Naughty me...

I have neglected my blog... why? well I have been busy doing other things and so the time as they say flipped by and there were just not enough hours in a day.
One of the FUN things I did was a fund raiser for Breast Cancer. It wouldn't have happened without my wonderful friend Sam....We had a dinner party for 10 girls at her house on Saturday night, I heard about it on the radio and decided to ask Sam if she was up for it. She was, and let me tell you, Sam is the most AMAZING cook/baker, whatever she creates just melts in the mouth...so the girls all turned up, had a great time, great food - Sam did the Starter-Scallops and Prawns in a sauce.Main - Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes, CousCous with Roasted Vegetables, Potato Dauphinoise stack and Vegetables and I did the Dessert - Pannacotta with a Red Velvet Cake.. the best thing was that we raised £210 which was amazing, so THANKS to the girls who attended x



A while ago now I signed up for a class run by Joanna Pierotti on her Ning site, she created a Wall hanging from one of her mother's dresses.
Anyway I decided now was the time to try and create my own and this is the result. I put mine on to a mat board and created like that whereas Joanna hanged her dress on a "nature" hanger.
The good thing has been the ability to do this when I was ready and not have to worry that I had to do it in a set time. Clicking on the images, especially the collage one will allow you to see details in close up.


I am happy today as the sun is shining, so I have a spring in my step... going to see what to create this fine day... where ever you are, have a fab day.
Thanks for visiting xxxx

PAPER ROSES and more

Hello, nice to see you back again. I have managed to get some creativity going on today. It has been difficult the last week or so, Stuart had a rough weekend so not really fair to disappear into my craft room when he needed some TLC.
Then I was totally devastated to visit one of my regular blogs and read that Renee the blog owner is in a really bad way, her daughter posted to her mum's blog and I am so saddened to realise that it looks as if Renee is living on borrowed time. She has had breast cancer for years but now it has spread to other parts of her body, I don't want to say more as it just moves me to tears. Renee is always on my mind, she has the most amazing spirit and is such a fighter.... sending Love xxxx
I actually "met" Renee last year when she won my OWOH prize and our online friendship grew from there.

Talking of OWOH I was fortunate to win this year... this beautiful tag, behind glass and metal embossed on the back, Nicks is the clever girl who created it



the hearts either side are a couple of wall hangings picked up in town, one I bought myself, the other from my friend Natalie - perfect for displaying ATC's.

I have another prize to come from Catie Ann will post pics when it arrives, so exciting and I won some beautiful digital images from Dorcas x

This next picture shows two wood boxes created by Lisa Jurist, saw these when I visited for OWOH and had to have them - my friend Lorraine also loved them and purchased one of her other works...


and then today... I had a go making Grunge Paper Roses with Gabby. There was an article in Craft Stamper magazine so Gabby brought it over and we created a rose each. Now here's a funny thing; I got my Grunge paper when it first came out, Gabby bought hers recently. The funny thing is the thickness of the paper. My was a lot thicker, Gabby's thinner and easier to bend over the petals.



In the photos mine is the one with the more "open" centre. The larger rose I created by drawing a six petal flower onto the grunge paper (instead of using a stamp) and to be fair I am really pleased with the outcome.
Tim Holtz's new book "A Compendium of Curiosities" is sitting on my shelf and I have to say that if you get the chance, grab yourself a copy it is a really informative book, whether an "expert" or a novice.
So that is it for this post, I have a couple of projects at WIP stages and look forward to sharing them with you.
Take care, and don't forget to tell those you love exactly that.... I love you xxx

Ewww

That's how I have been this week. I have followed my kids with the dreaded Norvirus. OMG I would not wish this on my worst enemy. I cannot believe how much it has knocked me for six.
I was supposed to go to the hospital for blood tests to see why I had low blood pressure but unfortunately have not made it yet due to the sickness and diarrhoea. No point inflicting it on others, Stuart has been home 2 days now with it, hopefully that is it for this family!

