WOYWW and a lot to show . . .

 

I can't believe that I haven't posted anything for a couple of weeks!  I have gotten so slack.  I think it's probably taken me a bit longer than I thought to get back to the swing of things since my return to the UK.  Nevermind . . . I am getting there now and I have lots to show you this week!

 

I've been taking a watercolor course from Tascha which has been a lot of fun.  It's moving me out of my comfort zone for sure.  

This was card I made.  We were supposed to employ a few different techniques with this, using crayons, inks, pencil crayons, gel pens, washes.   Not sure that I like it, but . . .



Then I was supposed to do something which employed the skill of using a masking liquid.  So I did words on this cat, a cat is a cat . . . and that is that!   I think the cat turned out great, but I am not loving the Beret.



Then we were supposed to use a whole big letter in a painting.  So I did this.  I think this is getting better, but not happy with the colours . . .
 I know . . . nit-picking . . .

But I've not just been working on course work.  I've also been working on hand-painted post cards, which are for sale by the way.  I might become famous one day, so they could be an investment, who knows!  (dreaming here!)



I put words on this one . . .



No words on this one . . . not yet anyways.  Still trying to find the right ones . . .

 

and I've been working on illustrations for a new cookbook project I am working on.  This one's not finished yet.  I still have to paint in the shelves above the AGA and the cat laying on the mat in front of it . . .



A warm cup of grog . . .



Pears and peppercorns . . . I know . . . lose the peppercorns . . .



Sunflower and words . . .

And then just a little something to make you smile . . .



Hope you're having a great Wednesday!  





Do hop on over to The Stamping Ground to see all the other entries for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday!

WOYWW and a variety of watercolor bits

 

Sorry I haven't been posting, but I've been busy getting ready for my trip to Canada.  I leave tomorrow!  So I won't be around for about six weeks, but hoping that I will get a bit of painting in when I am away.  In the meantime I will leave you with this.  This is what's been happening on my work station since I last posted.  Enjoy!



Sometimes I just get carried away . . . a little watercolor which is being sent to an art auction/benefit/gallery showing in NYC.  It's only six by six inches, which was a bit of a challenge, but one that I enjoyed!

 

Next was a little painting I did after the Spring General Conference of my church.  It is for the Young Women.   It's also a watercolor, and contains a fab quote from a past YW President and all of the Young Women's Values.



Another small watercolor.  I am practicing doing faces in watercolor.  I think I am getting better at it.  In any case I am enjoying myself!

 

And finally another water colour f a girl on a swing.   I'd like to fly like a Dove too.

This is the last you will hear from me for about six weeks.   Hop on over to The Stamping Ground to see what all the other talented people have been up to this week!

Bye bye for now!

WOYWW . . . this and that

I've had a bit of a busy week art-wise this last week of March 2013 . . . hard to believe it's already almost April.  Wherever has the year gone? 

First up is this little painting I did the other day of a fairy sitting on the back of a little Jenny Wren . . . called "Fruits of the Spirit."  I do so really enjoy painting birds and fairies along with the inspiration of God's word . . . and when I can combine all three I get really excited!   I think this is my favourite one of all time . . .



Then I got all whimsical one day and "Paper-Dolled" us.  That's me on the left and our fur baby Mitzie, and of course the Toddster.   I quite enjoyed this.  I reckon I could "Paper-Doll" just about any family.  Wouldn't that make fab personalized gifts for someone on their special occasions?   I don't know!  They're articulated too, meaning their limbs move so you can pose them.   I want to make myself a pair of wings and a cowboy hat for Todd . . . those are two things we've always really wanted.





And finally this came out of my head yesterday afternoon.  It's a fairy hanging out her wash . . . her laundry basket is a walnut shell, and the clothesline pole a sweet-pea.   I'm not sure which wings are my favourite . . . but I love that she is up to date fashion wise . . . and never has to wear the same thing day in and day out, don't you?

Why not pop on over to The Stamping Ground to see what's on everyone else's Work-desk today?   You are sure to be amazed.

Thanks ever so much for popping in to see what I'm up to!   You make my day every time that you do!

