Daydream Believer

Finding Face no22 :D

2012-02-22T07:32:00.000Z

So today's post is a dig at the "Jeremy Clarkson" type male ego. I am going to make some sweeping statements so if they don't apply to you don't worry about them...but if you feel a twinge of recognition, yes, I'm laughing at you!!

Base layer, scraped on acrylics...

added a piece of blueprint paper (thanks Clare :D)... and spotted the words FRAME TYPE "B".
So this put a wickle idea in my otherwise empty girl brain...what would we be like if MEN had created WOMAN?

Well they would definitely have had more than one planning meeting, then gone off into separate workshops and ignored everybody else's ideas :/
SHE would have to have a sturdy metal frame..MEN like making stuff from metal...if you don't want a car taking apart in your drive, don't buy your boys Mechano!
...and SHE wouldn't need a complex "brain" type item...cos women are only interested in flowers and butterflies :S...

She would of course look ABSOLUTELY stunning on the outside...
..but SHE wouldn't be built to last, because MEN would have rushed everything, being in such a hurry to get finished and show off to their mates!
It wouldn't bother them if they had stuck the skin on a bit wonky, let's face it, smooth youthful skin is our hang-up not their's....
In fact, they would be quite happy when some of the paint started peeling off...

and the lovely shiny metal started showing through...

because that would prove SHE was entirely MAN made!!! :D
So SHE is my face no22 for 29 Faces in February :D
But on the side of fairness, if we made men, they would only come in about 4 models, and Sean Connery would be all of them lol :D XXX

Faeries Wink ;D

2012-02-21T07:23:00.000Z

Wow! Can't believe we are almost finished on the 29 Faces for February challenge!!!

This is my face no 21...
Saw a page made with a scraped on paint background so I just had to give it a go :D blobbed some acrylic onto the top edge of my trusty altered board book, and scrapped down with an old plastic store card....
and woohoo!! Gorgeous instant smooshie colourfulness :D The excess paint I mushed onto the opposite page and got some fabulous texture with the collage base showing through :D
Next to try gel transfers AGAIN :S On our girlie day out, the lovely Clare aka "got paint in my hair" suggested I was not using enough gel, so I chose 2 pre printed images form a glossy collage sheet...."poured" gel on and...
pressed face down into book.
And IT WORKED!!!!! Thank you so much Clare :D
So now a quick marking out of features....
and a few layers of watercolour and pencil..and one Happy Faerie ;D
I am liking VERY much this technique of leaving layers showing through :D XXX

My Black dog...

2012-02-20T08:00:00.001Z

This weeks challenge at The Butterfly Effect is "PETZ". This is my face no 20 for 29 Faces in February....she is my 12 year old border collie Meg.

and yes she does look totally bewildered...all the time lol. It was really difficult trying to get a likeness as she is very black, which makes lines and detail almost impossible to see....
and she hides when I try to take her photo(she is scared of my phone:S) but she does sit beautifully when waiting for a treat lol(can you see, she has one blue and one brown eye?). She has the silkiest pointy ears, but she is so subservient that she puts them down as soon as you look at her, and if she does keep them up, she is bouncing around so much you can't take a photo pfft! (but she is sooooo soft and always wants to cuddle :D)

Also, I have decided to join in a Pay it Forward before 2013 challenge,and my friend Magaly asked us to "Do unto others....with your hands"

The rules seem pretty basic....I make and send gifts to the first 5 people who comment on this post with "I want to do unto others...with my hands", and those 5 people blog a post and link back to this post agreeing to do the same...simple! You just have to get your gifts off to the recipients by the end of this year. Just think of all that love and good Karma floating round the tinterweb AND the terrestrial world too :D

So I'm off to make some stuff...just in case you would like a gift from me(cos you know I'll be posting within a month lol) :D XXX

Hidden aspects...