I have managed to see some of the Olympics from the comfort of the sofa and must admit to enjoying it immensely.
I had sketched out a canvas to work on but have not felt up to painting it even though I am itching too. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
China is in Switzerland now, gone to visit friends that we know from Spain there until Tuesday. I am so glad that she has the confidence to get on and go see the world while she can, just hope she stays safe skiing as she is so clumsy.
I am looking forward to tomorrow as I am going to see my mummy, she is over on a flying visit from Ireland so it will be lovely to catch up.

Other news, I won a couple of wonderful items in the OWOH event, I will post pics as they arrive (one is here already but not up to photos) gorgeous it is though, I am sure you will agree when you see it....

That is it for this post, short and sweet but just wanted to say Hi...

OWOH Winners

So the time has come to announce the ONE WORLD, ONE HEART Winners. I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone, all 213 of you who dropped by on the Magic Carpet and a HUGE THANK YOU to Lisa for organising this spectacular event.
I used Random.Org to choose the winners and tried to take a photo of the screen but it didn't come out well due to the flash. That said I am proud to say that the 1st prize

of this canvas goes to......... VIOLA she was Number 8. CONGRATULATIONS VIOLA.

The 2nd prize...

was the Number 183 and the winner was PEGGY ALBORN So CONGRATULATIONS to you too Peggy.

I have 5 other lucky dip winners too, each will receive a little package from me.
They are ArtseyAnne, Robbin B, Mila, Nerissa Alford and Tamerie Shriver... just a little something to say Thanks for entering, it will be a surprise for the recipients xxx

The Magic Carpet Journey will continue for me, there were so many blogs to visit that I didn't get to them all in time for the Giveaways but I still want to visit them all as it is a great way to discover new artists, new friends.
Who knows what the mode of transport will be next year, but whatever it is I for one will be hopping on board.
Once again THANK YOU everyone
Love Ya xxxx

ONE WORLD ONE HEART 2010

Here it is the chance to hop on board the OWOH MAGIC CARPET and journey to all the participating blogs in this years spectacular event.
Who knows where the journey will take you, what new friends you will meet - but the ride will be so worth it.
If you let your mouse hover over the title you will be whisked away to discover the blogs joining the party....and learn all about the WONDERFUL LISA!

Now here it is,

this is what I am gving as my magical gift for those who find their magic carpet bringing them here...
an 8 x 8" deep sided canvas showing a Dreamer of Dreams, she is probably dreaming of Arabian nights and Magic Carpets ...
I hope you enjoy what you see here on my blog, I hope your first visit (if it is) will be one of many, I have met some amazing people here on blogland and they visit me regularly too and that is such a thrill.
So if you wish to be in the draw for my offering leave a comment... you do not need to have a blog but you must leave an e mail for me to contact you if you are the winner. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON 15th FEB 2010. If I get a lot of visitors I shall add more prizes, so watch this space....
and hey if you scroll to the bottom of my page there is a Guestbook - now if you could sign it that would be wonderful.

I promised another giveaway if I got over 100 visitors so here it is a little folding wood arch. hand painted girl, rusty house and some words. Edge decorated with ferro paint and ric rac and the flip side has embossed metal...
If I make it to 200 then there will be another addition to the giveaway.




GET ON BOARD THE MAGIC CARPET............ HAVE FUN, I AM OFF NOW TO VISIT SOME MAGICAL PLACES

And now for something different...

well for me in a while... as followers know I have been busy doing faces. I signed up for a Tryptich swap on Paper Whimsy and here is what I created, it was great to do this, can't wait to see who my swap partner is going to be.

The back has some card stuck on to the tag and some leather look ribbon.Plain and simple, like me :-) And then we move on to the front.

The inspiration for my tryptich came as a result of a frame I bought for my Natural Beauty painting (in earlier blog write up), the frame is a deep oak one and I got it for a song from a Charity shop. The picture in the frame was called "The School Room" and I thought "That is it, I need to use that picture" I have a penchant for schools, read my blog you will know this lol.... I hanker after school days, I LOVED school, I loved the Little House on the Prairie and the little school. I loved Boarding school and have fond memories of it, so maybe that is why I am drawn to this subject matter.

