WOYWW #604

So what's up all my crafty friends?  Guess what? This is the LAST Wednesday of 2020!!!!! Can you believe it?? It still blows my mind! I know we say that A LOT as we get older, but it truly does blow my mind how fast a year goes by! In this year's case, however, I am super glad to see it go like dust in the wind!!! LOL So we are hooking up with Julia for the last time in 2020 over on her Stamping Ground blog for one last work desk photo of the year! So come on over and share yours!

I hope you ALL had a very Merry Christmas! I must admit that it was the best Christmas I have had in a long time, in spite of COVID!! We still aren't supposed to gather in significant numbers her in my state, however, we can be in an immediate family setting with care. So the weekend before Christmas we had my family get together at my sisters for a gay old time! It is always filled with loud laughter, and fun! Just like we like it!! We also were allowed to take mother out of her nursing home for the whole weekend! Consequence was quarantine for 14 days when she got back, BUT it was totally worth it on both sides!!! She was so happy to be with her family for a whole weekend!! And we were happy to be with her!!

Christmas day came with lots of goodies under the tree for my girlies and their boyfriends and they truly spoiled their ole mama with way too much!! We enjoyed a wonderful day together celebrating before they both made off to their fellas families. I finished out my day doing the thing I love best....ART!!! I'd say it was the perfect day! I hope you ALL had the same!

So here is my desk as it stands today!! Lord help me!! This picture is as of this morning and it is a mess as are the desk surroundings! LOL I was arting last night so quite a bit of that goings on is still there!! Since Christmas projects have been done, I am now working on my February ATC swap! They don't have to be in just yet, but I want to go ahead and get them done and sent so I can work on other things.

Blurry eyed morning photo! LOL

The pile of gel pens were pulled out thinking I would use them, but then I discovered that quite a few of them were not working albeit still FILLED with ink!!! So, me being the OCD person I am had to pull them ALL out and see which worked and which didn't and then go about devising a plan to get them to work.......still haven't had success on that score however!!! Anybody with any ideas, feel free to share! Very irritating to say the least and a lot of money (we all know how much those gel pens cost!!!) down the drain if I have to throw them out! Uggghhh!

At the very back are past art projects that I have on my desk to encourage me that "I can" do it! As well as a few card arts from some of my beautiful online arty pals! You will also see to the right back, my WOYWW badge that I made but never really showed at the Zoom Crop because our name showed up on the monitor! LOL Also there is some leftover cutouts from Project Christmas and to the forefront to the left and right are gifts from Santa to me that I will share in "prettier" (cleaner...haha) pictures below.

Thank you Santa! *wink*

So Santa digs have to be shown!!! So, let's just say that nothing EVER seems to go as planned! LOL I had ordered these gifty items several weeks ago because I knew it would take a fat minute for them to get to me because of the holidays PLUS COVID!!! And can we say, why is EVERYONE using COVID as a scapegoat NOT to get things done?????? That's an argument for another time! LOL Anywho, as I mentioned in a past post I loved the one Art Philosophy palette that I shared with you recently and decided to order three more from same company. Well, we all know you can get it on Amazon cheaper, so that's what I did. All three palettes were to come from the same seller. I also ordered a new BIG porcelain palette for my watercolors that I fell in love with.  Both items were to come the week of Christmas.

Yummy colors! Can't wait to play!

When I got the package for the paints, only two palettes were in there????????? Where was the third??? By the way, the missing palette, Vintage Pastel, was what kicked this whole thing off to begin with! That was the first palette that I saw online that I knew I wanted to try! LOL Now I have all BUT THAT ONE!!! Amazon "said" it had been delivered with the other two! I was not happy! So I emailed the seller explaining and even offered to take a photo of the small package to show that there was no way 3 palettes could get in that package. It took them days to email me back and of course they wanted a photo of the packing slip....there was not one....so I sent them the other photo as well as a photo of the package with both palettes in it for proof!  End of story.....they credited my card the amount of the palette????? What???? Mind you, I'm thankful for the refund, BUT why not just send the palette????? This is all just my luck!!! Now....I STILL don't have the palette that I originally wanted and I'm pooped! LOL  I will have to reorder it I guess, but NOT from that seller! LOL  All beautiful colors, by the way and just what I wanted. Just a note, the swatch paper on the one palette was not good quality paper and pilled when I did my swatch test, so only complaint! Santa was good to me! :)

Gifts aren't the reason for the season, to be sure, but I do hope that you all found a little guilty pleasure under the tree or in the mail or from a loved one! After all, we ALL deserve a treasure now and again and we all need to be kind to ourselves!

I don't set new years resolutions, however I saw a video yesterday from a wonderful artist that I follow and it really struck a cord with me! Tamara LaPorte or Willowing as we all know her, who does Life Book each year (still haven't done one yet), is such an inspirational artist and one who encourages the artist to be kind to themselves and to let their inner self come through on the page through their art! She is really an inspiration! Anyway, the video she posted really resonated with me as a sometime self critical artist and I encourage you to watch it if you at all have trouble with that from time to time. So all in all, my "not" new years resolution is to be kinder to myself in 2021 and be more forgiving of myself with my art when it doesn't always "look" like what my tiny mind thinks it should look like and to definitely STOP comparing myself to other artists! I am who I am and that's ENOUGH!! And guess what.....YOU are who you are and that is ALSO ENOUGH! Just BEAUTIFUL YOU!!!