2012-02-19T08:39:00.008Z

Yay!! Beauty and the Beast....you'll understand the "Yay" when you get to the botttom of this post lol :D
This page is a combination of ideas drawn from STEve's ARTFIre journal transfer technique video and Art Geeks video on Hidden Things. Both these groups are free to join and send you video links by email :D

I selected a couple of magazine images to make my transfers with(I don't have a laser printer), and I used clear tape to make my transfers as I don't have any soft gel either lol.
and when they were ready I glued them to my journal page.
I next added a layer of watercolour over the background(and some clear gesso over my transfers so paint would stick)
Then I started picking out detail on my main image, while leaving the smaller distant figure to disappear into the background.
Acrylic paint to change my character completely(or should that be tranform???)
Some stamped swirly detail and a bit of doodling and the female figure is almost lost to sight completely :D
For some reason blogger won't let me load the pic of the finished page :S So it might appear at the top later lol :

Face 19 of 29 Faces in February

Boots,buckles,books,butterflies and a blue lady :D

2012-02-18T08:34:00.000Z

So I have this pair of boots that I've worn to death but couldn't bear to throw out...so I butchered them...and now have some luuuuurvely faux aged leather, and 4 straps with buckles on! Can feel a journal begging to be bound with these mmmmm.....
Speaking of journals, I was already in the process of making a quick 3 signature, coptic bound, watercolour paper journal, as shown by Amy in her STEve ARTFIre vid. So easy...took me 15 minutes!!!
The leather was the wrong size for this book, so I used some glossy papers I already have to make a cover, but wanted a bright butterfly on it...
Cue "make your own transfer"!!! Using the technique shown in another of this weeks STEve's ARTFIre vids(but using clear tape instead of soft gel, which I don't have yet), stuck tape over image and cut out. Make sure you press the tape down REALLY well....
sand off some of the glossy paper from back to allow water to penetrate evenly...
then wet thoroughly, using a smooth cloth to gently rub away remaining paper layers...
leaving the inked image on the tape....COOL!
Stick butterfly to book cover with clear drying glue :D

Very pleased with this :D

And now we have face no 18 for 29 Faces in February, watercolour and pencil over collage base :DEnjoy :D XXX

Sunny Smile

2012-02-17T12:42:00.001Z

Second Post Friday: For The further adventures of Lady Ophelia click HERE

Face no 17(WIP) for 29 Faces in February. Needed a bit of sunshine :D, guache and coloured pencil.

This is the day that I try to join in with Rocking My World Friday, to give thanks for the blessings in my week:

I am thankful that we have had a lovely relaxing half term break, with lots of happy visitors.

I am thankful that, although he still hasn't got the job he wants, hubby is surrounded by professional friends who have confidence that he will, and are giving him lots of emotional support.

I am grateful that we are all in good health, and able to take time to help others that need us.

I am so happy that my grown-up son still feels the need to come home regularly(even if it is just to get his washing done).

And I am soooo excited to be getting together with some of my blogland friends to eat, shop and squeal on saturday :D

And I am most grateful to Virginia, who keeps reminding us that there is always something to be thankful for, even in the crappiest weeks :D XXX

Lady Ophelia and the Male voice choir

2012-02-17T08:00:00.000Z

Week 7 0f Darcy's Postcard Challenge finds us in WALES.

Now Wales has many "items of interest", but I decided to use a major news item of the time for my story.

Get this!

In February 1895 the United Kingdom was in the grip of a vicious winter. After an unseasonably mild December(1894), the end of January into February was cold to the extreme(sounding familiar??). The cold spell that hit in February was cruel and deadly, with temperatures dropping to -20 and below. The river Thames was inaccessible as the estuary froze, and people could walk from one side to the other.

Further north, the ice was accompanied by heavy snowfalls. The canals, the main transport for industry, froze solid and people where put out of work. Pneumonia and chronic chest complaints ravaged the populous. The freezing conditions didn't relent until the last week of February, and this is the backdrop to my story today....

"Dear Miss Lillian,

I hope this reaches you, and that you are safe and well. I can't believe I am so close to home yet unable to visit. We were supposed to dock in London and take the night train north, but the Thames was frozen solid, and the Captain took us around the southern route to WALES! Apparently this was the safest place to come ashore. I tried to get passage across the Pennines, but to no avail. I hear Yorkshire is one of the regions most affected by this horrendous weather.

