Spreading JOY

I am so proud of my nephew, Jerred Mace!

He is a design student at University of Washington and has created coffee sleeves with positive messages to spread JOY!

Check out his website: wjoyproject.com

Jerred is a very talented young man. He wrote a book of poetry that he self-published in High School. You can purchase a copy of it if you are interested, on his website.

If you are ever in Edmonds, WA on a Wednesday, please stop by Walnut Street Coffee for a cup of JOY!

Cheers! 🙂

A Bird’s Eye View

Today’s weird bird is very wise…

The Mountaineer bird has a mountain top view of the world!

From the book, “Finding The Gift,” Angela Howell writes for January 2, “Open land steals my breath away, it’s so beautiful.  I see freedom, opportunity, stillness, serenity, and acceptance.  I feel captivated and present.  I see untouched land and feel like anything is possible.  I feel called and inspired to do and be something great.  I feel a direct connection to my higher guidance and inner knowing, and I’m quieted so I can listen.”

What does a bird’s eye view do for you?  I hope it empowers you to begin!

Happy Weird Bird Wednesday!

Cheers! 🙂

Just Words?!

I’ve been drawing my own patterns lately for collage papers.

I got the idea from Kara Kramer’s online class, hosted by Carla Sonheim.  You can check out her class at Improv collage

She got me thinking about words…

So I started cutting out JUST words that “spoke to me” from old magazines and junk mail:

It helped to think about words I like AND different lettering “styles.”

Then I created a page of words that I can copy and use in my own artwork:

What WORDS speak to you to write and doodle on a page?!

I have to say that YOU inspire me every day in your art, poetry, photography, blog posts and encouraging comments.  Thank you!

Cheers! 🙂

Wise Beyond Years…

A friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with cancer.  My heart goes out to her and her family…

I was thinking of her as I created this face yesterday.

I pray that she will be able to fight this terrible disease and win!  This face below has the determination and strength my friend has…  And the knowledge that God is with her.

So MANY people are fighting and struggling with cancer.  Too many people!

I dedicate today’s post to my friend T and EVERYONE who is fighting for their lives or supporting friends and loved ones battling cancer – YOU are wise beyond your years…

Sending love and hope! ❤

Creativity Is Not A Talent…

“Creativity is not a talent… It is a way of Operating.”  – John Cleese

Wishing you a happy and creative day!

Cheers!  🙂

Dear Mom…

A friend’s mom was having a birthday and asked for postcards with cats to wish her a happy day.  It was easier for me to use postcards that were cut and ready for art.

I decided to combine collage using gelli-printed paper and Neocolors water-soluble crayons (since they happened to be next to me.)  Here are the ones I did for her mom:

They were so much fun to make that I decided to create several for my mother-in-law too!  She loves flowers! 🌷

I know I enjoy receiving cards in the mail so I think she will too.  I will make several in advance so I can mail one a week.

Who do you know that would love to receive a postcard in the mail with your art?

Cheers!  🙂

The Hoppy Bird

I have been “hopping” around the house recovering from foot surgery.  I have a new appreciation for walking with two feet!

I have a “knee walker” which is like a scooter to move around the house so I don’t have to put weight on my left foot.  This would be a lot more fun if I didn’t have foot surgery! My foot is wrapped in gauze and a bandage that I am not supposed to remove until I get my stitches out in about 10 days.

I can only walk on my heel of my foot boot which has 3 Velcro straps to attach to my foot.  Velcro is an awesome invention except when it sticks to everything BUT where you want it to stick!  Especially when you need to use the bathroom rather quickly… lol! 😉

I am starting to hop around in my boot more with a cane for balance because the scooter is starting to become less fun to maneuver.

I was encouraged to see the word, “hop” was next to the word, “hope” in the children’s dictionary for today’s weird bird.

I am hopeful that surgery will help me to enjoy walking again in time!  Thank you for all your good wishes and prayers for my recovery!

Hoppy Weird Bird Wednesday!

Cheers!  🙂

Circles Of Joy

If I was to describe my art journey in seven words today… I’d say; “Creating art with JOY makes me happy!”  🙂

How would you describe your creative journey in seven words?   And if it isn’t where you want it to be in your life – maybe write it as YOU envision it!!

Cheers!  🙂

Looking For Stars

Do you ever have days (or weeks) when you are looking for stars like this quote I found on the internet?

“When it rains, look for rainbows… when it’s dark, look for stars.”  – Unknown

Perhaps those who need a burden or two lifted from their shoulders can SEE the pink STAR flower in this drawing…

May this drawing from my imagination bring you HOPE for tomorrow!

PEACE!  🙂

Do You Remember?

I was recently struggling on how to paint this rose, do you remember?  Well, I decided to take this photo on a cloudy day so I had less shadows:

This helped me to see the STAR of the show – the rose and not the leaves, as Debi Riley so kindly suggested to me.  Thanks Debi!  🙂

I also appreciated the idea from Judith at Artistcoveries to do a value study first.  So I did this with my computer by printing my image in color and then in black and white:

Drawing the rose shape with a black pen on top of the black and white image also helped me see my subject better.

Next, I decided to use a stencil of my rose to create these studies in my turquoise journal that I previously shared with you:

The rose image on the left is from a stencil like I did here and the image on the right is a gelli-print like I did here.

Today, I started a watercolor painting on Aquabord inspired by Laura at Create Art Everyday who has been experimenting on this surface:

It is only the beginning of my painting but I wanted to share it with you.  I hope to experiment with adding collage too!

I just wanted you to know that I remember ALL your kind comments and encouragement in my art journey!!  🙂

I don’t always have the time to comment on your art like I wish I could but please know I appreciate YOU!

Thanks Friends!!  🙂