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

More faces...?

that was the question posed by Stuart. "Well" I said "practise makes perfect" and I am enjoying it anyway. China was like "I think we should put mum's work up on the walls in the house." Thanks China xxx
So here is what the fuss is about in my house.


This first one is 10x12. I used a napkin for the background and then draw the face over the top. Normally I leave the canvas blank where the face is going to be but decided to try something different this time. It was harder to work the colors but I persevered :-) Not too sure that I like this girl, her skin tone isn't what I wanted but as I said, practise, practise, practise. The hat was painted with fluid acrylic as I wanted the bg to come through - for want of a better name she is "Hat Lady"

Then I started on this senorita. You can't see it but there are napkins in the corners for a bit of texture.

I worked the bg using soft colors, quite pleased with the effect.


Then I added more detail with the flowers, wanted to create a veil like effect of flowers and I think it works quite well...


I then added some scrolls in the corners for balance..hey presto, I left it alone then.

The last 2 pictures are just close up of the lips and an eye.



I shall leave the faces alone for a bit as I have some other projects I am working on so watch this space.
Once again Thank you for dropping by, I know I get lots of visitors from Facebook and I would like to Thank you too...
Till next time, take care xxxxx

Visiting Galleries

Today I had a wonderful day, went up to London with Lorraine to go to the Lori Earley Exhibition at the Opera Gallery in Bond Street. The day was glorious, no jacket required, sun shining much anticipation of the show.
It was billed as a solo show, so we expected to see a fair number of her art pieces as seen on her website click here. Unfortunately there were 4 pieces in total so that was a disappointment to us. That is not to take away from the thrill of seeing her work up close and personal because it is to die for. The way she captures light and all the detail in her work makes the viewer believe that you can touch and feel what you are looking at.
We also went to The Fine Arts Society Gallery, also in Bond Street... and I have to tell you that I was introduced with a bang! to an artist called Leonardo Drew click on his name and have a look around the Gallery... myself and Lorraine were totally gobsmacked by the size of some of his pieces and the sheer amount of work put into each piece.
This piece is similiar to one that we saw at the Gallery
Number 43
1995
fabric, wood, rust
132 x 288 x 7 inches

What a man!..
We popped in to another Gallery, had a mooch around, there were some fantastic huge photos of Marilyn Monroe, some pieces by Bob Dylan, some Picasso Prints on giclee selling for £11,000, something else!

After Gallery hopping we walked to Picadilly Circus to the Waterstones - this is there flag ship store and to be honest even though it is on 5 floors the Craft section is a disappointment. Mainly books on knitting, crocheting, beading - not one mixed media art book, no ATC books, you know the sort of thing that I like, so yes a disappointment. We had lunch and headed back but it was the BEST DAY and it has inspired Lorraine and I to visit more often, I know I have said it in the past but when something is on your doorstep it is so easy to ignore it...not anymore, I shall be hot footing back up there pretty soon. Thanks Lorraine it was a great day!

I am working on another canvas at the moment, obviously didn't get much done today but it should be up here sometime over the weekend... well fingers crossed it will.
As always THANKS for visiting, LOVE YA!

J'adore Paris

is the title of this 8 x 8 canvas I created today. Totally different experience creating a small piece...but practise is the key. The image of the Eiffel Tower is actually a napkin that I received as part of a swap this year. That was the inspiration for the whole piece and then I sketched in this little elfin face girl. She is dreaming of Paris and wishing to be there. I suppose because as I have said previously I really want to go to Paris, I have driven through it umpteen times, but I want to stop and visit, see the sights, you know all that touristy stuff. Sometimes when something is on our doorstep we ignore it.
I am adjusting to my life as it is now, coming to terms with having children who are growing up and not dependent on me anymore. So I pick up my brushes, or book, whatever takes my fancy on any given day and accept that I can do more for me now.
Life is always evolving and changing and we have to go with the flow, I am shedding the feelings of guilt I have had over doing stuff for me and accepting that Yes I can do me things now.
Tomorrow is my DH's Birthday, his 49th so not long till that big 5-0; I need to get my thinking cap on and come up with something special for THAT Birthday.
Tomorrow is also a day for remembering Johnnie a very special boy who used to play football with Jazz until he passed away; I always go and visit his grave on his Birthday because he was so an inspirational little boy and I will never forget him.
So that is my post today, I am determined to get back into writing everyday, I enjoy my blog and reading comments left by friends who visit... so if that is you, THANKS, until next time take good care of yourself

FLOWER LADY

Oh my, I am so proud of myself - I am allowed to say that aren't I? What the heck I am saying it anyway. Why? I created this, me, myself, I and I had such fun doing it!
I just had to share it with you all.
My flower lady is done on a 15" x 15" canvas and I used acrylic paints.


The above collage is from an apron swap I took part in with Paper Whimsy
Beautiful aprons from 4 wonderful ladies. Linda sent a recipe for pumpkin bars. Terri sent a recipe for self love. Heather sent Apple Crisp recipe and Patricia for Pumpkin gingerbread - I need to try all these recipes.
And as they are such beautiful aprons here they are in all their glory...

TERRI - SELF LOVE


LINDA - PUMPKIN BARS


HEATHER - APPLE CRISP


PATRICIA - PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD

Thank you ladies for brightening my day and for Jan for being a wonderful hostess for this swap xxx

My muse stayed on holiday

but I am getting back in the groove now. (Picture further down in post of recent work)
I know I haven't been posting and that is mainly because I have not had much in the way of art to post about but hey I have been doing other things.
I have been doing more of Family History research which has been fun due to the 1911 Census being on line. I have been helping Lorraine start hers too, so not wasting time.
I have read some wonderful books, I love to read and had neglected it for a while so that has been good for me. I am currently reading "New York" by Edward Rutherford and I am totally in love with this giant of a book.

I was fortunate to receive some wonderful gifts in the post from Barbara and from my Secret Sister, Leslie Anderson in a Paper Whimsy swap. I will be posting pics to my flickr when I get the chance, but Thanks girls.

Stuart started another branch of his business, and touch wood it is going well. Jazz is running the original Gold Motors and doing a good job of it.
China is progressing with her driving lessons, she passed the theory so just needs to take test when she is ready.
The goal posts are shifting for me, my role as a mum is changing and that is taking some getting used to.
Dwain my eldest continues to lead a rich life, but it saddens me that he is not so involved with the family, not down to him, but due to the fact that there is a major rift between him and Stuart - I feel so bad about all of this and even though it has been this way for years doesn't make it any easier to accept. The future may have the answers, I honestly don't know but live in hope

And yesterday I created this - I took the plunge and painted the face instead of just leaving it sketched, it felt good - what do you think?


I need to organise my day and see what to do today
THANKS for dropping by MWAH XXXX