So here it is - Apart from using the aforementioned picture I used a PW girl and some Prima flowers I bought from the PW shop.
Also on this piece are items cut from a Navel Jelly Studio Collage sheet called the Crayon Box. Some glitter was added to lift the piece,some Tim Holtz tag elements and ta dah the end result! CLICKING ON THE IMAGES ENLARGES TO SEE MORE DETAIL

Not sure how much creativity is going to be done by little ol' me as the Winter Olympics are on for the next fortnight, I love it. Not being a person who will ever going skiing I do admire those who find their calling in participating in Winter Sports. Sadly one of the athletes from Georgia died in a training run yesterday, heart goes out to his family....

OWOH ends tomorrow... Winner announced on my blog on Monday, Good Luck to all who entered and if you haven't done so already there is still time....
Love ya, Thanks for dropping by xxx

Dreaming of Spring

I created this in my moleskine, a practise session again... what with the cold weather I wanted some Spring in my life and I have come to realise that I love to put flowers in my work.
Some of the flowers, sure you can see which ones are hand painted and the others are stickers which I covered with matt medium to tone down the shine (a tip picked up from Suzi Blu)...I liked the way her hair turned out too... I normally try to avoid hair but need to bite the bullet and go for it more!
All that I need to do to it to finish it is to find an appropriate poem or words and then I will be happy.
So take care and once again, Thanks for visiting - Love Ya!

Valentine Gifts

I just love it when the postman delivers mail that is not bills or junk - but wonderful goodies from across the pond.
I was lucky enough to be invited to participate with 13 other ladies in a swap hosted by Barbara Burkard and here are the delightful goodies I received. I was fortunate enough to find this bird cage at the weekend in a local florist for £15 (a bargain don't you think?) and thought it would be perfect to showcase the lovely art. The Betty Boop was courtesy of my "mom" Linda East she sent me it before Christmas and it was supposed to adorn my tree but alas as you may well know we didn't make it to Spain - never mind I can look at in hanging in my art room xxx
So a BIG THANK YOU to Barbara, Mija, Tamara, Angie, Catie, Heather R, Sanna, Paula,Sandee, Martha, Theresa, Peggy, and Cheri.

then I received this delightful card, atc and earrings from Karriann Elkins as a THANK YOU for a spoon pendant I sent her as part of a blog giveaway I had - so sweet, Love them.

Then the postman brought me a card from Carol Stocker, I wanted to share this from an e mail Carol sent out...

Hot Shops is an Art Center near downtown Omaha. It's a really cool old warehouse that houses 80 artist studios and four galleries. One of the gals I got to know through SJ Designs decided to host an art challenge and invited me to participate. I submitted a 16" x 20" canvas and it was selected by the jury to be one of the pieces that would be shown during the month of February. :-)

The Gallery Open House is this Friday night from 6-9 pm and I can't wait to see all the other pieces. Cross your fingers that sometime during the month my canvas sells! I would sure hate to have it left hanging there when all the other pieces are gone! lol
Anyway, here is a link to the challenge info. CLICK HERE
and attached is my submission along with a copy of the invitation and note that the sponsor wrote to me.

I'm looking forward to seeing my art on the gallery wall and honored to be included!

Carol is very talented and she was the very 1st person I ever did a swap with on the internet... I am so pleased for her xxx WELL DONE CAROL xxx

I'll try to get some photos of the event. xoxo Carol
HERE IS THE CARD

Before I go I just had to share the wonderful step ladder shelves I bought in the same florists that I purchased the Bird cage, I fell in love with this but as it had plants on I didn't realise it was for sale at first, then when I saw the ticket and the bargain price (I LOVE a bargain) I just had to have it; funny thing is, now that Jazz and China are working and have to give me "housekeeping" I have disposable income that is all mine, and these two purchases were bought using that money... whoop whoop, there is an upside to the kids growing up