WOYWW . . . my own little world

Source: Uploaded by user via U.Tuğçe on Pinterest

I never know what it going to appear when I sit down at my work station with a clean piece of paper and my paints.   I'm always just as surprised at who shows up as anyone is.  To some that big blank piece of paper might be a bit frightening . . . but to me it's an invitation and I just can't wait to get started.



I am in my own little world when I am at my work table . . . I play music to drown out anything outside my little universe . . .  open my book of quotes . . . or my scriptures . . . and then I just let whatever wants to come to life . . . come to life.

This is what came out the other day.   I sat down to paint a Spring Primrose . . . and then I thought a baby chick . . . but look who came out instead!!   I love it when that happens.   Yellow is yellow.

This weeks entry to WOYWW.  Check out The Stamping Ground to see everyone else's.



Oh, and I sketched you a bookmark to print out and have all of your very own.   Nothing special, just a pencil sketch of a girl and her cat.

WOYWW and Standing Firm in Your Faith

  To me it is just amazing how quickly the weeks seem to roll around.  One week no sooner begins and it is finished.  If I could spend all day every day painting and playing I would . . . alas . . . real life gets in the way and the playing has to wait until the more important things are done.  I suppose it is like that for everyone . . . the child in me wants to play all the time, but the adult in me . . . knows I must do what I must do.  I just wish I had more hours in my day.  Then I could please both sides of my self . . . the playful one and the responsible one.  Of course painting and drawing was my job, well then that would be perfect wouldn't it?  A gal can but dream . . .


This is my entry for this weeks What's on your Work-desk Wednesday.   Sometimes it seems like there are more rainy days in life than sunny days . . . that's when our faith comes in mighty handy and keeps us upright . . . but if we allow our faith to falter . . . well, then we truly won't stand at all.  I am very grateful for my faith which has seen me through some pretty difficult times.

I love this girls Go Go Boots.  When I was a girl I wanted a pair of Go Go Boots more than anything.   I never did get any . . . but thankfully I can draw myself a pair anytime I want to!   This is how I would have loved to look in a dream world.   Suits me to a T.  Unfortunately I had kinky hair and no Go Go Boots . . . and parents without a lot of money, and so this Mod look was only a dream.  Good thing fads pass . . .  they don't stand still do they?   Unlike faith.  Faith built on Solid Ground stands firm and never passes.

And that's my thoughts for this week.

Do hop on over to The Stamping Ground to see all of the other entries for this weeks WOYWW!   You are sure to see something which will inspire you.  Many thanks for popping by to have a look!

WOYWW, Robins, Red Shoes and Scripture Love . . .

I've had a fairly busy week this week.  I like it when I am busy art-wise because it means I am doing what I love to do best of all and that is to create.  Dirty paint brushes are my favourite things and this is how I have dirtied them this past week . . .



First up was a Spring Robin.   I love the thought I put on it . . . it's all about Easter and the promise it brings to us each and every year.   I love the thought of rended chains and I am grateful for the Savior and all He did for us.

 

Next up was a little "Bouquet" of flowery girls for cupcake toppers and wraps.   I didn't realize until I was done that I had inadvertently given them the names of the sisters on "Keeping Up Appearances."    It was a happy co-incidence.



Then I had the happy opportunity to create a poster/invite for a RS group over in America.  ME   Not sure what state that is, but They had bought my Forget Me Not print and requested this for an activity they were holding this month and so I was happy to oblige them.  No charge, how could I resist doing such a service for my Sisters in the Gospel.  I had fun doing it and that's what counted.



And then there were red shoes.   I have been thinking of red shoes for a while, and the power that Dorothy found in hers in the Wizard of Oz.  When I was a girl I always wanted a pair of red shoes . . . I never got them, and so I decided to paint myself a pair . . . and just like Dorothy's they took me on a journey.

 

Last but not least . . . my favourite scripture.   I love the Scriptures.   I love how they speak to my heart and I especially love it when they inspire me and my paint brushes.  I am always amazed.   No credit to me however . . . it's my HF's doing.   He is the master at inspiration.

 

And that was what was happening on my work table this week.  What was happening on yours?

Please do hop on over to The Stamping Ground to catch up with all of the other ladies and see what that talented bunch has been up to this week.

