A Play with Mixed Media

 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

I have been playing today with mixed media.  I had watched Nadine Milton (Hop-A-Long Studios on YouTube Channel) on the Art Expression Summit.  I used her ideas for this page.  I stamped, watercolored, stenciled with acrylic paint, and collaged with a napkin and with stamped and die cut acetate pieces.  I just totally had fun!  I am submitting this for the Art Journal Journey Challenge to use birds this month.  Thank you, Mia.  There was a bird on the napkin I used, which by the way is from our napkin swap a few years ago for TSFT.  Also, there are birds in the stamped image with the lighthouse.  I also submitted for the ACOT Rewind Challenge of the Mixed Media Hidden Journaling Challenge and to SplitcoastStampers for their Free4All challenge to use paint and for their Mix-Ability challenge to use the letters of the word Grads for elements in our project:

G- green
R- round, the stamped acetate pieces are circles.
A- acrylic paint, acetate
D- daubed paint
S- stamping, stenciling

I used Ken Oliver Color Bursts which I have had for years!  I used Stampers Anonymous TH Leger Script background stamps, Stampendous stamps, Art 101 acrylic paints, napkin, and acetate, using Ranger Archival Jet Black ink and Stazon Jet Black ink.

I hope you are having a great week!  Playing in my craft room today was very relaxing.  I hope you have something you like to do for relaxation.  

Here is a photo of another relaxing element in my life:  A cup of tea.  (photo from archives).  I am posting this for my ticket to TSFT.  However, I am posting early so I can get in on May's AJJ Challenge. 

9Thanks for stopping by everyone. 

T stands for Taking Part in AJJ

 Break up your fallow ground, For it is a time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you"  Hosea 10:12 NKJV

I decided to submit my scrap layout to the Art Journal Journey challenge this month.  It is hosted this time by Bleubeard & Elizabeth and their theme is Anywhere, Anytime, Any Place, with Anyone.  

I did a layout of the Van Gogh Immersive Experience that our son took me to, when he visited in November.  We thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much that we hadn't known about Van Gogh.

To start this layout, I masked all but an inch around the outside of a 12x12 page.  I put a stencil on it and used Light and Fluffy modeling paste thru the stencil.  After it was dry I spattered with Fun Stamper Journal silks.  Then I inked around the edges with Tim Holtz Uncharted Mariner Oxide ink.  I took the mask off and added glitter all around the inside of the frame I made.  Then, I added my papers, title and embellishments.

That is it for me today.  Oh, wait a minute, I haven't posted my ticket to TSFT over at Altered Book Lover!

We were at a Chinese New Year event the 17th of this month.  Beautiful decorations and great food and entertainment.  I am having hot tea with my meal.

I am so sorry it is blurry.  I am the worst photographer!  Half the time it was on movie or time lapse.  I don't know how the wrong buttons get pushed on my phone!  But the dancers came by all our tables.

This one came right up in my face and winked at me! LOL

It was really fun.  What about you?  What have you been doing?  What are you drinking today? Show us and join over at Altered Book Lover.

Have a great week!  Thank you for stopping by.

Man on the Moon

   Create in me a clean heart, O God;

and renew a right spirit within me.
¹¹ Cast me not away from thy presence;
and take not thy holy spirit from me.
¹² Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;
and uphold me with thy free spirit.
¹³ Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;
and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalms 51:10-13

These are Bible verses I try to pray each day.

I have decided to do a blog post today!  I know it has been a while, but I do feel I am on the road of recovery!  I am in physical therapy and am gaining my range of motion back.  Next will be strength building.  So, thanks for the prayers and check ins while my blog was on hiatus.  

I am doing several challenges with this journal page.  One is the "people challenge" by Matilde on **Art*Journal*Journey.  The other two are challenges on ACOT for the art journal sketch and the In The News Challenge to remember circumstances that you might remember when news happened.  I chose when man walked on the moon, and made One giant step for mankind.  I will always remember it because I was pregnant with our first child.  And because of that I always remember when it happened!

 It was fun to do this page and remember.  I used old book pages as a base, and then stenciled TCW Sea Glass Stencil butter through a My Favorite Things brick wall stencil.  I printed off the photos from the internet, because it was all on TV just like this.  You can go online and listen and watch it all again.  I used 49 and Market rub ons, Washi tape, and ephemera

Finally, I will join Elizabeth over at Altered Book Lover for Tea Stands for Tuesday!

Here is my entry.  We recently ate at Bagatelle's again.  We had wonderful talapia with rice and lemon sauce and the best chicken and rice soup I have ever tasted!  And it seems every time we go they bring us and everyone in the small dining area a complementary desert.  This time it was cheesecake!

