All my Christmas Art Goodies!!

So, this year I got a bunch of Art Goodies for my Birthday and Christmas from my art friends and from my wonderful boyfriend.

Janet sent me the Cupcake book to help get my started with all my notes and ideas for my future cupcake shop. It's really wonderful!



Sox sent me a bunch of little goodies like the glitter and the little book, a stamp, an ATC...just a buncha stuff. I love getting little grab bags like this! Thank you, Sox! I loved the surprise!! xox

My wonderful boyfriend who apparently listens to everything I say (well, at least most of it) Caught on to a few major pieces. I've wanted the Rapidograph pens for so long and just never had the guts to buy them since they are really pricey...well, He got them for me. Along w/ the water color pencils I have been wanting, some more modge podge, the paper cutter, two very large stamps, two Tim Holtz distressed ink pads, and so much more. I'm so very lucky to have such supportive friends and loved ones. Thank you, everyone for making this a wonderful Christmas & Birthday for me!!! xoxox

Finished Sketchbook Project

DONE!

Sam/Sandy/Wonderfully, Talented, strong woman!

So, I know this wonderfully creative woman who makes the most beautiful jewelry out of stones. I don't know what to say without saying too much...but, I wanted to take the time to share some of her pieces. I'm hoping to get a sand dollar one from Santa/Dad/Birthday fairy...So, maybe I'll get lucky. I love sand dollars...I think some of you know this already. I love walking the beach and picking up the broken ones. I hate when they get broken by people carelessly driving on the beach or just crunching them because they don't care. They are such a beautiful creation, that they shouldn't be broken into a million pieces. So, I just take them home with me so they don't have to get smooshed even more. Anyways, Here are a few of her gorgeous pieces. Her name is Sandy. I hope you all enjoy her work as much as I do. She's extremely talented!





You can find her featured at Ebb Tide Gallery and on Etsy

Next...

Here's my next spread for the Sketchbook project. My water color painting and my drawing seems to get better everytime.

Spilling Open by Sabrina Ward Harrison

Oh, Sox - how I just appreciate you more and more everyday.
The lovely Sox sent me this book for my birthday. Completely and totally unexpected and it has found a forever home with me. I absolutely adore the pages inside, it's filled with all sorts of life questions asked by women my age, it's filled with messy drawings, and collaging, painting, scribbling, poor spelling, all of it. It's splendidly imperfect and I truly adore this book.



The book is called 'Spilling Open- The Art of Becoming Yourself' by Sabrina Ward Harrison

Newest Sketchbook Spreads

Pages 5&6

ugh - I hate the color of the skin - I'm STILL working on this. I finally mixed a big batch of water colors together so I didn't end up w/ this problem again - but, it's a work in progress...so, for now he's tan/orange/purplish...*shrugs*

Pages 7&8


Pages 9&10

A buncha new stuff...

Hi everyone...
Wow, it's been a few days, even weeks maybe since my last post. Oi! I have a lot to catch everyone up on.

First, I received my ATC for my Sketchbook Sisters ATC swap. I got so lucky as to receive Rita's lovely work. The picture doesn't do much justice, but the word is 'Destiny' and surprisingly enough, I've been thinking and questioning 'Destiny' lately so, it was absolutely perfect. The texture is wonderful and I adore the face stamp. I haven't quite figured out how people color in the more intricate part of the stamps after it's been pressed to paper. (it just took me 17 tries to type the word paper-ugh) Anyways, I'll have to work on this and experiment with it...something else to add to my ta-do list! Yay!


Next, I two weekends ago I went to the Portland Arts Bazarre because I saw on the fabulously creative Tracyville blog, that Tracy herself would be there. I've been following her blog for quite some time and absolutely love everything she does. I got my hands on this little gem and refused to leave without it. Tracy was so polite and warm. I don't talk about art stuff with real people most of the time, so I was shocked when she asked if I make stuff too...my response was 'uh, yea, kinda, some stuff, I uh, paint, uh draw, blah, blah, awkward, awkward' hehehe. She was very gracious and didn't make me feel like a dufus! Thank you, Tracy for my amazingly creative, beautiful, and fun Christmas stocking. I'm thrilled I get to keep it for years to come!! It's a wonderful addition to my holiday! Look -see :)





k - Well, since blogger is being uncooperative, I must do a second post with photos of my two new sketchbook spreads.

TTFN!
xox!

Secret

So, somewhere I saw a post someone did based on secrets. For some reason this really got to me...maybe because I'm not all the way comfortable sharing all of my secrets with my journal. I still have the fear someone, someday will read it and then they will hate me. Or, people will realize what a sham of a person I really am. I smile when I don't want to, I laugh when I want to cry, I lie when I should tell the truth, Etc., Etc. I'm sure this is pretty common - but, this piece symbolizes a secret I've been keeping...so, I'm giving myself permission and reassurance that when I tell this secret, it will be spread...therefore, it's o.k. to keep it. For those of you that know me, it's nothing major and not meant for public consumption so, don't worry. It's not about you, or us, or someone you know - it's just about ME.

