Mixed Media Picture - The Journey

I don't love it but I do really like it. Can I hang a "really like it" picture in my house? Gene and the girls say yes... they love that is has color. But I am the one who will look it at every single day and think about what I could have done different... or will do different next time...

I like the parts of the picture better than the whole picture. It's the detail that has me hooked. I really enjoyed adding all the little details that you only see when you look very closely. My biggest bother with this one is that there is so much going on that my eye doesn't know where to focus and rest. Hmmm, opinions?

The joy for me is usually not the outcome but the process of learning how to do something new... note that I said "new" and not learning to do something "well".

Mixed Media with: scrap booking paper, paint, rub-ons, and sharpie details.

Tea Cup Tree

Miss Effie's is a beautiful place - not only visually but also beautiful in spirit. One of my favorite things is her tea cup tree. You can see a pictures of it on her blog, Miss Effie's Diary.

I have been wanting and needing to practice more on sketching so I challenged myself to make a quick sketch and painting of the tea cup tree. So, I set the timer on the stove for one hour and took advantage of everyone being out of the house walking the pup.

I like the outcome but I absolutely must add to my watercolor collection. You can't add warm and cool shades and hope to have a vibrant pink/red like the real flowers.

Friday

I did it to myself... we went to the Animal Shelter on a snow day. Who gives that kind of suggestion to her family when we have been trapped inside for a few days? I was even the one who spotted the dog on the way back to his kennel and asked if we could meet him. If eating three piece of cake in one sitting didn't lead me to believe that I have impulse control issues... sheeeeesh.

Gene says that it was meant to be. That this dog was fate. I had told the girls and Gene that after my precious Poppy Kitty died that I would consider a dog. (Poppy passed away around Christmas.) But only if the dog came from a home that couldn't take care of him any longer. This was the case with Friday. His owner had five dogs and a filthy house so he had to give up two of his beloved pups. Earlier that day we had read an article at the chiro's office about how smart border collies are. Was it fate?

He is just the type of dog for Gene. Not so much for me... he's not a cat. I enjoy all animals but I could easily live with a handful of cats. No, I haven't seen the tv show Animal Hoarders (if that's what you're thinking).

I'm warming up to having a dog. Gene is doing 90% of the work. The girls are thrilled. I could use someone to inspire me to get out and walk more. I guess this dog thing will work out just fine. ;)

Art Journal Pages

Livin' Army Time
Prompt: time
Technique: numbers




I Want Cool Clothes
This page was inspired by a previous post Birdhouses and Kittens

Be Extraordinary Now
Prompt: Now

Technique: Foot Photo

Reusable Sandwich Bags, Tote, and Clutch

The reusable sandwich bags are so fun - and earth friendly. My girls use them in their lunchboxes every single day for things like sandwiches, grapes, and crackers. We just wipe out the inside with a soapy washcloth. They can also be thrown in the washing machine and air dried if needed.

This is a new pattern that required a learning curve. I really like the combination of fabrics and details.

This clutch is from combination of different patterns which I altered until it was just right. It holds a diaper and small container of wipes perfectly- or - paintbrushes and markers for on the go projects.

Sewing lately has been very slow. I injured my arm and had to take it easy... something about scar tissue developing from over use. Now I have to stretch my arm before sewing and other projects. Ah, the perils of the crafty American housewife. It feels good to be healthy again.

Sihouette Fun

I gifted myself a Silhouette as an early Christmas present (thanks to an awesome Cyber Monday deal). I have been having so much fun with it. Here are a few examples...

This sign was made out of scrap stuff I had lying around... probably purchased for a project that was cast aside when a more exciting idea came along.

The shirt was saved from the trash. I have what Gene lovingly calls the "Drop Zone." After a few wears most of my shirts develop a stain right below the neckline on my... well you can picture it. With the Silhouette I can remake my t-shirt into something cool and stainless (and save a few pennies).

Note: I have worn my shirt a couple of times and realized that the dryer is not my friend. The heat causes the letters to peel off a bit - but they are quickly ironed back on.

Did I mention that I am really enjoying this new toy?

Birdhouses and Kittens

I have been plagued with this personal issue for years... about 15 years to be exact. That is when I became a Big Girl. Growing up I always struggled with and managed to avoid the Big Girl status and was just a little bigger than most of my friends. My first move with the Army and the stress of working full time and going to graduate school ended that fight.



Now I am a beautiful, creative, and funny Big Girl (who feels little a lot of the time - but not physically). Oh ya' I also want to set the record straight that I am also a hard worker and clean. Larger folks often get the stereo type that we are lazy and stinky. I admit... on occasion I do stay in my pj's and don't shower for a day but I promise that I don't even go to Casey's to get a Diet Coke. I stay home with the curtains closed just like I should.



I am not on a rant about how the world should change to fit me. I'm not complaining about how small airplane seats are... in fact I would love to be small enough to fit comfortably in an airplane seat or not spill over onto Gene's folding chair at church. He thinks I just want to be close to him but the truth is that those darn chairs are too small and I would rather snuggle with him than with the total stranger beside me.



What is this post about? (you might be asking this question if you actually made it this far) It is about clothing. Clothing that is either BRIGHT obscene colors or has some sort of cute baby animal on the front. Oh wait, I almost forgot about the fact (I could probably prove it in court) that a lot of Big Girl clothes showcase a delightful Looney Tunes character as the latest and most current style. For some reason I occasionally get a Victoria Secrets catalog in the mail... how in the H.E. double hockey sticks did I get on their mailer? Maybe that is a question I should save for Gene.



Anyhoo - Fossil was kind enough to send me one of their catalogs. I poured over the styles. It is that beautiful vintage, classy, grunge look. I loved them all... until... I noticed that NOTHING came even close to my size. Hold on, that is a lie. The handbags and scarves would probably fit. My neighbor gets this clothing catalog called Downeast that has lovely clothes in it. I normally lift if from her house and hide it in my sewing room. I can sew. So, I try to alter some of my clothes or mimic the styles. What about my Big Girl sisters out there who can't sew? Where do they get cool clothes? I am telling you, there is a gigantic market out there that hasn't been tapped. How about Lane Bryant open up a creative vintage grungy sister store? It could be called Back Alley Bryant .



I am going to express my personal angst of not having access to cool clothes on my next art journal page. But this is what I want to say... Big Girls Do Cry!!!... and we are crying out for some cool clothes!