The ladder has 4 shelves and is just so perfect.... now that is it for this post, I hope you stayed with it and didn't drop off lol, I have been busy blog hopping so have neglected to post myself and this is a catch up xxx
Take care, Love Ya xxxx

Self Portrait

I had a bit of "fun" last night drawing myself! OMG have you ever tried to do this? I had the mirror and thought "What the heck just do it" so I did.
It is really hard to do yourself, well I found it was but I wanted to be accurate and it was a challenge.
The hair I am going to work on as I am not happy with it but to be honest it wasn't down, it was tied back so I drew it quickly as I knew how I looked like with it down... does that make sense?
I now want to do a painted version and possibly a color pencil one too.
Other works in progress as we speak but unfortunately got to go to shops etc. today and then out for dinner tonight (the out for dinner bit is good, no cooking).
Still taking time out everyday for OWOH, no way am I going to visit everyone in the limited time, but at least the links stay up after the date.
Once again Thanks for looking, need to grab a bite to eat as my tummy is rumbling!
Till next time, take care and enjoy your day xxxxxxxxx

New Piece

So I signed up for the Suzi Blu class to learn a new way of doing faces. I was excited to use Prisma pencils for the 1st time. They are lovely to use and I had fun creating this piece.
The BG was done using another supply for the 1st time, Shiva paint sticks. Anyway from this humble beginning with the pencil and with the tutelage of Suzi I hope to be able to create more using pencils.



And I just had to share this piece of art, No it wasn't created by me (wish it was) it is entitled "Natural Beauty" and is the work of Dyanne Parker in Florida. I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her and had to have her.This is an oil done on board.
The funny thing is though that I originally purchased another painting which I can't share with you now as it is for China as part of her 18th celebrations in August. Then I saw this Natural Beauty and kept going away and coming back to her, and hey, she had to be mine. She makes me smile everytime I look at her, and that is about a hundred times a day! so I am a truly happy bunny!
The OWOH event continues at a pace...it has passed last years 911 participants and currently stands at 935.
I am making a second giveaway at the moment as I have had over 100 comments left on my piece...AMAZING!
Don't forget if you want to have a chance to win leave a comment on the OWOH post which will stay at the top of my blog until the end of the Event xxx
Thanks for dropping by... xxxx

Spain and OWOH update.

just a quick note to let you know that I am in Spain for a flying visit, only here till Saturday.
Stuart and I flew down yesterday and although it is strange without any kids or the dog here it is fine.
I was soooooooooooo suprised when I checked my mail this evening to see how many people have dropped by my blog for the OWOH event... amazing and so I shall have to create another prize as I did say that for every 100 comments left I would add a giveaway...!
To be eligible to enter do not comment about the giveaway on this post but on the post with the OWOH pink magic carpet button.
I wonder if some kind soul reading this could tell me how to make the OWOH POST stay at the top of my blog for the duration of the OWOH event... pretty please.

I am going to get so behind with blog hopping as I left the charger for my computer at home so I know that it will run out sooner rather than later. I am actually writing this on Stuart's laptop but as it is his I am being allowed to "loan it" sure he won't be pleased if I monopolise it blog hopping.
To be honest I don't really feel up too much, keep feeling faint, checked bp today and it was 102/69 which does not seem good to me, must get checked out when I get home... anyway enough of that... go and blog hop some more and have FUN on the magic carpet xxxx Love you and Thanks for dropping by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Another day Another Post

Weekends in my house I don't actually get a lot of creating time as I spend it with the family. I baked cakes this weekend which went down well, then decided I needed to get on the Wii Fit, have to remind myself that I am 49 this year and that the body needs to be serviced with exercise more so these days.... trouble is though that since I have started baking I am really enjoying it and it is so hard not to sample the offerings for the family, after all I wouldn't want to give them something I wouldn't want to eat myself, now would I? :-)
I was rather upset at the weekend too, had to wake up to the fact that my baby China is growing up and that Jazz is not going to be a teenager much longer.
China has been looking at going to Greece with her friend Kim this summer, I am glad that she is going, but sad at the same time, the long 6 week family holidays have come to an end, now I realise the kids will be doing there own thing, so adjustments needed.....she has promised to save a week of her holiday to come to Spain and Jazz is going to come for a week, maybe 2. Life!





