Framed Art

A few months ago I'd gotten this mail art post card from one of my nearest and dearest friends. It's been displayed on a shelf since, but today I came across this awesome frame and thought the two would look perfect together! I love how the silver frame corners accentuate the details of the art. In my eyes, you don't need to spend a lot on art to make a statement. Here, an inexpensive frame and a mail art postcard create a stunning work of art. P.S. Thanks Raine for the postcard xoxo

Nature's Beauty

I love these insects. They are one of the coolest ones Mother Nature designed. Part hummingbird, part flying lobster, at least to my eyes.The Hummingbird Moth or Hawk Moth is pretty special. They come around constantly and especially love the purple butterfly bushes. At times there'll be 10 or more of them at a time. I happened to capture this one digitally while it feasted upon the nectar in my goose neck loosestrife.

Doodle Dreams

This is what happens when your neurological system shorts out, causing serious visual disturbances. You end up sitting up in bed, watching The Walton's & drawing portraits of the odd creature you see sitting next to you!

Froggie's Visit

The dogs evidently have a pet frog. This little guy was swimming in one of their water bowls when I put them out this morning. I've been seeing lots of frogs & toads lately. A good sign since they'd become quite scarce, which had scientists concerned for the state of our environment.

Seahorse Fountain

Got this for my birthday last year. I love hearing the splashing water, especially when sitting outside on a hot, summer night. It relaxes me totally!

SMILE

Received this lovely card in the mail today. It couldn't of arrived at a better time because I really needed a smile! Two visits to the ER this week for severe neurological issues & a primary care doctor who refuses to continue the treatment the Attending Doctor's insist I need, had me feeling rather frazzled. I always love the synchronisity of life: When you really need a friend and a smile, one appears.... LOVE YOU RAINE!!

Clay Covered Journal

I was straightening out one of my many bookcases and rediscovered this spiral bound journal I'd covered in polymer clay. The gold is done using the mica~shift technique. The gray green is actually a blue which I added dry brushing to. Love the Egyptian texture plate I used! Definitely makes me want to set up the pasta machine, grab the Premo and get busy!!

Today's Moment

Today, this is the moment filled with love that matters. The teeniest, tiniest bunny I've ever seen. Rescued by me from certain death ala Toby cat. Make the moments count...

Embrace Love

In the midst of chaos I've found my Inner Peace, as I always do. Too many never learn to let go of what doesn't matter so you can embrace what does. Life is nothing but brief moments, meant to be experienced then and only then, and let go. There's no need to carry past hurt within you. It truly doesn't matter. Only for that one fleeting moment, amongst the millions of fleeting moments that make up a life, did it matter. In the end, the only thing that matters is filling yourself with love.

Yummy Delivery

I love the UPS man! He brings me and my Little Man such yummy surprises.

Envelope Book

I love the way this envelope book and postcards I made for a 21 Secrets workshop turned out! This workshop was the 'Personal Acts of Kindness' one with Dale Anne Potter, which I mentioned in my last post. 

  The book was suppose to contain 7 envelopes for holding 7 postcards containing positive messages for yourself, but I decided to add more. I made 6 from various decorative papers and another 7 from paper I created myself using inexpensive, white paper, with a coat of gesso on both sides, stamped, inked and covered in light tissue paper. Also I bound the book differently as I liked the look of all the various colors showing through between the covers. I always have to add my personal twist to things!

The heart on the cover is grungeboard painted with metallic red paint.

Top view showing the envelopes and a close up of one of my favorites

The postcards, each with a positive word on the front. 

The backs have a special message written to me, by me.

Side view of the envelopes. Love all the colors!

21 Secrets

  Last week as I was reading Traci Bunkers blog  I noticed a link for 21 Secrets Art Journal Playground. Secrets?  A Playground?  Yes, I MUST check this out!


  As I read the workshops descriptions I got that buzzy, excited feeling. I knew I had to sign up. 21 online workshops, all with a different artist, all yummy sounding and all for one low price.  I signed up right away and started in on the workshops a few days ago. Nirvana!  I've been in serious fibromyalgia hell lately and this is just what I needed to keep me going, give me something to look forward to and to give me a sense of community which has seriously been lacking. It's tough to feel a sense of community when you can barely get out of bed, never mind get out of the house!


  If you are looking for a great set of workshops for a great price, on sale for $59 right now. YES! That's the price for all 21 Secrets, I highly recommend signing up for these.  You will love what they have to offer.  Photos of my first project, a mini album to house uplifting postcards you send to yourself, will be posted soon. I promise! Oh, the album and postcards are from the 'Personal Acts of Kindness' workshop by 21 Secrets instructor Dale Anne Potter. That workshop was the perfect, positive boost I needed right  now!


 

Therapy....

The bills are piling up. My pain is through the roof. Things are looking bleak. So what's the cure? BUY ART BOOKS!!! Yes, a little retail therapy in the form of art books or art supplies is always a wise cure. I don't understand the logic, but do know it always works. Happy, happy again!