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It is good to be back!  I hope to visit you all and see what you are doing this week.  Thanks for stopping by and welcoming me back!  See you next time.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 Create in me a clean heart, O God;

and renew a right spirit within me.
¹¹ Cast me not away from thy presence;
and take not thy holy spirit from me.
¹² Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;
and uphold me with thy free spirit.
¹³ Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;
and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalms 51:10-13

These are Bible verses I try to pray each day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  We really don't celebrate, but this year we were invited to a St. Patrick's Day event at a senior living facility last week.  We were given coins with our assigned number and a piece of paper with the names of places we were to visit, like the library, model apartment, movie theatre, cafe, fitness room, etc.  At each place spread over three stories, we got our paper stamped, deposited our coin and ate a snack.  At one place, we had guitar music and tall green drinks with fancy straws which we got to keep.  The drink was a flavor of Hawaiian punch mixed with Sprite.  The idea was for us to see all these places in their facility, in hopes we would pay them a lot of money and move into it!  Also, they would draw coins out for prizes.  We weren't called, so I guess we didn't win.  They also had a photo op where they took our photos with a lady dressed all in green.  I haven't got that photo yet, and I didn't take one with my phone. :(

I took one photo at the event but first here is one of the fancy straws because you really don't see them that well in the next photo. 

And the drinks were really green, just doesn't show well here, no matter how I tried to fix the color.  This is also my ticket to Bleubeard & Elizabeth's TSFT over at Altered Book Lover.

This particular food was some kind of potato pancake.  Other food was fruit, like berries and grapes.  In the theatre they served a tiny cheesecake thing, and we were there too early for some kind of chicken thing.  The food wasn't all that impressive.  We did get a gold coin that when opened was chocolate.  I couldn't figure out how to open it, and decided it really wasn't anything to eat, but hubby broke it and there was chocolate in it. :)

Today I also am showing a journal page I did for Art Journal Journey, CalvinBall and ACOT Art Journal Sketch challenge.

For AJJ the theme was Home Sweet Home, and on the right side of the page I show that I am thankful for my home sweet home and that it is my happy place, and I do count it as one of my blessings.

I used the 2page sketch as given on A Cherry on Top. For Calvin Ball I think I got 34 points.  Again, the points are just for fun and inspiration. 

Points: 2 pages, star, date, real or faux stitching, frame, heart, polka dot, stripes, sketch, handwriting, film strip, hexagon, circle, grid, coffee or tea, stamp, pink, flower, fussy cut, splatter, butterfly, banner, bling, 2 social media shares, 2 blogs., among other items!  We have over 100 items to choose from for points, and we can double dip which means, the circle with stitched die counts two points, for stitching and for being a circle, except on "no double dipping day".

For the background on my pages, I played with some new Distress Mica Sprays from Tim Holz.  I had picked them up at JoAnn's which is closing.  They were only 20% off though.  I am sorry they are closing, but I sure didn't think they were having much of a sale, and everything was about gone in the store where I was.

All of the items were just in my stash.  So, I just used what I had already cut and stamped.  The top stamp is Paula Best, and I don't even have it anymore, but found it in a container with pre stamped and cut images. I love using up stuff that I didn't want to toss but saved! 

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure and check out the links above for inspiration.

See you next time.

Snow

⁴ Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
⁵ Commit thy way unto the LORD;
trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalms 37:4-5

 I will try to commit next year to the Lord about everything including whether or not I post, or how often.  However, I thought I have been on sabbatical from Blogging long enough, so I will end the year with one last post.  I have decided to join in at **Art*Journal*Journey for Sharon's (Sharon from That Girl Friday Fritchey) Snow Challenge for January. This made me get out an old stencil that I haven't used in years.  I stenciled with Blueprint Sketch Oxide Distress ink over a Aspen Trees stencil.  I spattered with White India Ink and used a Uniquely Creative clear Sparkle Brush for the glittery look of ice.  I die cut and stamped the deer from a very old Fun Stampers Journey set.  They are not even in business anymore.  The snowflake dies are an unknown source, but I die cut from silver.  I added gems, Nuvo drops and Washi tape for interest, and just to use stash!  I did this in my 7x10 Canson XL Mix Media book.  98 lb paper.  My stencil is only 6x6. so had to move it to fill the page.  As you can see, it isn't really lined up, but oh, well.  I am just playing with all my stuff! LOL

Maybe a closer view will show the glittery trees:

Here is my ticket to the tea party over at Bleubeard and Elizabeth's at Altered Book Lover.  I have missed so many, they may not know who I am.  I prepared this little hot chocolate station next to my tea station for when our family were here.  We all enjoyed it; in fact, I am still enjoying it.  Who knew that mini chocolate chips, mini-marshmallows and candy canes could make something so good ever better?