Here is a spread in a Journeying Journal that I created for Mariette. Cupid draw back your bow is the title for this one.

This one is for Denice's journal, the 2nd spread I have done for her. Wishing on a star is the title for this one.


New Year, new project on HANDS AND HEART NING, this is for the Zodiac Journal.

I have signed up for Suzi Blu and Misty Mawn classes too... everyday is a learning day so I thought what the hell and joined these fantastic classes, I will sort out buttons for the side bar as these classes are so worth looking at and joining xxx




And make no bones about this (sorry about that) but I LOVE this swap piece I received from the lovely Val Foster, we agreed to swap for a while and finally got around to it... I love all the texture going on with this. Val is so creative with the materials she uses and the ideas she comes up with. THANK YOU Val and prayers coming your way from me xxx

DENICE'S JOURNAL

Painting in Denice's Journeying Journal... The Poem reads

The birds that sing on autumn eves
Among the golden-tinted leaves,
Are but the few that true remain
Of budding May's rejoicing train.

Like autumn flowers that brave the frost,
And make their show when hope is lost,
These 'mong the fruits and mellow scent
Mourn not the high sunned summer spent.

Their notes through all the jocund spring
Were mixed in merry musicking;
They sang for love the whole day long,
But now their love is all for song.

Now each hath perfected his lay
To praise the year that hastes away;
They sit on bough apart, and vie
In single songs and rich reply.

And oft as in the copse I hear
These anthems of the dying year.
The passions, once her peace that stole,
With flattering love my heart console.

By Robert Bridges


Hope Denice likes the picture and the words. The left page was covered with a serviette and the lady is wearing a metal leaf dress, for a lift to the pages. A few bird stamps and scrolls and there it is.

 

 

I have been busy with other things but for now they are surprises so can't be revealed at this time.
The snow is getting on my nerves now, I just want to be able to get out and go to the Post office, the shops, you know the normal everyday things. Much as I think the world looks pretty bathed in white enough is enough, seriously!

Not long now till the start of the annual ONE WORLD ONE HEART EXTRAVAGANZA... if you are new to this, click on the Magic Carpet button to the right of this post.

Once again, Thanks for visiting xx

Sadness

I am glad that I didn't resolve to write everyday because I would have fallen in the 1st 5 days... Resolutions are often broken aren't they... so my choice of the word endeavour was apt.
Just thought I would write quickly, the weather here is awful, snow has immobilised much of England and it has arrived here in my little corner of the South East this evening...bah humbug! I much prefer snow when it is in pretty pictures or in the movies.
Shouldn't moan really, it is just one of life's little foibles and today I was reminded how tenacious our grip on life is when I heard of the death of a young mum, she was only 30. She had asked me before Christmas to paint pictures of her girls in the New Year, over the holiday period she got flu, it developed over Christmas and on the 2nd January she was hospitalised and put on a life support machine, she died yesterday morning - septacemia. What a tragedy for the whole family and such a shock... I just hope her girls and her husband find the strength to get through this awful, awful time!
It made me stop and take stock and sit down and wonder about the frailty of life. I cannot believe it and keep remembering the last time I spoke to her. A Mass was held for her this morning as she was a staunch Catholic.
I gave my family extra hugs when they came home this evening and ask that you do the same, treasure each and every moment because they are all precious... That is it for this sad post. Take care and stay safe if you are experiencing horrible weather.
Peace x

2010 HAPPY NEW YEAR

I haven't actually made any resolutions, I have never been able to stick to them as such... but I am going to endeavour to make a blog entry every day of the year, circumstances permitting.
So it is the 1st day of January, 2010.. the start of the One-der decade... here's hoping it is a great decade.
Early plans for the year include completing 14 items for a Valentines swap, getting RR Books home to their owners.
15th January I am doing a Misty Mawn online class, Faces again, I was pleased with how I developed with this throughout the latter part of last year and want to see where it will take me this year.