Happy New Year to you all and thank you for allowing me to come on this beautiful WOYWW art journey with you! Most of all thank you all for your friendships!!! Here's looking at an AWESOME 2021!!

Blessings!

WOYWW #602

Good Wednesday all my crafty friends! Well......things are winding down! I can't believe next week is Christmas! I felt like I had alllllllll this time to get things prepared, done and mailed and ALL OF A SUDDEN.....now I don't!!! LOL Isn't that just how we all are during the holidays??? I think it seems to always turn out to be this rush, rush thing, when all along it should have been this peaceful thing!! I don't know that I will ever learn! LOL There is always hope! LOL

Well today, will be a short sweet and simple! I don't have anything I can show today over on Julia's linky blog due to the fact that these last little bits are gifts and I wouldn't want anyone to see something that may be for them and then there goes the surprise!! Technically, I guess they wouldn't "know" it was destined for them, but better safe than sorry, I say! LOL  But head on over to Stamping Ground if you want to show off your digs!

I will show you all one of the exciting gifts that Santa has already brought to me. Bet you didn't know I have an inside link......hee hee! This little yummy is part of a set for me and so this is just a pre-Christmas teaser and the rest I will have to wait for Christmas like all the other good little girls and boys (assuming I have been good, of course!) LOL

As you may know, I love watercolors and I have a really awesome Schmincke set that I looked at and wanted for quite a while before Santa brought me that lovely set a couple of years ago. Schmincke watercolors are fabulous artist-grade watercolors that are just gorgeous to see on paper. So, I wouldn't trade them for anything, but I have been seeing a few sets from Art Philosophy that have been eye candy to me for quite a while.  Now Art Philosophy watercolors are not even in the same playing field as Schmincke's so I didn't want them for any sort of comparison.  Art Philosophy says they are artist-grade, but many have questioned that. I wanted them strictly for a different type of art result on the paper. So I am going into it with that in mind. I'm not looking to get the same result out of them that I get out of Schminke watercolors.

Art Philosophy Watercolor Confections Woodlands

Are those colors GORGE or what??? They are definitely "my" color palette!! I have done a swatch thus far and they were so yummy to lay down! The colors are bold and vibrant and I am in love!! LOL Some people complained of the Confections line as being "chalky," but I did not experience that at all!! I haven't done a piece with them yet, but as soon as the holiday crazy's are over, that is the plan! Santa will also be bringing me the Terrain, Vintage Pastel and Pastel Dreams sets. I am so stoked! The latter two do have white pigment in them (obviously), but again, I am buying them KNOWING that is what are in these palettes and therefore, they won't be "inferior" paints to me! Honestly, I am not sure what folks think they are going to get other than the "pastel" that is on the label? But, I will stop ranting now! LOL I am looking forward to them and just blessed that I am able to add them to my stash!

So, I am trying to beat the clock by finishing up gifts for many. I took all next week off from work to spend a precious holiday week with my girls, so I have to have "work gifts" done Thursday to take to work Friday! Wish me luck, or a gust of wind, or maybe a swift kick in the pants! LOL I hope you all have all your Christmas crafts done, wrapped, and under the tree! :)

As I will be off next week, I am sure I won't make the WOYWW #603, I want to wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and my heart remains faithful that Jesus is the reason for the season! I know we all celebrate Christmas in many different ways and for different reasons, but even in that, we can all remain joyful, loving, and kind to our fellow man! I think that gets left out of the "rush" of Christmas, but it is so very important to keep that at the forefront of our minds because after all, that is what will bring in your NEW YEAR!!  I'd rather breathe joy and peace on my coming new year than "Scroogy" thoughts, stress and hustle and bustle!!LOL

Blessings to you all and one and again Merry Christmas! :)

P.S. I want to point out that I read Mary Anne's blog every week and love what she always shows on her craft desk, but I can NEVER post a comment! I have tried every which way that I know, but it doesn't happen! Just wanted you to know Mary Anne that I do read and appreciate what you share! :) Blessings!

WOYWW #601!!

Good Wednesday crafty friends!!! All I can say at the start of this post is WOW!!!!! We had a fabulous Zoom meeting gathering on Saturday!! Thank you so much Julia for organizing a great day!! Everyone was so chatty, witty and just all around fun to finally meet!! We had a large crowd in the afternoon meeting, but the more the merrier, I say! It's always a hoot to see how like minded, crafty folks act when they get together! I hope its something we will all get to do again! Thanks again Julia! :)

Speaking of Julia, it's time to share what's on my work desk as part of WOYWW over on her blog! #601 sounds so weird, but so glad that I am a part of this great group!! So I am still trying to get Christmas gifts finished and in the mail here and there! I hope any of them make it to their destination by Christmas with what's happening in our world right now, but fingers crossed, they will do!

First up, I will show a finished picture of my watercolor Christmas cards that I made for a few people. You had seen one and the start of another, but here are three of them finished and ready to put in the mail.  These cards will be accompanied by their individual gifts that I also have shown snippets of here and there. And second, these are three of the Project Christmas gifts that I have been making.

Winter Bird Cards

Accompanied Project Christmas gifts

Since I don't really have anything else to share on my desk today,  will take liberties to further the discussion that brought tears to my eyes on Saturday. The one of ......Marmite!!! I STILL laugh when I think about it!! After doing some extensive research on the subject,  I stand by my statement that I find it hard to envision eating something that you can spread on bread, toast, biscuits and crackers and at the same time used it to enhance stews and casseroles......things that make you go hmmmmmmm......LOLOL 

Hmmmmmmmm?

