Experimenting!

"Joy"

With all of the extraneous excitement we've had in the past few weeks - including a hurricane, a nor'easter, AND a Holiday - not to mention Jim's doctor's appointments and "general life duties", art has taken a back seat. I did have a smidgen of time to spend in my little art room over the weekend, so I made a conscious decision to "play". Yes . . . . . "Play!" Consequently, I discovered a few new tricks and techniques to maximize my precious studio time.

Since time was of the essence, I used a photocopy of a background that I'd previously created, added a new image and loaded on more "color". Then the fun began . . . . . I started to doodle. Yes . . . . . "doodle"!!! I used a black marker and gave my hand and mind free reign. I drew and played to my heart's content. Scrolls, loops, hearts, swags and daisies spilled out of my pen and onto the page. It was cathartic and, most of all, it was F-U-N!!!

May your day be blessed with "creative joy & fun"!

♥

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!

Having lived through a year filled to the brim with many personal issues, there were times when it was difficult to see the proverbial forest for the trees. Through it all, one constant has remained: My sincere gratitude to the Father of the Universe for the gifts that I've been granted . . . both large and small.

After this year's trials and tribulations, I've learned take nothing for granted and now express my "gratitude" for each day's blessings. Something as seemingly insignificant as the morning smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee or the sight of rainbow prisms dancing across my kitchen floor is cause for celebration. A long talk with a dear friend, the sound of laughter, uninterrupted time spent in thought or working in my little studio are all treasured gifts. A good night kiss, holding hands, smiles exchanged across a dinner table, and quiet moments spent in silence are priceless reasons for expressing "thanks".

This journal page was completed three years ago, and it's still one of my favorite pieces. It features a beautiful sentiment expressed by one of my favorite poets, Kahil Gibran. My artistic style has changed and evolved during the past three years; however, so has my deep appreciation for all of the blessings that I've been granted. I don't need a special day to remind me that I've personally been "blessed beyond belief".

May your Thanksgiving celebration be filled with gratitude and many blessings!
♥

Credits: The composite girl is my image, however, many of the are images from Nancy Baumiller's Crowabout Flickr group with the following exceptions: From Suzee Que (Flickr) - Baby behind the turkey, the wishbone with fruit, and the turkey spoon. From Tumblefish Studio (Deviant Scrap) - All of the crowns, including the one on her head and those used to make the ruffle for the apron. From Dover Publications - The butterflies.

A Charming Swap

My Assorted Charms

My mixed media collage Muse seems to have been on vacation these last few months. While she's away I've been playing in different mediums and recently participated in a private art swap involving handmade charms. Any and all materials were welcome, however, utilizing fabric was a requirement for one of the charms.

I haven't made a fabric yo-yo in years, nor have I embroidered recently - skills that my Beloved Grandmother taught me when I was a child. My "favorite" charms were made from tiny bits of plastic fish tubing and vintage pearls from a broken necklace.

Working with a new set of criteria forced me to think outside of the proverbial box, but that's what challenges are all about. They're about finding new methods and means of creative expression.

May you have the courage to challenge yourself creatively!

 ♥

"Serendipity"

"Serendipity"

Although I've always been a firm believer of the old adage: "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade!", this past week has tested both my resilience and mettle. Hurricane Sandy paid a visit and, fortunately, left us with very little damage. We lost our power for four days and sustained minor tree damage; however, it could have been much worse. We were blessed . . . . everyone we know and love is safe and sound. Many in our State are still without power and have sustained great loss. Please keep all who've been affected in your prayers.

Sandy's visit DID curtail my creativity a bit. A "powerless" "Geek Goddess" is NOT a happy camper! My art-making, FaceBook and blogging activities all suffered from a lack of electricity and light; however, my creative writing flourished. 

"Serendipity" is a piece that I created months ago. She's particularly relevant to this post, because she was born by using an image that I was not initially pleased with. During her "birth", my printer ran out of ink, and the resultant striations on the printed copy intrigued me. Rather than throw her away, I decided to use the "damaged" print and am happy that I did!

May your "lemonade" always be "sweet"!

 ♥