I look forward to creating lots of different and new ideas this year, swapping with like minded people and just having fun... hey if you want to do a swap at some point during the year then leave a comment and I will connect with you to see what we can come up with.
There is nothing more fantastical (is that a word? if not it should be) than getting art in the post out of the blue, it really has a way of lifting the soul... this piece was sent to me by Debi Minter Gorgeous isn't she!


And as I have said before and will say again ONE WORLD ONE HEART starts soon... Click the magic carpet button on the side bar for more info...
So this is it the 1st brief post for the Year, back tomorrow to share more art with you...
HAPPY NEW YEAR and Peace be with you wherever you are xxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORRAINE

Today it is my mate Lorraines Birthday and so I decided to create a picture of her daughter Hollie. I worked on it and then with some trepidation took it around to her, I was hoping that she would realise who it was. As I got to her house her husband was about to go in so I asked him to pass it on to Lorraine for me. Stamford and I waited for her and Jake to come out on the dog walk and all the while I was holding my breathe. Anyway imagine my joy and delight when she came out all pleased and Thanked me for the picture of Hollie - she knew straight away who it was and so that made me feel heaps better and happy!
She said she knew and then she saw the name incorporated into the painting, had to cover bases lol.
This is the 1st art I have done over the holidays and so I feel happy now.
I have lots of ideas for the New Year and am itching to crack on... got to get ready to visit with my neighbour this evening so this is a short post
Hope you all are still enjoying your holiday season, Peace xxx

CHRISTMAS EVE

So it is Christmas Eve, I am sure there are children all over the world eagerly anticipating looking to see what is in there stockings in the morning.
Christmas is such a magical time and it is not all about presents. It seems that we may have forgotten why we celebrate Christmas now in the commercial times we live in. So I thought I would share this picture with you.
I have many visitors to my blog and whatever your religion I wish you joy and peace at this time. May you have a happy life and enjoy your family wherever you are.
I was disappointed not to be in Spain this Christmas, but sometimes things are out of our control. In the larger scheme of things I am grateful for what I have. I have been thinking about the serving soldiers who have lost their lives this year, about the families they have left behind and I know that the loss of a holiday is trivial in comparison.
Then there are those who have lost friends and family through illness. May I wish each of you reading this the best of health and send you my love and hopes for a joyous New Year.
I am looking forward to tomorrow, it will be different for me but at least I am here and able to celebrate.
If you look to the right of my blog you will see the One World, One Heart button, this is such a big blog event and I am looking forward to being a part of it again this year, I shall be creating something with love to share, click on the link if you want to be a part of it too.... it is a way of connecting with some wonderful people here in blogland.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL AND THANK YOU FOR VISITING ME HERE AND ALLOWING ME TO BE YOUR FRIEND XXXXX
LOVE TO ALL XXXXX

BOTTLE ART

I had a play with something different today. Earlier in the year I signed up to do a bottle workshop with Joanna Pierroti which involved soldering and beeswax. I didn't have a solder or anything else to do the project with up till now, so I thought today is the day to play.
It was fun adding the copper tape and then soldering, more tricky than I thought it would be, but hey it's all a learning curve. Adding mesh and lace with other embellishments and this is the end result.
I think I needed something totally new today as it has been a stressful time with China, she has dropped art, as she has so had it with her teacher, and then to top it all as she couldn't realise her dreams as Art A level was part of those dreams she has quit College and is now going to start work on Monday at her dad's firm. She can then do a day release course and if she wishes Art and Photography at night school.
I am so angry with her art teacher, teacher is not the right word for her but I will leave it at that... I witnessed her laying into a student verbally today in the car park! does she have no respect for her students, the woman is totally of her head.
Even though China has made the decision after much soul searching to give up education I am not letting the matter rest, I want the Head and the School Governors to look into the ability of this so called teacher and evaluate her suitability to be in the job. Unbelievably or maybe not, 6 students have left since September which says something about her! Sorry for the rant but I am so upset for China and needed to get it off my chest.... my art helped me today.
I hope to be more upbeat tomorrow, Thanks for listening xxx