It has also come to my attention that the name "marmite" is often used as a metaphor for something that is an acquired taste or tends to polarize opinion.  That being said, it would seem therefore, according to my ex husband, that marmite and I have a lot in common!!! In addition, it also seems that marmite has been used as an ingredient in cocktails. That being said, Julia, I encourage you to come up with some fine concoction using that lovely bottle of gin!!  LOLOL  I, however, will take your word for whatever miracle of madness that crosses your lips!!!

I must add that the above antics are all in fun and I am sure it is something that is part of your culture that many enjoy and have since around 1902. I will point out that there is nothing that I won't try, once, so given the opportunity I would. So for all you marmite lovers out there, carry on and enjoy!!! LOL

Well, I will call it a wrap for this Wednesday!! Thank you again Julia and all you lovely ladies that took the time to take part on Saturday. I do want to give a shout out to my long time online pal Zsuzsa!! She crafted away Saturday like a boss and I didn't even get to talk to her!! It was so good to see your smiling face and really hope we can all meet up again and I can give you a proper shout out!! Hugs to you friend!

Happy Wednesday to all and now to get to your crafty spaces! :)

WOYWW #600!!!!! Wahoooooooo!!!

Good Wednesday all my crafty friends and HAPPY 600!!! What a milestone Julia!!!!! And one I am so proud to be a part of!!! If you aren't sure what I am talking about you can head over to our host for What's on Your Work Desk Wednesday,  Julia Dunnit's blog, and you can meet her and read about our six hundred weeks milestone of sharing each others' desks, creativity, inspiration and getting to know one another and develop friendships!! I don't remember how I stumbled upon your blog when I first joined several years ago Julia, but I am so glad that I did and so thankful for all your hard work to keep this going for all this time! I love living in the states, but this is one time I wish I lived across the pond so that I could have taken more a part of your treasures and the Zoom meet up (UPDATE, LLJ just let me know that its this weekend...yayy!! I thought I'd missed it!! As I told her, guess you all see who actually pays attention and who doesn't! LOL), but please know that I'm a very grateful arty crafter!!

As stated above, I do live in the states so last week, whilst being MIA from last week's WOYWW and the Zoom meeting, I was amidst Thanksgiving holiday!! I know most of my friends on WOYWW are across the pond and do not celebrate this holiday, but let me say it's a week of cooking to get ready and then visiting with family and friends to celebrate the harvest and blessings of the past year! Even if you don't celebrate this holiday in particular, we can ALL find something to be THANKFUL for!!! I could spend the rest of my life celebrating and still have MORE to be thankful for!!! I'm an extremely blessed person and give ALL THE GLORY to My Father in Heaven!! I wish I could have been a part in particular with the Zoom meeting on Saturday, but that was our big family gathering (yes, we are allowed to get together with family where I live, just not big meeting/convention type gatherings) and I was unable to attend! I am sure it was a blast!! Thanks again to Julia! :)

So what's on my work desk this week? Well I took this picture last night and you will see a couple of projects going on.  I am feverishly trying to get all my Christmas crafting and gift making done and put in the mail. In the foreground, you will see a finished Christmas card and then next to it, I am starting another one.  I am using my Schmincke watercolor pallette, which I love so much!! I have my eye on a couple of new pallette's that I hope Santa brings me! :) LOL  Also next to the card in process is one of my finished "Project Christmas" ornaments that I am making for family and friends! I have been having a ball doing those!

Getting ready for Christmas!

I also had to get my ATC Swap cards over on Amy's Art Alchemy done in the mail by the 15th. So I got them done first and in the mail so that I could concentrate on finishing gifts. I failed to take a composite shot of them all, so you will just have to see them individually! As I have said before, Amy does not give prompts or themes, she just leaves it up to the creator to do as they wish, but I couldn't resist the "Christmas theme!" These were true mixed media projects because I used everything from watercolor to acrylic, embelishments to dip pen and ink! I hope whoever receives them across the world will enjoy! I really do love doing ATC's! When I first started doing them years ago, it was very intimidating to me, but now it's my fave project to do! I also really love doing tags, although, I haven't done them in a minute! Maybe some new years projects...who knows?

Dip pen & ink Santa & Watercolor!

Dip pen & Ink and Finetec watercolor!

Watercolor, emphemera, acrylic, stenciling

Watercolor, emphemera, wood, glitter

Watercolor, Crackle Paste, wood, acrylic

Watercolor, Crackle Paste, wood, acrylic, washi tape

Well, that's it for me folks!!!! Again, Happy Six Hundred Julia and all!  Thank you again for letting me be a part of this amazing group of artists, it truly has been a pleasure over these past several years, even with my hiatus! LOL  I look forward to a great new year of all things crafty!!

Many blessings for a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY! :) Now time to hop over and check you all out! :)

WOYWW #598

Well, good Wednesday all my crafty friends!!  This is coming to you late today, which is a saying something since I didn't participate AT ALL last week!!! LOL  Needless to say, it has been a very busy two weeks for me. Working in government, as I do, it gets testy at times and sometimes a bit of a frenzy.  Fortunately for me, I didn't really have anything to share last week, so I didn't feel too bad! LOL

This week, I don't really have any finished products to share, but I will share the embarrassment of my messy desk! I didn't take a "close up" shot because there are things on there that I am in the midst of that I don't want to reveal as of yet, but of course, zoom has its advantages! LOL

What a nightmare!!!!!!

