Find beauty in every day things..........

 

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A beautiful spring day, the last day of April.........

A lovely day to go and visit some garage sales.  I only went to about three but made some great finds!

My stash included a Michael Kors handbag (white, great for summer), a red utility cart, milk glass, and old history book (great for mixed media designs), a Brighton necklace and an old carved plaque.  I will keep a couple of things and sell the rest in my flea market booth.

Oh, and did I mention that the handbag and necklace both have the original tags on them!  

We are finally having good weather, no more cloudy days please!  

As I prepared for the day, I was reminded to give thanks in every day things.  I am grateful for those every day things and sometimes just skim by them.  I ask God to help me appreciate and give thanks, not only in the big things that happen in my life, but for those every day things.  Like finding a new handbag!!

What are you thankful for today?

 

A Little bird brought the story to me....

A fun little mini journal I have created from a 1967 diary found among my Mother's things.  She didn't want to give it up, but I persuaded her that I would use it in the most resourceful way.

I was inspired by a group of on line artists, exchanging Artist Trading cards.  I am among the group and as the cards come in, I will share them with you.  I wanted to begin practicing and creating ideas I could use for the cards I will be sending out.  This is very exciting to me, as the artists live in different parts of the U.S., and other parts of the globe.
The measurements of the cards are the exact size of the pages inside my mini journal.

I kept the front inside cover as is.  The year 1967 has significance to me, it is the year I graduated from high school.  So, yes, I too am vintage.
I love the size of this little gem as I can keep it in my purse and sketch, write and paint while waiting for appointments and riding in the car.  Keeping thoughts and ideas close at hand.

I didn't spend too much time on the outside covers.  I used DecoArt gesso, fluid acrylics and Washi tape.  Sealed it with DecoArt matte spray sealer.

A peek at supplies used to create the pages, along with a couple of the trading card beginnings.
The pages of this book are thin and slightly fragile.  So, I glue two pages together with a glue stick.  I then gesso the pages and add stencils, sketches, tape, artist paper and so on.  I then have a wonderful background ready to go.

              My first entry, inspired by Gustav Kimt.  An artist that I want to study in more depth. 

One of my favorites, as it was so much fun to do the roses.   I did this one while at work, during a slow period.  Shhh, don't tell anyone!

As you can see, the gesso is thinly applied, allowing the text to show through.  You can even use clear gesso, which will alow more to show through and give you a little more texture.  It is more gritty than the white.

This is the one that inspired my last blog entry..." She took the leap".....................................

                                                 A poem found on a website that spoke to me.

I have many more pages to fill in this little book.  It is addictive, I must warn you.  If you can't find a small vintage book, make your own little journal.  This book measures 4 x 2 3/4.  Cut a piece of paper double the size of each and attach washi tape to secure the pages together.  Add cardboard or card stock to the outside for strength.

"You can't use up creativity.  The more you use, the more you have."  Maya Angelou

See you soon.
Ursula

She took the leap and built her wings on the way down....

Sometimes it takes us a while to take the leap.  We are filled with fear and uncertainty.  

I wrote the words above in my new mini journal just recently.  There is always someone better, more qualified and so on.  Fear keeps us trapped in our comfort zone.  Not knowing what the outcome will be, what if we fail!!

Hey, what if we do not fail?  What if what we hoped and dreamed of is better than anything we ever dreamed of?  

I have found that each time I take the leap, so to speak, I learn and grow from it.  So, as they say, nothing ventured nothing gained.  I guess I am writing this to myself right now.  Fear keeps us paralyzed, from moving forward. 

On another page, I wrote; "We must try".  

Sometimes as I look back on my journal pages, I see a theme and don't realize it until I flip back and see recent entries.  

I recently took a leap and things have not turned out quite the way I wanted them to.  But, maybe the outcome is still in process.  I have to trust the Lord in all things and as I take the leap, He is holding onto me and guiding me on the way down.

 Funny how this blog has turned out so different than I intended.  I had photos of a new mini journal that I wanted to share with you.  For some reason, the pictures are not downloading and I just kept writing in hopes they would appear. 

I will try and share my new journal ideas on the next blog.

Until next time,

Don't forget to fly..........

New class begins in 9,8, 7,6, 5,4,3,2,1 days!! 

 April 6

April  showers make May flowers.

Grab your paints, brushes and Gesso.  Let's create together.

 

www.creativeworkshops.com/Floral Expressions

Sign up now and work at your own pace.  

See you soon!

Class is still open, sign up and work at your own pace!

Great Mother's Day gifts.

Ursula