A note to forest fairies : Pondering this week's theme of miniature for artwords, I was recalling my most favourite magazine of the recent past, Victoria. This particular cover is over 10 years old. I believe I only missed one or two of the magazines in the entire time it was being published. I feel proud to own this treasure. I was very touched by one particular story of someone that made tiny houses and furniture from objects of nature. They were building homes for fairies and enjoyed putting them in places throughout their yard that were somewhat hidden. This is my first attempt with found items. They are quite fragile. The table actually lost one of its legs after I'd finished the photo shoot. I used bark, thin tree branches, flower petals (dried), tiny viola flowers, hollyhock flower and seedhead, and some old grape vine pieces. The top right hand photo shows a forest of grass so you can get some idea of the size. The photos were taken by some moss on our front walk.
Dear fairy friends...

"Toot your own horn!"~ this week's topic for Studio Friday. I'm still kind of searching for my own specialty area. I'm trying numerous possibilities. I did, however, begin as a writer and have been trying to encorporate words with visual images. This image was done digitally but I hope to also use the idea on actual cards and a collage.
The photos of the Church, and the stairs, are where I was baptized, went to Sunday school, and was confirmed. This is the place where I began my journey of hope and faith.

Gratitude Entry ~ Or maybe you could call it a journal entry. The last couple of days have been a bit down. I thought I should take time to play a bit and also make note of a few things for which I am grateful this day.
I know - the writing is very crooked. Too bad - so sad. ; ) lol

NOT procrastinating ~ just needing a break for some self regulation as I try to put the words to paper:

And A Meadow Lark Sang

"The child whispered, 'God, speak to me'
And a meadow lark sang.
The child did not hear.

So the child yelled, 'God, speak to me!'
And the thunder rolled across the sky
But the child did not listen.

The child looked around and said,
'God let me see you' and a star shone brightly
But the child did not notice.

And the child shouted,
'God show me a miracle!'
And a life was born but the child did not know.

So the child cried out in despair,
'Touch me God, and let me know you are here!'
Whereupon God reached down
And touched the child.

But the child brushed the butterfly away
And walked away unknowingly."

Ravindra Kumar Karnani
(This poem was originally written in the Hindi language.)

What is an ATC? This is not one. It is too small, sadly for me. I was thinking this morning before I ever turned my computer on that I probably have a number of my friends and family, one or two anyway, that never comment or ask, that are asking, "what is an ATC?" My artist friends know but then there are the others. An ATC, also sometimes referred to as an ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) is an art trading card, 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches in size. They have become extremly popular again partcularly for collage artists. If you check some of my links you will find fabulous examples ~ Suzie, Nancy B, and Misty Mawn.

ATC background

ATC background
Originally uploaded by Windy Angels.

This ATC background was done on backside of cereal box. There was a story on the box. I didn't read the story as I was in hurry. This looks like french.
I also used a button to make some swirlys in it. I'll have a hard time doing collaging on top of some of these. I like them so much as is.
Should mention I cut about 40% of the backgrounds to make three 4x6 inch pieces and over forty ATC sized.

background ATC

background ATC
Originally uploaded by Windy Angels.

This is one of the backgrounds I cut to ATC size. It was actually done mainly with leftover paint from the credit card after doing two or three other backgrounds. I'm very pleased with it.

backgrounds waiting 2

backgrounds waiting 2
Originally uploaded by Windy Angels.

backgrounds waiting 1

backgrounds waiting 1
Originally uploaded by Windy Angels.

These backgrounds are closer to being ready for ATCs. I need to gesso the backs of the recycled cardboard (cereal boxes), after I do some serious trimming. I've got images ready to apply to some of them and words to go with a couple. I'm very excited to get to this piece because I've actually not done a real collage ATC. Mostly I've been doing digital collages. I might work on them a bit tonight as I started writng yesterday and will have a good part of the day tomorrow for writing, in preperation for writer's group tomorrow night. I had a five hour meeting today so not energy left now for writing.
I know they don't look like much yet but just wait!

fabric waiting

fabric waiting
Originally uploaded by Windy Angels.

I've got plans for this fabric. It will wait. Soon.

Procrastinating with Enya: I've been procrastinating in a huge way. It takes much energy to do therapeutic writing. In the process I've discovered this fabulous Enya video with great collaging ideas. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I've just realized that Inspire me Thursday is inviting music that inspires, so I'll be posting my link there. I also put Loreena McKennitt and Katie Melua as links on my blog. They are artists that inspire also.
If you want to know about the procrastinating and therapeutic writing you'll have to read my previous post.