It isn't quite so bad here in Wales. We went for a stroll along the new pier at Penarth. Not as grand as Brighton, but pretty all the same.

Last night Richard was quite short with me and called me an "ill-mannered snob"! I hadn't meant any offence, still not sure what I did. We had been listening to a magnificent concert given by the men of the local mining community. I only commented that I didn't understand why men with voices like angels would want to grub around in the dirt all day!

Yours affectionately

Effie XXX"
" EFFIE!

PLEASE tell me you did not say that to the choir themselves??! These men do not WANT to work in such a dangerous environment as a coal mine, but there is little other work to be had. I for one would be most grateful for a delivery of coal right now. I am fortunate to be living on your families estate, and that there is a plentiful supply of wood to burn. The people in the towns and cities are far less fortunate. Since this "Great Frost" began it has become impossible for the railways to deliver coal to fuel the factories, and the canals from Manchester are frozen solid. So many are out of work, starving and cold. So cold that they are dying in their beds for lack of coal to warm them.

I am not the least bit surprised Sir Richard was offended by your flippant remark. He is a wise and honourable man, and you should watch his demeanour when dealing with those less fortunate than yourself, young miss! He was right, you do still have much to learn.

Your disappointed, but ever-loving Governess

Miss Lillian

P.S. Nor am I enamoured with your constant habit of shortening two words into one by the use of the apostrophe"

Pictures on my page, Penarth pier and the river Thames full of ice in 1895(you can see Tower Bridge in the distance)
The flower is of course the Daffodil :D XXX

Showers of Flowers

2012-02-16T08:50:00.001Z

Decided to try making a "busy" background to work on, so I dripped and splashed alcohol inks and spritzed paint onto my page, before edging with blue acrylic paint. (there is lime green and pale blue in the background, but it hasn't shown on camera :S)

Next I outlined a quick face...
and shaded with blue pencil...
before picking out details, doodle style, with blue ink
couple of close-ups :D

This is my face no 16 for 29 Faces in February :D XXX

Sylvan glow

2012-02-15T08:00:00.000Z

Today's face for 29 Faces, was inspired by a line from a book I was reading while Chunky was watching Star Wars 3D with his friends. The book is called" The Secret lives of Elves and Faeries" from the Private journal of Rev. Robert Kirk, sent to me by the lovely Magaly Guerrero.

I decided to do a mixed media piece in my altered board book (video by Amy)...
first making a very basic sketch of the face I wanted to create.
Then I built up layers of watercolour...
followed by Stabillo All coloured pencils...
and finally Acrylic paint for the background, followed by a bit of doodling in blue ink :D
And the line from the book?

"The eyes were almost completely circular and were without pupil or iris, being wholly dark - though at the same time somehow glowing."

Enjoy :D XXX

Not so happy valentine!

2012-02-14T07:44:00.000Z

Face no 14 for 29 Faces in February....

I call this "Shouty Faces!"
Coloured pencil on patterned paper :) XXX

Double Doodle!

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000Z

This week theme at The Butterfly Effect is Doodling...and I've spent hours(even wore out a pen) doing this double A4 spread. Doodling is very addictive so you might want to start on a smaller page lol :D

I got my inspiration from a piece by Tee Thompson at Green Isles Crafts, who in turn was inspired by the style of Paivi Eerola

First I coloured my background with water soluble wax crayons, in random blotches...
then I started to pick out shapes and fill them with flowers...
...then I filled outside the shapes with flowers...
...just letting the garden grow....
...adding patterns to compliment ....I then started picking out areas to add solid black....
...and used water colour washes to add substance...
....uesd a white stabillo All pencil to start highlighting areas...
...and drew in a couple of Faerie faces.....
...peek a boo!...
This little lady is my face no 13 for 29 Faces in February :D
Phew! Almost as tiring as the doodling lol . Thank you for staying til the end :D XXX

Doodling my head in!

2012-02-12T09:02:00.000Z

Face no 12 for 29 Faces in February

I've been working on a piece for the next theme at The Butterfly effect and a small section of it has this half-face peeking in from the edge...