At the front of my desk, I am working on my December ATC's for my International Art Alchemy Swap over on Instagram.  To the left of those, you will see the stack of "Project Christmas" goodies.  You will also see one at the back of the desk.  I am working here and there on those. It has turned out to be a slow go because, as usual, I choose to do something that tends to be a little challenging!! It's never anything simple!!! LOL  Mind you, it's all great ideas, but I just get a little over-ambitious sometimes! LOL  Good thing is, I usually plug away until I skid in, in the ninth hour!! I thought we were supposed to get wiser as we got older?????? LOLOL  It's all in great fun and I wouldn't have it any other way if truth be told!

Again, working in local government as I do, we have seen so much devastation lately, on a public level as well as a personal level. Unfortunately, I have seen quite a few close personal losses to this terrible pandemic! I am literally quite fed up with it all! I know that we all are globally, but when it hits home, it even more frustrating.  I think the most frustrating part of it all is that there is no sense in it all! No sense and no need for all these beautiful people to have their lives cut short to something like this!!  Sadly, family and friends don't even get to see their loved one before they pass, which is the thorn in the flesh as Paul says in the Bible!

I know there are so many hurting people around the world and you, reader, may be one of them.  I want to encourage you all, that God's Word strengthens us and helps us keep our peace and joy in times like these.  It's hard NOT to see the things going on around us in these perilous times, but if we keep ourselves focused on God's Word and His promises therein, it pays off spiritually.

Too often people focus on their problems or the problems of this world instead of meditating on God's promises. As they do, their problems seem to get bigger, and God's power diminishes. I encourage you today to NOT let the enemy control your thoughts and steal your joy! Listen, no matter what is going on around us, albeit disease, crazy weather conditions, voting in elected officials, or the loss of dear loved ones, God is STILL God and He still sits high on His throne!! It doesn't make Him any less powerful or loving, BUT our response to those circumstances do!! 

God blessed me with these two verses this morning to keep close to my heart and I pray they will bless you as well:

I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is FULLNESS of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

I pray you all have a fantastic Wednesday and hopefully join us over on Julia's blog with your own desking. I hope to get around to you all today!  Blessings for the rest of your week!!!

Happy Crafting!

WOYWW #596

Good Wednesday all my crafty friends!!! I pray I find you all healthy and full of peace!  In these uncertain times, especially here in the states as we await election results (at the time of this writing), I find it imperative that I rely on my inner peace of the Lord to look past the surface and toward eternity! "My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish." John 10:27-28 It's not that unrest and illness are not a factor for so many, it's more of my trust in a God that has a plan for my life, plans for prosperity and not harm, and for hope and a future regardless of the circumstances of life! My friends, here and abroad, today, I pray all that for you and more.

It's share day over on Julia's blog!! I love Wednesdays, in spite of the bad rap it gets as hump day!!! LOL Why? Because sharing is caring and I care! I apologize for not getting around to everyone's work spaces last week, but a BIG thank you to all of you who visited mine and shouted out well wishes for my doctor's appointment!! I had a great appointment and he was pleased with everything!! Thank you so much the love!

This week, I have several things going on around my desk, so I have several shots of all the little ditties this week.  First off I will share my small assortment of treasures that I got at that big box craft store that I guys told you about last week that I visited after my doctor's appointment.  Bad thing is that they really didn't have a lot going on, good thing is......I didn't spend tons of money!! Silver lining! LOL  I have become increasingly disappointed with this particular store because they have stopped carrying a lot of the crafty goodness that I liked to buy for the type of art that I like to do, so it forces me to buy online. Not too bad I guess, but being the cheapskate that I am, I just don't like paying for shipping! Things could be worse, I guess.....like NO place to buy at all!! 

Big Box Treasures!

So, not a lot but a few things on sale.  The watercolor pads always come in handy for small artness that I like to gift out to people but also can be cut down for ATC's in a pinch.  The ribbon will hopefully be used in "Project Christmas" as well as the Uniball gold and silver pens!  Who can't use those at Christmas time, right?  And then the Kuretake pen I have been wanting for a while and got to use as well in "Project Christmas!"  I have a hard time finding ANY kind of pen that will work on mixed media without drying out QUICKLY (any suggestions, let me know!), so I'm hopeful this will do the trick!!  Watercolor cards with envelopes set I love to have when I want to send a personal touch of creativity to a friend or loved one! Don't you just love getting mail??? It's a dying art, I tell you! So a small, but useful haul! :)

ATC Swap Goodies!

Next on the table was happy mail that I received over the weekend!! They are the ATC's that I received as part of my International ATC Swap over on Amy's Art Alchemy on Instagram.  I was so excited to see what I would be sent and I was so happy with my goodies!! My ATC's came from Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and the UK!!! Each one so pretty and creative!! I love seeing everyone's expression of art! It makes me so happy, which is why I love being involved in something like that!  It's a blessing to get to know other like-minded people! And to glean from their craftiness!  What a treasure!

Lastly, on my desk, today is the makings of backgrounds for my upcoming ATC swap. I pulled out my gorgeous Caran D'ache crayons and my Finetec watercolors. Two of my favorite mediums that are a joy to work with! I also pulled out some of my Daler Rowney Acrylic Inks, which I also love to work with. Who am I kidding?  I like working with ANY art product! LOLOL Aren't we all just glutenous when it comes to craft goodies???? LOL Not sure where I am going with those backgrounds, but we shall see!