I'm pushing myself to try drawing again more and more. I used to really love drawing, but had very little confidence in my abilities. So, since I'm gaining more and more confidence (thank you, ladies and thank you, my dear heart, Erik for being my biggest fans!!) I'm going back out of my comfort zone and working on drawing a bit more. I hope you like. :)

Sketchbook Project 1st & 2nd Spread

Okee dokee...so, these are my first two spreads for the Sketchbook project. I have turned this into my second Children's book. I'm hoping this comes together nicely as it's a dream of mine to be a children's author sometime in my life. This is one of my 2390482039849283409 dreams so, I'm working on it! :)

The first page says:
A million little fishies in the sea.


Second page Says:
A million little stars in the sky. Don't you see?

I'm pretty sure that period should be a comma? Any suggestions - it just doesn't seem right to me gramatically. I'm no gramatical genius - but, it just doesn't feel right.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy and come back to see how my story unfolds! :)

Also, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for the love, support, and encouragement you all provide to me daily. Several of you have become extremely special to me and I respect each of you and your talents. You're beautiful, and wonderfully creative - I just want you all to know that. You have become very important parts of my life that can not be replaced. Thank you a million times. You have helped to save me from myself and I am thankful for you all daily.

xo
-T

Stamps

It's been a few days since I've posted anything so, here's my reply to one of the prompts in my Blistfully Art Journaling group. Enjoy! :)



I ended up ordering one of those giant ephemera packs on E-bay and included in that package was approximately 70 stamps. I've been dying to use them but hadn't come up with a reason or an idea to add them to my journal until now. I thought these looked old enough to be included in love letter/post cards. I imagined what they could have once been attached to..a love letter, an important letter, a random bill, or on junk mail. I settled on love letters since that's far more interesting. These are just three of the most interesting ones included in the pack.

First Page of Sketch Book Project!

FINALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY..my Sketchbook got here...I can't believe it actually made it. I was starting to convince myself it wasn't coming and to focus on something else. Here's a look at my first page. Since my theme is 'A Million Little... (dot, dot, dot)" I figured it would be fitting to actually have a million little dot, dot dots! :) Enjoy! :)

My First Altered Book Tree

Thanks for sharing, Sox :) Love it! Had so much fun making this little guy! I swear, the binding was already bad to begin with - it didn't mind having a new job! :)

Over the Top Blog Award

The wonderfully inspiring Tammy Left this award on my blog this week. Thank you, Darling for thinking of me! xo



The lovely Kirsti gave me this award this week. Thanks for thinking of me!

The rules are:
I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word.
So here we go:

1. Where is your cell phone?… Counter
2. Your hair?… Reddish
3. Your mother?… Ugh
4. Your father?… Sleeping
5. Your favorite food?… All
6. Your dream last night?… Awful
7. Your favorite drink?… Wine
8. Your dream/goal?… Everything
9. What room are you in?… Art-Room
10. Your hobby?… Art
11. Your fear?… Pain
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Everywhere
13. Where were you last night?… Home
14. Something that you aren’t?… Settled
15. Muffins?… Blueberry
16. Wish list item?… Copics
17. Where did you grow up?… Massachusetts
18. Last thing you did?… Laughed
19. What are you wearing?… Comfies
20. Your TV?… Off
21. Your Pets?… Dogs
22. Friends?… Lost (<--Couldn't have said it better myself, Tammy)
23. Your life?… Here
24. Your mood?… Mellow
25. Missing Someone?… Nope
26. Vehicle?… Runs
27. Something you're not wearing?… Shoes
28. Your favorite store?… Craft Warehouse
29. Your favorite colour?… Blue
30. When was the last time you laughed?… Minutes
31. Last time you cried?… Recent
32. Your best friend?… Holy Spirit
33. One place that I go to over and over?… Imagination
34. Facebook?… Lame
35. Favorite place to eat?… Out

Not so easy to give one word answers! Well you can see that I tried - I also used quite a few of Tammy's answers because we have a lot in common!!

I'd like to pass this on to some bloggers who are always leaving such encouraging comments. Thanks for all the warm fuzzies!!

1. Sox 2. Kelly 3. Leanne 4. Elena 5. Lisa

New Writing Prompt from Sarah W.

Sarah posted a few new writing prompts to our Soul Journal Group and this was my response to one of them! Enjoy! xo

Blissfully Art Journaling

Hello everyone!
Yesterday in the group Blissfully Art Journaling Kim put out the prompt 'The "A" Factor'. The "A" Factor of course is the Art Factor. She wanted us to do a spread on Art and if we're doing art everyday...if we're not doing art everyday, are we at least talking about it? If we're not doing either, are we at least looking at it? I took the prompt a little bit farther with the journaling portion of it. I wanted to put something down about how much my life has changed over the past few months because of all the positive influences I now have in my life because of Art. I'm truly grateful to everyone in my groups for being so inspiring and encouraging! Thanks Everyone!


xo!
T-

P.S. - Art puppy is back today! YAY!