I will share the whole piece and destructions and credits tomorrow when I link it up :D

Needless to say it took me hours....and I was all doodled out for a few days lol :D XXX

BOO!

2012-02-11T08:44:00.007Z

First I would like to quickly reassure people that nothing nasty has happened to me. Yesterday's post came about because of something I had learned that involved other friends in our online community. Thank you for your concern, but I am more than fine...I bite back :D

Face no 11 for 29 Faces in February....is the pair to yesterdays "Cloaked in Darkness" face.

He is the light, bright energy that buzzes around, lighting up the blackest shadows in the world.

Strange and a bit creepy...even damned annoying at times, but always acting with the best intentions, determined to brighten our day any way he can :D

I call him "Boo! I see YOU!" or "GET OUT OF MY HEAD YOU LUNATIC!!!" :D
He is another mag photo based piece...
blah blah blah....
...acrylics, guache, pencil blocks, stabillo pencils, stickles glitter glue...

And I can't tell who is more afraid of who lol :D
I'll be sharing something totally different tomorrow, but I often make images in teams(I like balance in my random life lol) :D

Enjoy :D XXX

Thankful for the light of Friendship :D

2012-02-10T12:53:00.003Z

Second post Friday...for Postcard Challenge click HERE

This is my face no 10 for Ayala's 29 Faces in February challenge...

learned some not so nice stuff about online "relationships" this week. We all know about cyber bullying with kids, but come on folks...this shouldn't be happening amongst grown ups!!

I do not understand why people use alias's or multiple blogs to intimidate and try to control others...I am exactly who I am, my email address is on my blog clear to see so that if I ever offend anyone they can contact me directly. I know it's fun to create a new persona to separate yourself from the real world, but once you befriend some one, even online, you should be open and truthful with them.

This image represents someone who is lurking in the shadows....waiting for a chance to jump out and frighten or shock others around them. Please don't be that person!! I mean...he looks innocent enough, but is it really a he ? We only have the picture to go by.
I made this picture using the magazine photo for a template method, so just showing before and after pics :D
In between, layers of watercolour/guache/pencil blocks/stabillo pencil
So I am thankful this week that I have a Goddess who protects me from duplicity in others, and online friends who are exactly who they claim to be...you really do Rock my little World :D

Blessed Be

Lady Ophelia and the Beardy Belgians...

2012-02-10T08:06:00.001Z

Week 6 of Darcy's Postcard Challenge sees Lady Ophelia visiting Belgium....a country that has only existed in it's own right for about 30 years.

The ruling monarch is Leopold II, who is at this time responsible for the violent suppression and death of millions of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, land acquired by Belgium with the assistance of Mr Stanley of "Dr Livingstone I presume" fame.

Belgium is also in the grips of the Socialist Revolution in Europe, with the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel in high demand.

Amid this upheaval, The Belgians decided it was time to rationalise it's football leagues, and in 1895 the Belgian National Association of Football was born.

(Doh...forgot to add the black to centre of poppy)

" My Dear Miss Lillian,

I am happy to report that Richard is much brighter this week. We were invited to a little town called Liege to watch the first match their team is playing since the formation of the Belgian National Association of Football. They are tipped to win the "Coup de Championatt" whatever that is! We accompanied HRH King Leopold II, a very sour-faced gentleman, not much fun at all. Richard was very respectful, although I suspect he did not truly like him.

We were later entertained by a Mr ADOLPHE SAX, who played the most peculular looking instrument, to be known as a "SAX-A-PHONE". For all it's strange appearance it does make a rather soothing melody.

Took a stroll out into the country-side near the town. This is such a beautiful little country, even in winter. Apparently, the surrounding fields are on ocean of Red Poppies in the summer.

Yours affectionately

Effie XXX"

" My Darling Effie,

How very "Working class" of you to attend such a function as a "football match". It would seem that Messrs Marx and Engel are certainly getting their way in that new "little country" as you called it. I am afraid I can be of no assistance with regard to "Coup de Championatt", as I prefer the more gentlemanly sport of cricket.

I would say I am surprised His Royal Highness also attended, but his popularity at this time is so low I suppose he has no choice but to curry favour with his people, and if Sir Richard truly has no affection for King Leopold, he grows higher in my estimations by the day!

