and did a bit of work on the face. I actually thought I would get more done but fell asleep in my big chair. That sometimes is my biggest obstacle in getting things done... when I sit sometimes I fall asleep. Drives me crazy sometimes. Well it is actually day 5 now of art every month since it is after midnight so I better go to bed to get some rest to go to work and be creative... thanks for looking!

AEDM day 3

2010-11-03T22:59:00.000-06:00

I had planned on working on my page at lunch today but, I had lunch with my youngest daughter at work today.... I did spend time this evening working on this journal page. I am trying to just go with the flow and not sure how it is flowing at the moment. I think this is going to take me a few days to complete, it just feels that way. I do like it so far but this is kinda of different for me, making me stretch.

Someone asked me what paints I use and I am using watercolor paints but the kind you buy your kids to use in the tin tray. Not knowing having very much experiance with watercolor paints, I didn't want to invest a lot of money in them. It's interesting because I kind of like the acrylic paints better but, will play around with these somemore. Well, thanks for looking!

Art Everyday Month Day 2

2010-11-02T22:53:00.000-06:00

Day two....

I had kind of a busy day between work, then physical therapy, voting and making sure I went into my room and worked on my journal. I did my layout, made a commitment to being creative everyday this month. Glued, painted, cut and pasted this and that down and did a bit of journaling. Realizing need to "loosen" up a bit in the journaling area... have my pages ready for tomorrow. I think my plan is to do some more background pages and have them ready so I can do some drawing at work on my lunch hour... we will see how that works out? Thanks for looking!

Giants win the World Series and a zentangle is finished...

2010-11-01T23:12:00.000-06:00

Yeah.... the Giants win the world series! (I have been a Giants fans since I was a kid)... and while watching the last game of the series.... I finished a zentangle and did some background painting in my new journal:

zentangle #37

new journal....

working in my living room watching the game...

ottomans are a great thing!

and oh yes, you always need your kitty cat to observe your work...

I looked forward to this evening of drawing.... coloring... painting and watching the game. life is good... what a great evening. My goal is to do the same tomorrow. My arm will probably be sore from physical therapy but... not pain no gain knowing me I will do something... Thanks for looking... need to get ready for bed, check my alarm and set it for 5:45am not 5:45pm like I did last night.

new journal...

2010-10-31T22:30:00.000-06:00

I did a few more things to my new journal.... i added a flap and closure.

I liked the idea of the flap and then one the inside cover I added more...

I purchased a drop cloth that you use for painting around the house, cut a strip and painted it and added "words" which were clippings from magazines and books...

It reads:

CONTENTS

INSPIRATION

I heard my voice loud and clear

The time is almost upon me.

She thought for a moment.

"It was your dream, remember? I

just came along for the ride."

Breakthrough

I really liked the feel of the painting canvas and it was easy to sew through by hand when I attached it to the inside cover. I also added some beads and "trinkets" to the strings that were left from sewing on the signatures. My goal is to use this for Art Everyday Month... AEDM and learn techniques for making a journal from The Journal Junkies and Journal Spilling books. Thanks for looking... going to try and finish a zentangle I have been working on. Happy Halloween!

pictures, trick or treat bags and progress on my new journal

2010-10-30T00:33:00.000-06:00

I have been able to do a couple of things... make trick or treat bags for my neighbors kids and snapped some pictures of the sunrise this morning...

Trick or Treat bags for the neighbor kids...

Sunrise this morning... it was beautiful!

New journal ... going to use for AEDM

want to do something else to this but not sure what....

made my own signatures...

and then when I was taking photos of the sunrise before going to PT for my "tennis elbow" I shot a two minute video of the sunrise and put some music with it, Obiero by Ayub Ogada from the movie I Dreamed of Africa... at the end you can hear the quail...

It was nice to stand outside and enjoy the moment and listen to the quail fly out of my pine trees... it was about 7:10 this morning when I took the pictures.

This has been an interesting week with trying to be creative and dealing with my "tennis elbow"... It turns out my problem is beyond tennis elbow and my tendon is messed up so, it is hard to write and draw. It's my right hand/arm and I am right handed. Started using the mouse with my left. Physical therapy is rough, they break down your muscle tissues so they can rebuild... thank goodness for ice! Well need to go to bed and try to sleep with a straight arm... thanks for looking!