I went to Hotlanta for a long weekend and went trick or treating with my nieces and nephews and ended up at a Halloween Party and one of my niece's homes. Our family loves being wild and crazy, playing games and dressing up!! We always have since being kids. So we all dressed up and had a great time!  My sister dressed me as a Unicorn and it turned out great!!!  I guess I will always be just a big kid! LOLOL  Hope everyone had a fun Halloween weekend, however you choose to celebrate it! :)

I Love My Family!!!!

OF COURSE, I COMPLIED! LOL

Have a wonderful Wednesday and an awesome rest of the week!!

Blessings!

WOYWW #595

 Good Wednesday all my crafty friends!!! It's time to share our creativity over on Julia's blog!! Sharing is caring after all!!! LOL  I hope you all had a great rest of last week and had some crafty fun!

This will be a short quick post this week.  I have a 1/2 day at work as I have to go to see my Radiologist today!!  It's about an hour's drive away, which always gives one time to reflect on the way!  We all need that time to reflect from time to time, don't we!!  The BEST thing about going to those appointments is that it gives me the opportunity to go to my FAVE big box hobby store!!! Yay me!!! Hey, you have to see the silver lining in every cloud!!!! LOL  The town I live in is small and we really don't have any crafty shops to buy goodies from, so when I do make the drive out of town I hit that store FOR SURE!! I need goodies to aid in finishing my "Project Christmas!"  Look out hobby store! LOL

So, what's on my desk today?? A few finished pieces and a "sneak peek" of my "Project Christmas" going on.  So you recall last week I shared that I made a new friend out of the International ATC Swap Group over on Instagram that I am involved in and she asked if I wanted to swap with her because I really liked a group of ATC's that she had made, and of course, I DID!!! So I got her ATC's off just in a timely manner and wanted to show what I sent her and what she sent me!! She asked for something Halloween or Animal, so I thought I would combine them! LOL I had loads of fun doing the "Halloween" theme! You can check my new friend out over on Instagram at Juliasartcards!

ATC's for Julia!!

I received Julia's trade card yesterday in the mail!! I love "owls" and she did some fabulous ones that I saw and commented about on her page and so she wanted to trade one!! I love it!!! Great colors and he is sooooooo cute!! Thanks so much Julia!!!

Cutest owl EVER!!!

So, what else is on the desk?  Well, if you take a look at the picture above, you get a "sneak peek" of my "Project Christmas!"  I am working fast and furious on those guys!  I want to get them done, so that I can focus on other projects and feel good that my gifts are made!! LOL  I will definitely show some finished product for you guys!!

Lastly, I will show another finished piece that I had shared the beginnings of in another recent post.  If you will remember, I noted that this one, I will be keeping ALL FOR ME! LOL  I think it turned out pretty good or at least how I had imagined it in my mind.  I will be framing it for my wall.  I wish that I was tech/computer/camera/video savvy because I never can capture a sense of what the true colors are in some of my crafts.  This piece, I used my Schmincke watercolor palette as well as my amazing Finetec Artist Mica Watercolors!! I coveted those guys for so long and FINALLY got them for myself last Christmas! I love them!! They are so rich and creamy and full of mica shimmers, which you can't see in this photo! But it was loads of fun to do!

Well guys, that's it for me today! I hope to get around to everyone today, but it will be a quick morning before I get on the road and not sure if I will have the time. I'll at least try to troll your pages, but may not be able to comment! 

Here's hoping your rest of the week is EXTREMELY BLESSED!

WOYWW #594 So many projects, so little time!!!

Good Wednesday all my crafty friends!!! It Wednesday again and over at Julia's Stamping Ground, we are sharing the love....crafty love that is! LOL  Come on over and join us and share what's happening on your work desk today!

So as I kind of hinted, I have several projects on my desk, or close by, hee hee, and December is like....right around the corner!! Ugghhh!  I'm on a mad furry because as I stated last week, I like to give the gift of creativity to friends and loved ones.  I don't do Christmas cards like so many of you talented card makers do, but I will bang out a project, which I'm thinking takes longer! LOL  The problem with it all, is I get the hair-brained ideas when I'm backed in a corner and have to pull out my cape and superpowers to get it done in time!!!  I think that's called procrastination.....hmmmmmm? And besides, I don't look good in the whole skin-tight superpower suit!! Too many lumps! LOL

Last week, I also shared my ATC's that I did get in the mail on time (believe it or not) that I did for the swap over on Instagram at Amy's Art Alchemy and I can't wait to receive my swap cards from a new art friend from somewhere in this world. So exciting!! Anywho, I met a new crafty friend in the group whose art I commented on and then she asked did I want to trade with her! Of course.... who's going to say no to that! LOL  So the last photo I took of my desk was on Sunday where I actually have the beginnings of my new ATC's for the swap with her and the beginnings of Project Christmas.

Beginning Ornaments and ATC's

You will remember one of my recent posts "Project Mom" whereby my talented sister does amazing woodwork with that giant machine! She graciously agreed to cut me out some wood pieces for my Project Christmas, which are to the left of the ATC's.  I got her to cut out three different shapes and I will be making Christmas ornaments out of them. I have done some base painting thus far, but I had to do a little here and a little there because I had to get those Instagram Swaps in the Mail and to Texas by the 15th.  And then I wanted to get my new friends ATC's in the mail by this Monday. So, exhalation, LOL, now I can get back on the ornaments.  I will share as I get them done for sure.

Three cuts for my "Project Christmas!"