Lettering on my First Teesha Inspired Page

Obviously, this is a master craft of hers that she has spent much time on, but I can't help but be frustrated when it doesn't come out just right. Try and try again!! On to my next page(s)! xox!

Zentangles

Hi everyone!
So, last night I decided to try my hand at 'Zentangles'. I'm still learning about this and still trying to get the hang of it. But, here's my first one - I think they call it Mandala?? Anyone?



Today, I did this one....


I also wrote on one of my Teesha inspired pages however, I forgot she was missing arms until it was too late...I might have to figure this out later...


Enjoy!
xo
-T

Week 3 & Week 4 of Advanced Techniques by Sarah Whitmire

Hello everyone!
Here you will see pictures from week 3 and week 4 of the Soul Journaling Advanced Techniques taught by the wonderful Sarah Whitmire.

This is by far one of my favorite things I've ever done. It took me a couple of weeks to get all the tags done - but I really enjoyed making them.




The next step was to make folders in our journal to put them in...and so, I did.

I'm actually pretty proud of this spread. The pictures don't do it enough justice, but I absolutely adore the simplicity of the pictures, the minimal amount of words, and the few doodles. I hope you enjoy!!





Also, I made my first watercolor journal a la Teesha today. Totally fun. All in all, it's been an extremely productive day!

xo!

Random Acts of Violence

So, this morning was a new shooting in Orlando. I'm in complete disbelief of these random acts of violence. I say random meaning all of a sudden, not much to go on when it comes to why these people are doing these things. How are these things being allowed to happen??

First, the random shooting of the Seattle police officer where someone drove past and just opened up fire. Granted there are a million reasons why this could have happened to him, but at this point it seems as if it was a random act of violence.

Second, the shooting at Ft. Hood yesterday. Again, why did this happen??

And today, the shooting in Orlando at the Gateway building? I'm getting scared at this point.

This could happen anywhere, at any given time. I had this horrible dream last night about being gunned down in my own home and being the only one to survive and pretending as if I were dead so the gunmen would go away. This morning, I can't get the images of my dream out of my head. I shouldn't be worried about this stuff. No one should be worried about this stuff. I know people always say don't worry about the 'what ifs' or 'anything could happen - you need to live your life in the moment' etc., etc. however, it's easier said than done.

I'm sickened by these things. Why is it that some people think killing others is acceptable? Why do they think they should end other people's lives to make themselves feel better? Why do they do this and then kill themselves? What is the point? Why, why, WHY?!!?!

2nd Page inspired by Teesha

And here's my second page...She needs arms but I haven't been able to find any that I like so, I'll add to it later. This one is my favorite over the last one. I have a feeling each one I do will be my favorite! Enjoy! :)

Collage Pieces

Well, let's try this again - I tried to post this once already but apparently, I'm not being smarter than the computer.

I received the new Pier 1 imports catalogue today and I was thumbing through just looking with a new set of eyes. I found these pieces and I was just going to cut them up, tear them up, and add them to my pages however, I thought some of you might like them as well. So, I scanned them up for you and also made a few color copies for myself. I'm starting to work smarter at this stuff and make copies of the things I love. Instead of only having one - I'll have a ton.

I'm not quite sure what the rules are for this - but I figured since I referenced Pier 1 Imports they wouldn't be so horribly agravated that I posted this to my site. If they are offended, well, I'll take them down...until then, click on the pictures, make them bigger and feel free to use them on your page. I mean, I'm sure you'd do it anyway if you received the catalogue. *shrugs* ENJOY!!!!

Inspired by Teesha Moore

So, ever since the first time I saw Teesha's lovely work, I've been dying to know how she makes such beautiful creations. http://teeshascircus.blogspot.com/ <-Please look, see, indulge, imagine, create, and adore!

To my surprise, she decided to share her processes with the world by posting links to youtube.com and to her blog. These honestly couldn't have come at a better time. I have been working on a few different things with Sarah Whitmire's Advanced Journaling techniques http://www.caspiana.com/ and joining two other amazing groups. However, I feel like I have been spending far more time answering e-mails and participating in conversations with these amazingly inspiring women than actually creating art. Sure, I've finished a few things here and there - but, nothing really worth posting.

I have also felt like I'm coming into 'information overload' at this point...what with all the different techniques, products, supplies, projects, etc. that I'm trying to pick and choose the ones that I have time for vs. what I actually want to do. I'm thinking I'm spread a bit thin.

Today, the lovely Sox sent me a link to the youtube videos from Teesha and I spent the first 35 minutes of work today devouring and listening to them. Thankfully, she shows her process, she's extremely easy and enjoyable to listen to, and she makes the processes look so very easy! So, I couldn't WAIT to come home and try my hand on putting together my first page inspired by Teesha's instruction. I can honestly say, this is one of the things I'm proud of most!

Enjoy! :)