A Little of This and A Little of That

I have enjoyed creating many types of greeting cards. These cards were created by using a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Some of the elements were created using fabrics, beads, buttons, shells, dried rose petals, ribbons, gauze, etc.

This is a little bird ornament.

 I hope you enjoy this batch. Is there one that stands out above the others? Tell us why in the comment box below.

Black and White - An Answer To Prayer

Most artists think of black and white in terms of another art form for their work. It happened a little differently for me.

When I think of black and white, my little Lizzy is first on the list. She is a rescued Tuxedo kitty. She came into my life in August of 2011. God was definitely involved in finding her a home with me.

The story began when my husband and I happened upon a weekend adoption display for rescued dogs and cats. That's where God planted the seed of an idea about having a kitten. Unfortunately, it looked as if the cost to adopt was out of our budget at the time.

I prayed when I got home, asking the Lord to allow us to adopt a kitten somehow.

A week or so later, I got a call from my daughter-in-law asking if we knew of anyone who would want a free kitten. It was a stray without a momma, and she had brought it home with her. She was skinny and weak, weighing under 2 pounds.

We immediately knew this was the answer to my prayers.

Here is a picture of her a few weeks after we got her.

We named her Lizzy because of the beauty mark on her cheek. It reminded me of a movie star. Elizabeth Taylor came to mind first, so Lizzy it was.

There were many times when she looked very frightened. It took some time for her to get comfortable with being in our home. But I just loved her right from the start. My goal was to make her feel safe and secure.

I could not believe the joy she brought into my life. I loved being with her every day, helping her get stronger and healthier. Our bond was growing stronger each day. She depended on me for her needs, and in return I know she loves me. I sometimes feel like we are joined at the hip :-)

She is always by me when I am in my art studio. I decided to paint her. Looks like she approves.

She has just turned a year old. We figured out her birthday to be around July 7. She has come a long way in her health, and now she weighs 10 pounds.

I enjoy her companionship. She has become an important part of my life.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

There are times when a picture does more to warm the heart than words themselves.

 

Don't hydrangeas remind you of summer?

 

I love the colors in these two pieces, and the old quilt seems to add even more to the composition.

 

The colors on the Viola card above actually come from using real flowers (violas, of course) and pressing the petals onto the paper.

 

This card was inspired when day-dreaming about cozy little places with sweet-smelling flowers and sunlight streaming like ribbons through the trees.

 

Collage is one of the things that always amazes me. I take little bits and pieces that don't seem to inspire so much on their own and incorporate them into a single scene. It somehow comes together in a heart-warming blend.

What about you? What warms your heart? Do you think of the beauty of nature or a favorite place where you feel warm and cozy?

A Little Something Just For You!

Sharing some fresh cut flowers from my garden!

One avenue that I use to encourage others and share my art work is to make greeting cards.

I started back in 2002 making cards. Even though I go off into other directions at times, I still enjoy making cards, and I always come back to my first love!

Good morning, sunshine!

A perfect way to merge two of my favorite art forms, painting and fabric, is to create a personal journal.

These art books are really quite fun to make! The covers were created using colorful fabric, vintage lace and trim, buttons, paint and photographs. Thick book board  was used for the foundation of the cover's front and back.
Collage, stitching, gesso and painting were the various techniques that were used in the creating of these books.
Inside there can be any number of pages, which is where the journaling will happen. I use light weight watercolor paper or drawing paper for the pages. I also used various types of binding techniques to secure my books together.

 

Sometimes I Just Feel Like Dancing!

Acrylic happiness revealed.

The days that I paint using acrylics is usually an all day affair.
LOVE...LOVE...LOVE.

More Watercolor Fun!

Just For You

A Stormy Day

A New Home For Friends

The Olde Tool Shed