Well that's it for my crafts this week, but I wanted to share with you what my precious daughter brought to me on Saturday.  I was crafting, and she knows I get in the "zone" when I'm crafting, so she thought it would be a pretty good prank to call me out of my room to "help her do something," as my response would most likely be something like, *sigh to the max*, but I would drag myself away to help! And this is what I found:

My Dolly!

Isn't she a peach?????  She is just an amazing young lady, wise beyond her years, and ALWAYS thinks of others before herself!  I have a lot to learn from that little cookie I tell you! But she wanted to bless me with this little bouquet and sing her favorite song that I sung to her when she was a little tyke...You are my sunshine, my only sunshine...!  Isn't that the sweetest????   Turns out, SHE was MY little sunshine on Saturday!

I will leave you with this today:

"Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of ALL the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately EVERYTHING is going to be alright and the determined choice to praise od in EVERY situation!" ~~ Rick Warren

"Then your light will break out like the dawn. Your recovery will speedily spring forth. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:8

Let God be your Joy today! Let Him be your sunshine, the lamp to your feet, and light to your path, the water for your well, and your Rear Guard of protection, assurance, comfort and strength!

Blessings to you!

WOYWW #593 - ATC's and Me!

Good Wednesday all my crafty friends! Here's hoping you all are having a lovely week thus far!  My past weekend was filled with craftiness as I have several projects on the table right now!!  Holiday time is coming up and I love giving handmade gifts as, number one, it brings me a lot of joy to give someone something I personally made and thought about "just for them," and then because its almost always something "arty" which is also something that brings me a lot of joy! There is a place for things bought at a store, especially if it's something that someone has really been wanting, but I love giving people something from a creative heart!! :)

That being said, last week was a fast and furious push to get my ATC's in the mail for the ATC Swap Group I am in over on Instagram at Amy's Art Alchemy. I am late getting into the group and the ATC's for October's swap are due by the 15th!! So I had put the peddle to the metal and get those puppies created and in the mail early last week! Here's hoping they make it in time! :)  Below see my fall creations:

Emphemera Set

 

Dip Pen & Ink and Acrylic Set

Watercolor Zentangle Set

There was no designated theme, however, with my favorite time of the year upon us, I found it hard not to use the "fall" theme.  My mind was a flurry of ideas, so I decided not to make all the cards the same but do three different crafty ways that I like to create.  The first two I did with emphemera, bookpage, packing material, and the like, and my trusty Distress Inks. I also added some of Finnabair's Art Ingredient Glass Beads and Glitter.  I love that stuff because it just adds that little extra pop of texture.

In the second set, I wanted to use my dip pen and ink.  I again used some book page but this time as my background along with a little gesso so it could still show through.  After sketching out both cards with my dip pen and ink, I then used my yummy Golden Fluid Acrylics to add color! As I said in my last post, I love, love Gold Fluid Acrylics! They flow so well and the colors are amazing!

In the third set, I knew I wanted to use Zentangle, which I love to do.  The backgrounds were all using my fabulous Schmincke watercolors.  They are amazing watercolors that are a joy to work with and the colors are so vibrant!  I then used my dip pen and ink again for the Zentangles as well as a white gel pen for some extra pop. And voila!

Sunday as I was creating, I happened to look out the window and had this gorgeous view! Usually when I see a rainbow, it's somewhat distorted, like the second one, but the first one was amazingly rich and vibrant.  The second one was a bonus!! Why do we NEVER get tired of that glorious, spiritual sight?  For me, it's confirmation of God's promise in His Word that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood.  It is said that a double rainbow is a sign of transformation. Transformation is a process of growth and sometimes it's a test of the heart.  In God's Word He says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2  The last year has been a year of transformation for me and sometimes a little painful, but I believe that God confirms His promises to us through many ways to strengthen us and give us peace.  I am a visual person and for me, when I see God's created rainbows, That's Abba Father saying, "I've got you, I hear you and you will never be alone or forsaken!"  I am so very thankful to serve a God who cares for me and loves me with an eternal purpose in mind!

Well, that's a wrap, my friends! I pray the rest of the week for you all is filled with the many colors of the rainbow!!  Happy WOYWW!

Blessings

WOYWW #592.....Mom Project!

Good Wednesday all my crafty friends!!!!  I know we all say this....hee hee...but it seems like we were just here!!! LOLOL  I don't mind though because that means I am "arting" again, which is such a joy!!!  I am so thankful for all your visits last week.  I try to get to everyone's home spot, but sometimes don't make all of them.  I also try to respond to ALL your special comments, but last week, I didn't get the opportunity to do so! 😢  I just got busy with my week, and it didn't happen.  NOT that I didn't read and appreciate each one!!  I'm so thankful for you all!

So what's on my desk today?  Well several projects, but I will just show you the one that I am immediately working on for a new and very special challenge that I am in.  I used to get involved in every challenge that came around, but I got so busy that I didn't know if I was coming or going!!! LOL  Since getting back into the art arena, I have decided to do only one or two challenges and just keep it to that so that I don't get burned out or feel stressed!  This year I've claimed peace in my life and so that's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL  Anywho this challenge is a wonderful ATC swap challenge over on Amy's Art Alchemy on Instagram (#a3atcswapgroup).  This precious lady had a heart to start an ATC Swap for folks all over the world!  She is such a precious spirit and it comes out in her videos over on YouTube.  Her testimony comes out in her character and art!  Check her out and join in if you like!  Right now, there are over 300 members! WOW, right??

First of five for my swap!