WOYWW - Cupcake Toppers and Easter Goodies

I don't know why but the other day Easter was on my mind and so I painted these little cupcake toppers.   They just came out . . .

 

First the bunny hopped in . . .



Followed closely by the chick . . .

 

And then the spring lamb . . . and they brought such a gentle spirit with them.  I fear I am quite in love with them . . . so much so that I couldn't resist . . .



Making a little spring coat for them to wear in the form of a cupcake wrap.   The verse on it reads:

"See the land,
her Easter keeping,
Rises as her Maker rose.
Seeds so long
in darkness sleeping,
burst at last from
Winter snows."

Now I'm all set for Easter Treats . . . but I have been working on a few other cupcake toppers and wraps as well.  Stay tuned . . . also for a new paper doll.  Watch this space!

 

In the meantime do hop on over to The Stamping Ground to see what all of the other peeps have been up to!

WOYWW on a Winter Wednesday

 

So, it seems that Winter is not quite ready to loosen it's grip on us just yet.  It is cold and I hear it is snowing in Wales, not five minutes from where I live . . . indeed the skies here in Chester look about ready to open up with goose-down as well.   That's life . . . each day a magical gift for us each to explore and enjoy.

This is what is keeping me busy this week . . .



First there has been a little Valentine Match Box for my husband for Valentines Day.   I had so much fun doing this . . . my brain was ticking the whole time and my heart was smiling and all a-flutter with love for this special man I am lucky enough to share my life with.



That's what a Valentine should be all about don't you think???  Love that makes your heart all a-flutter!

 

He is not perfect . . . but he's perfect to me and that makes us the perfect match I think.



Yes it is . . . very beautiful.

I have also been working on the final illustrations for the Children's book I've been working on.  Three more to go . . . which I will hopefully get done today!

 

I redid this one because I liked the softer feel of water colours for the book.   The first one I had done was in copic markers and whilst cute . . . I didn't like the feeling it put out . . . too harsh and bold.   I wanted something subtler . . . and I found it in watercolours.



You can probably tell it is a book about a sweet old lady and a cheeky cat . . . say no more!



Together they make magic . . . tis all I can say for now.

I struggled a bit with this one as I wanted to portray a night sky, but with my limited art skills it was very challenging.   I know other artists would have the know how to know how to add a night sky digitally . . . but I am also very technologically challenged and so I must do it the old fashioned way . . .

 

This week has also seen me playing with photographs taken . . .



My paper dolls . . .



And organizing my work space.   A typical week.

What have you been up to??   Why not hop on over to The Stamping Ground to see what everyone else has been up to.  There is sure to be something magical and inspiring to see there!  Such an amazingly talented group of creative people!

Thanks for looking!

WWOYWW . . . Matchbox Dolls

It's been over a month since I have been able to participate in Whats on Your Workdesk Wednesday.  It's been a wild month of renovations and lots of tumult.  I've hardly been able to create at all.  Work on the bath finally finished for good today and things can get back to normal . . . whatever that is!!

I was lucky enough to go to a Craft Crop on this Saturday past.  It was my first time ever at an event like that.  It was a lot of fun seeing what everyone else was getting up to.  I think these kinds of things are wonderful, and you can learn a lot.

I hadn't been sure of what to bring, but I had had an idea in mind for a time for these little matchbox dolls and so that's what I brought.  Papers, inks, glue, mod podge, miniature prints of my own artwork, etc.  And by the end of the afternoon I had  four sweet little girls done.  (Those ones up there at the top of this post.)

Since then I've done two more.  Here they are in a neat little video thingie.  Enjoy.



I really enjoyed making them.  There are all kinds of little additions as well . . . flower soft used as grass and flowers by their feet. Painted matchsticks for their legs and feet . . . tiny touches such as a black cat behind the little witch inside the window at the bottom, a hat and scarf behind the snowman girl, etc.  The autumn  leaves at the bottom of the witch are Martha Stewart foil glitter, leaf colours.



Completely decorated inside and out and all around.  I'm really pleased with how they turned out.  What have you been up to?  I am sure it's something beautifully creative too!
In the meantime why not pop on over to the Stamping Ground to check out all of the other wonderfully creative people and see what they have on their workdesks!

Thanks for looking!!