Thoughts spinning: Please bear with me as I try to sort out the path I am to follow next. Between the spinning, my mood swings, my daughter's mood swings and the bouncing of my blood sugars, I have come to realize I need to step back a bit and sort things out.
I believe I've already come to a huge understanding this morning when I took myself and Billy pooch for our exercise. I need to take time to write about the giant transition of our daughter from the public school system into the high school system. We went through some extremely difficult times because of her Oppositional Defiance Disorder and sensory issues, together with my diabetes and other issues. Near miraculous changes have occurred but I need to go back to the tough times so I can get beyond them.
This will be a very difficult piece to write. I will need a few boxes of tissues at hand. Sorry but it will NOT be for sharing. Sometime you may see it in my book if I am meant to complete my novel. If you are very interested let me know and I can perhaps share some bits of the story.
I think until I have it written the creative commons, ATCs, mini quilts, round robins, flickr posts and collages will mostly be put on hold. Please keep checking back. I'll post creative tidbits every now and again. Possibly once I have the piece written I'll have an outpouring of creativity. Until then "Happy Creating".

"It's not too late... the angel said.
Even though the world's a mess...
Even though you're not as young...
Even though you've made mistakes and have been afraid
It's not too late...
And then I saw the world through the angels' eyes...
I saw the colors I could paint
The bridges I could build
The lives that I could touch
The dreams that could still come true
And it became very clear to me...
That it's not too late."

Ron Atchison

YES! I think. Gel glue technique ~ first attempt partly successful. I think, because I'm not sure if the glue will wash out as required. The star is much more pretty than on scan. I do fear I will have to start ordering some supplies on line. The dyna flow paints which I happened to find in Saskatoon were giving some grief. I'm not sure if they were starting to dry up or what the story is but the yellow, red and brown came out uneven and I got little blobs of colour instead of a smooth drop. I have to experiment. I can hardly wait to work with this tomorrow. I guess I'll have to see what I can do with some embroidery. Sometime I want to try acrylics too. Fun! Thanks Terri.

I can sew! This is just a reminder to myself that I can actually sew. I made these items about 8-10 years ago. Recently about all the sewing I've been doing is hemming jeans. Yuck! I think I've actually done a couple of skirts with elastic in the waist bands. That's about all. But I do have plans. I even cleared the space around the sewing machine today. Soon.

Beyond My Reach: Studio Friday was the very first challenge I encountered a number of months ago. I'd discovered the crafty girl and from there I progressed to my own blog, my own writing posts, and more recently to my art.

I was always uncertain about Studio Friday because I never really have had a studio. I create in my whole house, practically, at our farm - my brother's and folks' house, and consider nature and the world around me to be my studio. Maybe I'm giving away too much but it's important for this week's topic of ON THE OUTSIDE. I decided it was time to take on this SFchallenge as my dear friend Suzie Q has shown me how easy it can be. Thanks Tine, I'll be in touch another day. Thanks Suzie for taking up my challenge.

Love you.

Karma action and time issues: I was one of the very lucky winners of this week's entrys at Mary Ann's blog which I happened to discover yesterday morn thanks to SuzieQ having received a comment.

Karma action is such a wonderful thought. I so appreciate all the karma action of which I've been the recipient from all my friends here that take time to comment and offer suggestions and advice and inspiration. Thanks also to those that visit my blog even though you are not commenting. I hope you are gaining some insight into your own lives.

But I have these issues with time. I never seem to have enough of it. I wish I could be sending each of you something directly via snail mail. Maybe someday I'll be allowed to do that Karma action.

For now I'll just say thanks ~ to my Dad and Mom who provided treasures for me this past weekend and for all the life treasures through the years, and to all my friends here.

Love you.

I was asking my Dad about old books just as we were preparing to leave the house in the City on the weekend. I checked where I thought they might be ~ nothing. He said we should check another place. It was behind an old clothes washer or something. We didn't take time to move the obstacle but I discovered some Chatelaine magazines from 1972 and 1967. I was so excited. I snatched up a few and away we ran. I can hardly wait to cut into these splendid fuschia feathers (after I scan them of course). Yummm. And I suspect there will be more treasures for when I return.