She asks for 5 ATC's to send in to swap and then you get 5 back from a random artist that could be from the US or across the pond! I'm so excited to get to see some gifted artist from around the globe and be honored to keep it!!  Anywho, this is one that I was working on at the time of this photo and, of course, I pulled out my beloved dip pen to start.   You will see some Golden fluid paint in the back, which I LOVE, to use on this card.  Golden fluids are the BEST and if I could afford them, I'd have them ALL! LOL But alas, I will settle for a "few" of the itty bitty bottles!  I will show the finished 5 next week! If you want to be a part for October, they have to be turned in by the 15th! I better get my booty scootin! LOL

Ok, so MOM PROJECT!!! I had so much stinking fun doing this project.  As some of you may know, my mother is in a nursing home and at this home, she is not allowed to have anything on her walls (she was allowed one picture of her father...ugghhh!😡) so my sisters and I have always tried to gussy up her bulletin board and hang something on her door for holidays and different seasons.  Well as you know, those things wear out and it gets expensive continuously buying decorations, so we decided to make something that would permanently hang on her door and that we could change out pieces for seasons and holidays!!!! Brilliant, right??? So here is what we came up with.

My beautiful sisters are VERY crafty and GIFTED ladies in their own right.  They both work with woodworking and make signs, wall hangings, wreaths, etc.....with wood and mixed media.  The middle piece is the main piece and then the centerpiece (in this case, the pumpkin) she can change out for the seasons.  My one sister who has this amazing machine can cut any piece you'd like from what she designs on her computer:

 

It's the coolest thing ever.  Anywho, we each took 4-5 pieces each and designed them with our own personal touch.  So the pieces around the centerpiece are just some of the pieces that we designed.  They will have velcro on the back for her ease of taking them off and putting them on.  Here are the ones I designed below:

                                   

What do you think?  I had so much fun doing these pieces! And so did they.  We plan on giving her the finished product for Christmas!  Both of my sisters have their own Instagram pages if you want to look at their amazing talents.  Tiffany, who has that awesome machine, is over on Fruit of Refuge and Tara is over on Its a Baby Treasures! They are both so gifted!

Well speaking of my mom, as I said she is in a nursing home and we haven't been able to go to the nursing home to see her since March.  We did get to wisk her away for a weekend on her birthday, but other than that, we haven't been able to go see her physically.  The home has started letting us go for 15-30 minutes each month, which is such a blessing. It's all set up strictly with barriers that we have to stand behind, masks worn and we can't touch her!  I just want hugsssss!!!😥 LOL  But at least we get to see her.  I got to take her some beautiful fall roses this past Friday and see her smiling face.  It is so important for her emotional health! She has lost some weight since we have not been able to go see her and interact with her on a regular basis, so I hope we get to get back to normal (whatever that is) soon!  Folks in nursing homes NEEEEEED their loved ones!  

My Beautiful, Sweet Mama!

Well, folks that's it for me this week!  Can't wait to see what everyone is doing!!  Come on over and hang out with us over on Julia's blog!  I pray each and every one of you has an amazing Wednesday and rest of the week!

Blessings!

Happy WOYWW #591

Good Wednesday all my crafty friends! :) It feels so good to be back in the saddle!!  Last week's post really helped "jump-start" me back in cyber-land! LOL It feels weird on one hand, but then at home on another!  You know, our art community is like a lifetime friend......you may not see them for weeks, months or even years, but when you come back together, it's like you haven't missed a beat.....like you just saw them yesterday!! Well, that's how it feels to me! So....Gene Autry.....I'm riding in the art saddle again! LOL

So last week, I posted the Octo Art that I made for my sister!!! I mentioned it was for a friend, but just in case she happened to read my blog....I had to play it off!!! LOL  It was for her birthday, which was Sunday.  She is a great lover of octopus's and I had always wanted to do her one, so there you have it! The awkward bit is that her husband is an actual "professional artist," so I always feel a little beneath his amazing artistic talent when I send her things, but hey.....throw caution to the wind, right!!?? LOL  So below, you will find the finished piece!

"Octo" in all his glory!!

As I stated last week, this was all done in dip pen and ink.  I have long loved dip pen and ink art.  There is something very cathartic about it to me.  Yes, it may take a little more time, but that is the beauty about it to me.  Yes, I could use Micron pens for the same look, but it's the whole dipping and inking that I love.  This was done on Arches cold-pressed watercolor paper. Because of the tooth of the paper, sometimes I get a little "catch" when drawing, but I love the feel of cold-pressed paper and so I just press on! I may try some hot-pressed in the future just to see the difference, which I know will be significant in terms of flow.  

I did a real quick watercolor wash on Octo and around with my AMAZING Schmincke watercolor paints!  I got this lovely set several years ago as a gift to myself and have never regretted it!! Now, I am certainly NOT a seasoned watercolor artist, but I am learning. It may take a lifetime, but I'm willing! By far, it is one of the more complex mediums I have worked with, but nevertheless, I am having fun!  I did do some shading with a woodless graphite pencil afterward.  I like a woodless graphite pencil, because I don't have to sharpen it as much (I am inherently lazy) and I can shade on the side better without the wood.  And voila, it's done and put in the mail!!! I would usually try to frame things in a "floating frame," but I was already out of time and needed to get it in the mail! LOL

So what's on my desk today????? Well my next fun piece of course!!!  This one I have been wanting to do for awhile as well!! But guess what.........it's FOR ME!!!!! LOL  Yep, this one I want on my own wall!  I'm still in the process and when I'm done, I will post it as well.