Well, I hope you all had a blessed Christmas, and I wish you Happy New Year.  Who know what it will bring?  Maybe I will see you next year.  

Thanks for stopping by.

Today & Anything Goes

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8 

 Hello, I am still here!  I had a great morning today because it finally cooled down and I was able to go walking!  I decided to join in with TSFT and with Aimeslee's Anything Goes Challenge over at **ART*JOURNAL*JOURNEY*.    I did this page inspired by her challenge, my walk and using prompts from my Mixed Media Joy Challenge over at SplitcoastStampers. 

Use 3 or more of the following:
Napkin
Recycled household item
Blue or teal
sequins
Book page
Washi
Suggested Technique: anything using water

I did a page in my 7x10 art journal today. I water colored the base with different colors and some scribbling. Then I added washi (the stamps & the today and leaf), napkin, and book page. Then stamped birds, date, and some journaling that inspired my page. I wish my napkin had been woodsy but was I matching the color. I was just having fun, so doesn't matter, anything goes!

I almost forgot (because it has been so long!)  that I need a drink reference of some kind in order to join TSFT with Bleubeard & Elizabeth over at Altered Book Lover.  So, here is my favorite to go mug.  I will be taking it with me this weekend to a Ladies Bible Conference Retreat.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a wonderful day!  

T Stands for Time

 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

 Hello everyone!  It is time for us to all gather over at Elizabeth's for tea, or whatever beverage you are having.  I have missed several tea parties because I just want to do so much!  I could have missed today, too because I am preparing my lesson for the Bible study I lead on Tuesday mornings.  And I got a late start on everything today.  I usually start the day with an early morning walk, but today it was sprinkling, and kind of dark and I thought it might really rain!  As it turned out, it fizzled out and the sun came out.  By then, it was 10:30, so I walked late, and it was warmer of course.  Then I was tired, and it was lunch time! LOL   On one of my walks last week, I met this fellow.

And these guys: Sammy and Ranger, labs.

and these ducks before I even got on the trail

When I left our house, I took a photo of our flag which we put out Saturday, Sunday and Monday to remember our fallen, because in the U.S. we are celebrating Memorial Day.

And our new plants:

This trail is uphill!

And a peek thorough into the woods:

Today I saw this guy crossing the trail, about a foot in diameter.  I am afraid to get too close to get a better photo, because I have been told these are snapping turtles.

I have been scrapping and was looking for photos that I hadn't scrapped and found my ticket to the party for today. Here is one from the last cruise we took in February of 2019. Join us for TSFT over at Bleubeard & Elizabeths at Altered Book Lover.

I can't leave without posting something crafty.  Here is a card I made that is mix media.  I used Tim Holtz distress glazes, distress oxides, and Distress crayons, and Tim Holtz Checkerboard embossing folder.  The inchie images are from stamps I bought locally years and years ago at Mrs. O'Leary's Artful Ilussions.  She makes her own stamps, and you could purchase just the red rubber very cheap.  I don't think she makes stamps anymore, but I could be wrong.  Anyway, I played with my accumulated stuff.  I heard a quote lately.   " I don't buy too much craft stuff; I just shop faster than I craft. LOL Something like that.  Here is my card.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope to stop by and see you, soon.  Happy T Day to the T Gang.  See you next time.  (Notice, I quit saying next week! LOL Sometimes, I just don't make it every week.)

Art Just for Fun!

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Romans 15:13

 I am just playing along with the Scrap Summit this week; lots of inspiration!  So, decided to play along with the Messy Mixed & Joyful challenge on SplitcoastStampers & Art*Journal*Journey for this month's challenges.  Neet our hostess on Art*Journal*Journey this month challenged us with a Fur and/or Feathers theme.  Our Challenge hostess on the MMJ (Messy, Mixed, and Joyful) challenge for September was Amy and she challenged us to us:  Use 2 or more of the following:  I used all, I think.

Something that shimmers        I used Fun Stampers Journal Silks & Glitter acrylic paints.

Clouds or something weather related I used My Favorite Thigs cloud dies.

A Face    Three faces in photo.

The #9 (or nine of something) I used 9 Nuvo Crystal dots.  (Duck Egg Blue)

Grit or texture paste I used Gesso

Technique: Layering Die Cuts      Secret Garden SU! 

I put gesso on my 7"x10" Canson Mixed Media page very thinly to start.  Then I used Speckled Egg Oxide ink through a stencil. (Recollections) Then I applied the glitter acrylic paint. I found this photo of a scrap page of the event, that our granddaughter and I made together.    I tore pages from a bird book. I added Washi tape, stamping, & a rhinestone.  I wanted to remember this: our daughter took this photo of my grandchildren & I, watching a mother duck with about 8 ducklings.