AUTUMN NYMPH

Autumn has come and gone, the Christmas season is upon us but I created this girl, this autumn nymph today as it was so cold and miserable outside.. she is still a work in progress, I have left her to her own devices in my art room while I decide what to do with her...
I went to take the dog out this evening, he got outside, got heavily rained on and bolted straight back indoors. He did eventually succumb and we had a rather wet walk with Lorraine and her dog Jake. They were so not impressed, but hey they have to have their walk so Lorraine and I can have out chat.
It is so Christmassy walking down the roads, really cheers me up, even though the weather doesn't.
So what about you, have you got your decorations up? have you made your own? I will have to go blog hopping to see what you have all been up to.
China has dropped Art as her Art teacher made her really hate it and it was getting her down, so better to be happy in mind than glum because of some miserable person who is obsessed with the Tate Modern... that is not what art is ALL about and this teacher so needs to get over it! I have been barred from speaking to her as I had previously questioned her ability to call herself a teacher... I thought a teacher was supposed to inspire, guide, instruct? and this teacher does none of that, and because I was audacious enough to question her I am not allowed to talk to her.
Oh well, with a bit of luck I will have my daughter back, happy again - and she has decided that she wants to be a nurse, I am so thrilled about that, that was my job before I had kids... so she is putting her all into studying so she can achieve it.
I am going to work in a Journal after dinner so I am going to get out of here...Thanks for calling by, Love and Seasons Greetings to you all xxxxx

SOLD

can you believe it, sold a painting... and get this I was asked to do it after the girl in question had seen my previous paintings.
The story behind it is that her husband had this one photo only from his childhood, taken when he was about 13/14 so she thought it would be nice to have a painting done of it. She asked, and I said I would see what I could do and this is the result.
From this one painting I have been told by her that other people want me to do paintings for them too.... we shall see what happens with that. BUT she has asked me to do one of her sister from her graduation photo so I have lots of ideas in my head for that.
Went around the charity shops today and had a blast, picked up a wonderful jewellery box, complete with key which is just screaming to be altered - future project.
A couple more of the slippers have arrived for my swap, will post when I have the set.
I am filled with excitement today, I am a total football fanatic and today is the draw for the World Cup next year... can't wait to see who England are up against!
I could waffle on more but I don't want to bore you so I will sign off now, again
THANK YOU for visiting Love Dawn

SWEET BRIDE

I have completed the 2nd spread in Manon's Exchange Journal. Different from my other faces, I am sure you will agree. I am pleasantly surprised by this young lady...she is reflecting on her wedding day...
I used viva paints and stamped into them, stickles, luminere paint (think that is how you spell it, forgive me if I am wrong), flowers and pearl paints. I hope Manon loves her.
I will tell you what else I love about today... and whatever else happens NOTHING can top this - I got the results back from my mammogram and it was all good, so for that I am TRULY THANKFUL! Now I can sleep at nigh, well hey ho, I could get a good nights sleep if it weren't for the darn hot flushes - but I can live with those now!
The weather is so awful, rain, rain and more rain but even that can't dampen my spirits.
The postman also brought another Journal for me to work in today so will have to think about that.
Christmas is fast approaching, boy this year has flown by don't you think? Going to book Spain tonight, yes we are going so will have to start sorting what to take down - only going for 8 days though as Jazz and China want to be back in England for New Year, 1st time I will be home in England in 20 years so that will be different.
Right enough waffling, got to crack on... time is flying, Take care and THANKS again for visiting xxxx

I have a love

is the title of my latest piece, it is my contribution to Manon's Journal in a Journal Exchange with the Hands and Heart Ning.