I'm getting there! LOL

In the home I moved from, I had a huge walk-in closet that not only housed my clothes and shoes, you know thing it is actually supposed to do....hee hee....but it also housed my art station (that my ex husband built in) on one end and my spiritual station on the other.  It was wonderful because it was my true "she cave!"  I think I spent A LOT of time in that closet! LOL  When I moved into my new apartment, I was real worried I wouldn't have a designated "art space," so all my art supplies stayed in the garage until I could figure it out!  I actually found an amazing art drafting table at Walmart last year on sale for $99 and I snapped it up!! I love it! It inverts so I have a great incline for canvases and then sets down like a desk for other crafting!  I thought even if it was less than quality, and at least lasted me a couple of  years, I was only out $99!! LOL  I have so enjoyed it!  Now here it is in my "new" art space with lots of great natural light in my bedroom!  I'm a happy "art-er" again! LOL

My Happy Place!!!!!

Well, that's it for me today folks! I hope you all have a FABULOUS Wednesday!!  I will post next week the "other project" that I have been wanting to post that I will call the "Mom Project!" It was amazing fun to do and I can't wait to share!!

Happy crafting and blessings!

New Beginnings! WOYWW #590

Well hello and long time no see all my crafty friends! To say it has been a hot minute since I have posted on my Blog is an understatement!! LOL I have been on hiatus since 2018 and let me just say that, that went by in a flash!  I have heard that as you get older, time moves a lot faster!  Something about that seems a little backward, especially if you are a kid and you are waiting on Christmas! LOL But there you have it!

I have missed so many of my crafty friends over the last couple of years, however, I have heard from a few of you in my hiatus.  That being said, I have been trolling art pages and blogs during this time and keeping up with all of your amazing talents even if I haven't blogged or commented to that effect.  I pray each and every one of you have been growing in all your crafty goodness!

Without splashing too much of myself on the internet airways, I will give a snippet of my whereabouts.  The last, almost two years, has been a whirlwind! And predominately NOT good whirlwinds either! 2018 was a very difficult year taking care of my beloved father. Those of you who have been on my blog before know that my sisters and I were caregivers for my elderly father, which was a complete joy.  But in November of 2018, Jesus called him home!  I know that my father was ready to go and quite frankly, I was ready for him to be wrapped in Jesus's arms where there is no more suffering and no more pain.  I know now that he is in Heaven surrounded by family, friends and all the birds of the air, which he loved so much! His is missed DAILY!

My sweet Daddy and my personal Aaron & Hur Sisters!

In December of that same year, my husband and I separated after close to 30 years of being together.  As 2019 rolled around the rest of the terrible unfolded. In February I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and also possibly faced throat cancer.  Immediately after the cancer diagnosis, I went through the whole divorce battle and finalization. The rest of the year saw three surgeries, cancer treatment, selling my home, finding a new place to live, and moving to that said new place! The throat tumor, was benign thank the Lord! The doctor opted not to remove the tumor in my throat due to the fact that I had already been through quite a few surgeries and we will just continue to keep a watch on it.

Through all that, I had so many friends and family who prayed and continue to pray for me and my two sweet daughters' well being! I'm so thankful for the gift of SISTERS!! My two sisters were with me EVERY STEP of the way! They went to every treatment and were my Aaron and Hur! In the Bible when Moses became weary on the mount, Aaron and Hur held up his arms until the battle was finished!  And that's what they did!  I am such a blessed woman to have powerful women of spiritual strength and prayer by my side!!  Had it not been for that amazing power of prayer and my faith in an amazing Father in Heaven, I would have been a mess!  Through it all, I had complete peace in knowing that Father God had me every step of the way!

All the above stated, not a whole lot of art went on. There were moments that I wanted to so badly, but then there just never seemed to be the right time or even "mojo" for it!  It saddens me because I feel like I am out of the loop, so to speak and have to get my "mojo" back on! LOL  I have started back slowly with some watercolor play.  I actually treated myself last Christmas with a new paintbrush and watercolor palette, both that I have been craving for several years and just didn't really have the funds for it at the time. Good ole Santa pulled through again! LOL

My new year (I don't make resolutions, just goals) was plans for restoration!!  AND....I didn't look back or drag things into 2019.  Of course, that's always a challenge, but again, that is where faith comes in.  Currently, I am trying to revamp this blog to something fresh and new, but as I am not a "real" techy person, this is also a challenge. It may go through several phases before I get it right, but all good things usually do! LOL

I know a lot of my art community has changed in my hiatus, things have ceased to exist (Google+) and some of the challenges I used to partake in, but hopefully, as I get back into it, I can find new ones and reconnect with a lot of old art pals and make new ones!

As a part of What's on Your Workdesk #590 over on Julia Dunnit's Stamping Ground blog, here is what is currently on my workdesk.......FINALLY!  I am making this for a gift for someone one whom I love dearly who LOVES octopuses's!!  It's still in process, but it was all done in dip pen and ink (which I simply LOVE to do) and then eventually a wash of watercolor will finish it off!  I will post when complete.....if I didn't mess it up too badly! LOLOL  I also have another project going on that maybe I can post next week!  I hope to get over and see all of your happenings today!!

Dip pen & ink Octo in the making!!

As this year is nearing its end, my prayer is that through 2019 and all it's MANY challenges and disasters, was filled with LOTS of arty goodness and HEALTH through the storm of our country right now for you ALL!! Many, many blessings of light, love, and prosperity!  Happy Wednesday! :)

Blessings!