Gothic Arches

Last weekend I had the whole weekend to create art and I had a deadline coming up for the Gothic Arch Swap at ARTchix...so, I knew what I wanted to achieve when I worked on the arches...I just didn't know if I could pull it off.

This is one of the 6 Gothic Arches that I created. See the arch in the middle of the 4" x 4" Chunky? That was the inspiration for the rest of the chunky. I created the rest of the background to compliment the original arch. What is really cool is that I had already created the piece of green paper about 2 months ago and it was the perfect shade and color to match the arch. I got the blue paint out and found my large alphabet stamps and stamped the letters on. Then I decided I wanted a spattered look and got a toothbrush out and spatter some more blue paint along with some white paint to give the affect. I used a soft white pastel to outline the original arch. I used a white chalk stamp pad to go around the outside of the chunky. I love the birds...I'm a bird person...and decided that the feather was the perfect touch to this piece. Added the bird head in the tab and used Diamond Glaze to give it the glassy look. I also cut the word LOVE out and stuck it in the Diamond Glaze while it was still wet and then added more on top of it to give it the resin look.

I was happy with 5 of the 6 pieces...I guess there is always one that never quite lives up to the others....partially because I run out of the images that I really like. Guess I should stock up on more in the future.

I am so thankful for my friends that have left such wonderful comments about the Chunky that was selected for the Homepage Art over at ARTchix's Yahoo Group. Thank you for being my inspiration!

Jackie's Heart Page

While I was working on Belinda's heart page, I decided to get a jump start on Jackie's and kill two birds with one stone. AND, I am way ahead as this one was not due until January 15th. But, happy early Christmas to you Jackie!!

Jackie's theme was Artist's Choice...so that left my pallet and ideas all to myself. Lots of layers on the front side and one of the beautiful transparency arches. The copper just makes this look so rich. What you can't see is the copper colored Stickles enhancing the edges....

The 2nd side is less worked, but simple and vintage. I really like how the colors and theme all came together on it. Hope she likes it!

Art of My Dad

I've had this photo of my dad and his brother for several years. Many years ago I made a pillow out of the image. I think it is so sweet and when I look at it, I see how much I looked like my dad when I was that age.

This helps me stay grounded. Reminding me of when life was more simple as a kid. I wanted to make each creation unique, so they're all different.

I've used images from Paper Whimsy and Artchix to enhance each of my creations. It's always fun to create with both of their lines. They both offer unique items and are different from each other's products.

Thank you for sharing with me.

My New Compact

I've been thinking about this project for awhile, which made the process so much easier this evening. I got three projects done this evening...and I'm very happy with all three.

I found this old compact at an antique store earlier this year for $5 with the idea that I'd make art with it.

Today was the day...I came home and got busy....first I decided upon the main image and then started adding details. I used a braided trim inside the powder area and secured it with E6000. The metal ribbon on the mirror is also secured with E6000...I love that stuff. I'm already almost through the second tube of it this year. Two items I really love here is the Cameo in the lower right hand corner. I found this little lady at a garage sale last weekend. It was actually part of a broken pendant. Right below the Paper Whimsy girl's chin (she's one of my favorites), you'll see another great little gold piece...this was also part of the pendant. Did I mention I paid 50 cents for it. I love deals like this. Wouldn't this be fun to do for a Swap??

Helga's Weekly Challenge

Helga over at Artchix has a weekly challenge that she offers to challenge and stretch our abilities. I've been participating in this challenges since the beginning of the year, and have found them to be a great asset to me. They have helped me to think outside of the box and to think of art in a new way.

The Challenge for this week was to take Helga's "Master board" and create art out of it. If you visit her Blog you'll see what this started out to look like before I started playing with it. I've added several of Helga's collage sheet images and even used my watercolor crayons in a few areas. I did some paper cutting and folding, and then cut the whole image apart and attached it to another piece of paper and added the words in between for inspiration. Helga started this inspiration in the lower right hand corner with "be you". Things you could also be are brave, lucky, happy, amazed, and anything you'd like to be. I think this would look great framed and might just have to do that and make a gift for someone.

Another Altered Art Book

This is the front page of my Altered Art Book with a group of ArtChix. This the second RR that we've done. My first book was an Angel book...but this time, I've left it much more open for everyone.

I just realized while writing this...and looking at my picture, that I didn't even follow the guideline that I had set for my book. I said that it was to be B&W and add a color of their choice. Well, I have black in the background...and I do have one color....but I didn't get the white in there. Hope they'll forgive that I had a brain lapse. I just loved this photo and love it with the turquoise. The roses in her hair and by her left hand are 3-D...and I put a pearl earring at her ear. This picture does the art no justice. Can't wait to see the book sometime next Summer!

Let's Go Green

Over at Paper Whimsy I'm participating in a Swap/Challenge by using "green" items. I'm still working on the first piece...but this one came to me, and I had to work on it right away.

My "green" items used here are: a page out of a book from the early 1900's, a used match, a CD sleeve, a zipper toggle, my name ripped from an envelope addressed to me, the lid off a container from a gumball machine.

I really like how this one turned out. If you look closely at the title this will all pull together for you. I really wanted to put the zipper on her mouth, but I restrained myself.

This was a fun excersize. Now, to finish my other project tomorrow.