This image shows the beginning, laying down the background.

Then I added a piece of brocade which I subsequently painted with gold,copper and burnt orange.

Close up of the face, notice the gold hair, used gold acrylic for this to brighen up the painting.

Here is a close up of the heart with the words visible "I have a love I love too well, and all the joy I know - mine for evermore"


And here it is the complete picture. Finished with script, butterflies and flowers.

I have to do another spread in this book, will try a different style I think... who knows!
The weather is turning colder now so perfect for getting in my room and creating.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving for a lot of my friends here online so I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday.
More news to share tomorrow, till then take care and THANKS for visiting xxxx

Charms

I made these to accompany the slippers for the swap on PW, slippers, what slippers you may ask if you have not read this blog before. Well here you are the slippers I made

So these shall be going in the post today to the girls in my Grunge group.

I am currently working on another face, but not on a canvas this time but as part of a Journal Exchange...pictures once spread complete.
The postman is going to love me as I have some Altered books to get in the post too, again watch this space for pictures.
Other news from my little world. Well China performed Dear Mr President in a school production with her friend Grace, I would love to be able to tell you first hand how she did but unfortunately she banned the family from going - nerves! I can't tell you how many people said they were the star of the show... she can sing, she just needs the C word in abundance CONFIDENCE. So well done China, really proud of you.
Jazz continues to play football and his team have lost one game this season so far, so Well done.
I should be planning my holiday to Spain but we may not go this year, shock, horror! I haven't spent Christmas in England for 20 years. The reason? Stuart started a new branch of the firm and feels he may not be able to go as he needs to be there. Fair enough, will have to sort out a tree etc. though as all my decs are at the villa.
Right enough for now, must crack on... take care have fun and smile wherever you are xxxx

So what have you done lately

all to often I get asked this and tend to dismiss my day, but now I am embracing my day, my life.
I went to the funeral of my mate Lorraine's dad last Friday. I have to see it was so moving and such a wonderful send off for her dad. Times like that make you take stock and be Thankful, and I am Thankful.
I had been putting off going for a mammogram, I was terrified of the thought of it, so I ignored every letter that dropped on the mat...but I did it, on Monday I went and had it done - just have to wait for the results now, but at least I did it.
I received some wonderful Betty Boop goodies in the post, put the biggest smile on my face I can tell you. Thank you Linda (aka Mom) I used 2 of the items to create a new blog banner xxx

I created this canvas today 8x8. Acrylic paint and decorated with swarovski crystals... enjoyed seeing her develop on the canvas, and now she is hanging on the wall in my room.


Family are arriving home now, so dinner to serve, till next time THANKS for dropping by big hugs and embrace life xxxx

Paper Whimsy Slipper Swap

Well I promised you something different. Today I had a play creating a set of slippers for a swap over on PAPER WHIMSY
There were different color schemes, my group was for rust,gold and verdi gris - this is what I came up with...

The background is glossy card sprayed with glimmer mists. The toe is a piece of rusty mesh adhered to a black background. Then I added the feathers and flowers. To finish put one of my fave images into a rusty bottle cap and voila.
So that was my change for today.
I gave my J'adore Paris to my friend Lorraine, thought she needed cheering up, and to be honest her reaction moved me to tears - she was so touched and it brought tears to her eyes, so glad that she really loved her cos she was one of my favourites.
I am thinking of selling my Senorita, no, I am going to "try" and sell it - think I will put it on my e bay. If it sells it sells, if it doesn't it can stay on my wall, no worries.
The weather was gray here today and I hate days like that, I need sunshine. So not too productive.
I was pleased that my son Jazz played for the 1st team tonight, they lost 2-1 but he was happy to be playing.
My eldest son Dwain is growing a moustache for Movember, this helps to raise money for Prostate cancer research if you feel that you want to support his efforts click HERE whatever he raises his company will double so every little helps.
Right guys I am outta here... be back tomorrow with more of my little ramblings THANKS for visiting xxxx