My recent discovery: I borrowed "Altered Books Workshop" by Sue Brazelton from the library last week. Then I was fortunate to find Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid in Regina on the weekend. I tried it that night (Sunday). I am so pleased with the results. I didn't have an old book available when I wanted to try it so just applied to old magazine page. I'm still working on this but am so pleased with the results. Look out old books ~ here I come.

"To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk being called sentimental. To reach out to another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk showing your true self. To place your ideas and your dreams before them is to risk being called naive. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair, and to try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing. He [or she] may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave, he's forfeited his freedom. Only the person who risks is truly free."
Dr. Leo Buscaglia

Romantic

Romantic
Originally uploaded by suesviews.

This page is so special in my eyes. It was done by my dear, dear friend Sue.
Love ya dear one.

The River Lethe: I decided to share a small part of myself this week for "confession" at Artwords. Sometimes this piece seems bigger than I would like but I did surround the entire picture here with hope and the sky and the heavens. If it pulls you down too much on my behalf please look at the brightness of the banner above.
Note that "Lethe was the river of 'forgetfullness' in the underworld. From it souls would drink and forget their experiences upon being reincarnated."
Please click on the image to get a larger size so print is readable.

Inadequate
How can I feel so often
this state of inadequacy?

By whose standards am I being judged?
And by whom am I being judged?

Are these standards
according to
Race,
Color,
Beliefs,
Strengths,
Weaknesses?

Are they based on the way I speak,
or act,
or dance,
or sing?


Maybe I have done too much,
too little,
or
just the right amount?

Maybe the judgment is about
the person to whom I speak,
or not.

Maybe I am too emotional,
or not enough.
Too critical
or not enough.

Maybe I work too hard,
or not enough.
Maybe I play too hard
or not enough.

How can this be
That so often
I feel so inadequate?

September Creekside

September Creekside
Originally uploaded by Windy Angels.

I've been described as leading a double life. That would mean my time as a farmer. Our farm is about a one and a half hour drive away from our tiny City. My brother and folks reside on the farm. We only get to visit occassionally.

I grew up on the farm and that is where I first came to know and love nature. I always loved to go for walks and especially enjoyed the creekside. This photo was actually taken a couple of weeks ago. The scenery has since changed. Watch for more photos from this favourite place.

Discoveries and treasures: We were back to the farm on the weekend ~ just back this afternoon (Monday). I found treasures in the house at the farm (that I thought were no longer there), treasures in my folks house in the City in place my dear Dad showed me (a hidden place I didn't know about), AND I discovered a new technique that I may be using frequently.

You have to wait though. I don't have time for the photos or scans now. I'm also NEEDING to finish e-cards for a competition.


Happy creations!

Before the frost: Some photos of plants taken in our yard before the rainy days dropped by (in near flood force, felt like). And I suspected that with, or shortly after, the rain would come the frost. That's predicted for tonight. Cold temperatures and chilling north winds have been with us the past few days.
The picture above is of golden clematis by our backgate. I didn't have quite enough garden space in our yard a few years ago so decided to put sun-loving plants in our back alley.
I have a number of green houseplants (in our part of the world anyway) which I overwinter under growlights. They get starved for sunlight through the winter and then take off when I bring them back outside in late spring.
Some annual salvias inside a container.

Lush asparagus ferns and scented geraniums glow in the sunlight before the clouds rolled in for a few days and spilled upon us.

Creativity allows my voice to float up in echoing reverberations from that place in my soul where emotions thrive. It gives wings to my words, flight to my thoughts.
Creativity allows my hands to share a piece of my heart with those who take time to see. Nature brings inspiration ~ colours and sounds, taste and touch.
I thank God for this gift ~ this wonderful gift of creativity, the wind in my wings.

Thoughts on CREATIVITY
This piece is for "voice", this weeks choice for artwords.

Banners and templates: I'm really not an expert at setting up blogs but will will try to lend some wisdom about where to get some help. At blogger help you can maybe find solutions to many questions, problems provided you know what to enter into search. I found ideas for changing colours and fonts. For my own template I found this page. I haven't studied it yet but will do that ASAP (always say a prayer).

When I first set up my own blog and flickr I was very proud of myself. Though my wonderful techie husband has the title of computer technician he kept telling me he was not familiar with blogs so I was on my own. That's when I referred frequently to blogger help. he did help me once when there were too many cookies and cream. You know what I mean, maybe.