All began with one of the videos on the Scrap Summit to use photos in your journaling that you weren't going to use in a scrap page.  I wasn't using this one as it was in an envelope for unused but can't bring myself to throw away! LOL Something else I learned was instead of messing with spiral on the side, turn it so it is up, out of your way

Thanks for looking. You can see more Messy, Mixed, and Joyful & projects at SplitcoastStampers, and more art journaling over at Art*Journal*Journey.  Check them out.  

T Stands For Hot Again!

 One of my favorite Bible verses KJV Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Hello!  We are boiling hot here, 98 pushing 100 F. We, however went out to eat and to the pharmacy.  But, now back in our nice cool home.  I also walked early this morning, my 4 miles on the Redbud trail.  Got home before nine, so before it was too hot, but still humid, 34% humidity.  We have a great breeze here, so we are grateful for that!

I am sorry I missed our tea party last week, but was busy with the last week of our Dare To Get Dirty Challenges over on Splitcoaststampers.  I did finish 42 cards for 49 challenges.  I guess I am loosing it.  I used to be able to get them all done in a week!  But the good news is I now have 6 more Christmas cards, one Halloween card, 16 birthday cards, of which one is a shaker, 4 are masculine, and one is a  slimline card.  I have one sympathy card, 2 anniversary cards, and 15 cards that can be whatever I want them to be!  Oh, and one art type journal card that I can either make into a card, or put in a junk journal or use in a scrapbook!  I used so many different techniques, too; from smooshing, stenciling, teabag art, napkin art, watercolor, to name a few!  

Here is a photo of all except the journal card:

And the journal card:  I used assorted Memory Mists sprays for the background, assorted stamps, modeling paste, water color, metal pieces, and a scrap, and stamped at sentiment and punched it with an oval punch, and layered on a scrap of lace.  I hadn't used the sprays for years, and the prayers were clogged so only used the ones that weren't clogged.  I will have to get some new sprayers, because I tried to wash to unclog, and that didn't work! LOL  These sprays are still good, and were bought years and years ago at a stamp show.

Now, my ticket for Bleubeard & Elizabeth's T Stands For Tuesday party! This is one of my Dare To Get Dirty Challenge cards.

Wishing everyone a great week!  Happy T Day to the T Gang!  Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you found a little inspiration.

T For TSFT Reveal & Another Tag Tuesday Tag

"Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honor all the day." Ps. 71:8


The weeks are sure flying by, even when we are not going much because of Covid.  Today is our great reveal of our ATC swap that we did to celebrate the 7th anniversary of Elizabeth & Bleubeard's Tea Stands For Tuesday over at Altered Book Lover!

So without further ado, here is the ATC and goodies from Karen.  Somehow she knew one of my favorite color combos is turquoise and brown!  I still remember a favorite dress in those colors, which I wore to one of my wedding showers.  Love the cute little tea charm, too. 

 Isn't it neat how she put it inside a card, oh, yes a card, too!  She used washi tape.  I need to start using some of that drawer full on washi tape.  What a good idea.  I have noticed people are using it to seal their envelopes, too, now instead of licking them, as she did. And she made the cutest  tiny envelope to put in this stash of canceled stamps to use on future projects!  

Her card below and a close up of her darling mini envelope and also so you can see the inside.

A big thank you to Karen.

Now a surprise from our hostess!

Thank you Elizabeth, Bleubeard and Squiggles for this wonderful memento of our 7th anniversary and the goodies.  You are the best hostesss!  Thanks for all your work to make our tea parties so enjoyable for 7 years!

I think there are a few items in above, tea charm and Bleubeard in teacup for my TSFT reference!

I did do another tag for Tag Tuesday sea theme that I would like to share.


Again, I was playing with my Tim Holtz Distress inks and TH Embossing Glaze.  Below, I stamped on a pre done tag,  from many years ago.  I used images from SU! and the sentiment is from Our Daily Bread.  I put the mat gel through the stencil.  Then I sprinkled the embossing glaze (two colors) on the paste, then heat embossed.  I watched a you tube demonstrating how to do this.  I am just loving these embossing glazes!

I had to edit to show the two ATCs I made for the 7th anniversary of TSFT!

I made them playing with my Tim Holtz Embossing Glazes.  I stamped with SU! stamps, then dabbed with VersaMark ink, then  applied the different glazes then heat embossed.  One for Eileen and one for our hostess.  I bet you can tell which one went to our hostess!   I hope they liked them! 

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I enjoy sharing with you and then visiting some of you to see what you are doing.  Thank you Tag Tuesday for the challenge!  Happy T Day!  Have a great week!