I also have a friend who's a webmaster and has offered help but I haven't sought her advice very often. She also doesn't have experience with blogs.

One of my next ventures for my blog ~ oh, well, I think I'll keep that one a surprise.

"ORANGE": I forgot to mention that you can find my poem "Orange" here if you've not already seen it. Or maybe you just long to read again.
Blessings!

Windyangels banner: Planning to use this for my new banner. What do you think? Is it too busy?

Dreaming, dreaming, dreaming ~


of being a famous (or at least recognized) artist ~ quilts or mixed media.


Wishing, wishing, wishing ~


I had more time to persue all these dreams.


Procrastinating, procrastinating, procrastinating ~


in completing the projects I could do for this etsy site I keep talking about.


SIGH !

Remembering Autumn decorating: As I chanced upon the lovely autumn scene

Golden light shone

bringing colour and depth

to all about

as I drove in the silence

shiny, sliding tears

felt and forgotten

on my face

I approached

the white heat

of the day

Autumn's Richness

Surrealism ~ Shine Like the Sun: I've been having so much fun playing with these photos of a very important young lady in my life. Enjoy.

Inspired By Design ~ Love Life: I didn't quite know about this challenge when I first saw it but when I started looking through the magazines I couldn't decide. I got so many ideas.
I love the colours of the ad I chose. I also love the sparkle of the diamonds. Typically I'm not so much into jewels and sparkle but I liked the effect. I tried to use similiar colours. I used a couple of small buttons as stamps with metallic paint to get the sparkle. I'm very pleased with the result.
Thanks for this particular challenge Melanie.

Love everyone: "What the world needs now, is love, sweet love."
I made this piece on the weekend after I realized everything I'd forgotten to bring along. I used watercolours, acrylics, and clippings from magazines as well as card stock (purple) that I had along. It is based loosely on one of
Traci Bautista's http://www.treicdesigns.com/create.html pieces. I love her bright colours, and probably all the hearts.
But what do I do with this piece, any suggestions? Should I just use it for inspiration to do more collage? I'm thinking the print on purple should have been more bold, maybe on a lighter colour? Maybe I can cut parts out to use on another piece? Help! The size is 7 1/2 " x 10 1/2". Oh yes, I'm thinking the top is too busy but her face could have lots of print on it? Her face appears more yellow with the scan than the actual.

Wishing I had more time ~ if I could look at more people's work I could get more ideas BUT, then I don't have time for the practice. Patience please. lol

Altered book cover: moving right along. I can hardly wait to finish this now. I am a bit scared about doing the last bit of antiquing because the first time came out so dark. I'll practice first and can hopefully be a bit more relaxed when I do it. This picture is of my Mom when she was expectant with me. In the original photo she's holding one of my cousins who's just a few months older than I, a godchild.

More Quick & Easy Backgrounds: These are such fun, so relaxing. I was feeling kind of down this morning so decided these might be good to try. Yes! Perfect solution for some brightness.
When I decideed to show them to my Mom she picked out a a little animal in one and the bright pair of yellow shoes. She asked how I did that. Luck I guess or should I say talent?

I'd always thought the artsy side of me came from my Dad. I guess it's from both.

Altered book cover - finally back to the tutorial. Unfortunately I did not take time to practice and consequently I think it got too dark and I tried to apply over too large a surface before rubbing. It had already dried, so consequently stayed darker than anticipated and quite uneven. I WILL proceed. I can cover up most of the places I don't like and so what. I had fun doing it. For some reason I think my Mom might like it or if she doesn't maybe our daughter or I can find a spot for it. I have a feeling we'll end up keeping lots of my pieces at home. If they're not really terrible I won't throw them in the garbage.
Not certain about this scanner - still at farm so using my brother's scanner which is quite different (if I can even find the image). I'll wait till we're home tomorrow to scan any more of it.
Thanks for your encouragement.
Please know also that the scanned image came out even darker than the true.

A new morning:

The sky had been filled with dark clouds. As we drove home after the funeral of my cousin David, the sun seemed to want to shine from the east, beneath the clouds. The time was 6:30 p.m. It felt like a new morning. Corporal David Robert William Braun had been put to rest.

I never really knew my cousin David. I feel saddened by this fact. He sounds like such a wonderful young man. My heart was especially touched when Jim Braman said quietly, "He is speaking volumes to us now, let's listen."

David did what he did to help the world find peace.

A new morning - some day.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8


For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

A time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war,


and a time for peace.