You may recall, that as the daughter of a Missionary, I spent many years amongst the people of the Dark Continent, and am both angry and disgusted at their treatment under King Leopold's rule. Mr Stanley must be thoroughly ashamed of assisting him so.

You seem, at last, to be spending more time with your husband. A walk in the fresh spring air will have done you both the power of good. I look forward to listening to Mr Sax should he ever reach England. I am intrigued by this "Sax-a-phone" of his.

your ever-loving Governess

Miss Lillian xxx

p.s. Please pay closer attention to your tenses dear....if you "were" invited their team "were" playing, and the correct spelling is "peculiar"

Images on page: Top left King Leopold II of Belgium, top right Adolphe Sax, bottom left Friedrich Engel and Karl Marx and bottom right some pretty faeries playing in a poppy field from Dezinaworld :D(because I couldn't have a page of just grumpy looking bearded men)

Enjoy :D XXX

Bottom draw find....

2012-02-09T08:02:00.000Z

One Facebook group I've joined recently "Saving it for Best...", is prompting us to use stash we have hoarded for over 3 months. This month they have suggested a tube of paint or spray ink that you've never used. I knew I had some Oil paints....some as old as 1980's, and found them in the bottom draw, in a plastic bag....

one tube had leaked and was stuck to the bag :S...
but the rest were in perfect condition *hangs head in shame* .
and they still work!!! I know they take ages to dry on canvas, but didn't think they would be usable after all this time lol :D

Not having used oils before I started with just black, as shown by Jay Theviking, and roughed out a face...
but I fancied using some colours, and opened ultramarine and burnt umber too(well I do like to jump in with both wellies)...
so then I NEEDED to open the titanium white, to blend with...
but his nose ended up Really teeny...so a quick rework and...

I'm quite pleased with this WIP (cos oil paint takes forever to dry so I can fiddle/experiment some more at a later date)

So this "oily dude" is my face no9 for 29 Faces in February :D XXX

Day of the Viking!

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000Z

Monday night I had the pleasure of watching Jay the Viking drawing live online...unfortunately the recording didn't save, but he is a fabulous artist and illustrator. He was drawing non-whimsical Faeries, and they are just beautiful!!!

Here is my attempt.

Firstly I drew her face, with swirly art nouveau hair...
...she needed a hat.
Decided she was holding something, and that she should have moth wings...
I chose Gypsy moth for the wings, which nicely names her too :), and added a few oak leaves behind her.
When I was satisfied with the sketch, I sealed it with fixative, and added watercolour washes...
and am feeling quite smug about the overall result :D

She is therefore my Face no8 for 29 Faces in Febraury

Faces are one of my favourite things!

2012-02-07T07:07:00.000Z

This is face no 07 for 29 Faces in February, on watercolour paper using my new favouritest soluble Stabillo All pencils :D I like drawing faces, so this challenge is a "must do" for me :D

She is the 1st element of my latest "pile stuff on" journal page with Amy and STEVE's ARTFIRe journal, which has become another Favourite thing...The pages are already multi coloured which I def needed help with.
torn out, stuck to page, close-up of pretty face before I smooshed stuff ...
Amy uses some awesome patterned tapes on her pages, but I haven't been able to find any yet, so I used shiny xmas tape and stamped over it with stazon...
then heat embossed some dahlia flowers to add texture. Dribbled alcohol inks, and smooshed oil pastels liberally onto page...
and finally added a dragonfly charm and layered sentiment(beautiful life) :D
And managed not to splatter her out of existence ;)

List of favourite things used, as requested this week for The Butterfly Effect;

Hand made book journal(with funky pages)

Rubber stamps

Butterflies

Dragonflies

metal charms

Stabillo pencils

Shiny things(tape)

Faces

Doodle-tastic

2012-02-06T07:30:00.000Z

For today's portrait at 29 Faces, I thought I'd try "tangling" a face.

I started by drawing a basic outline, which looked a bit "manga " to me.
Then I "doodled" myself silly :D...and coloured the hair with pencil.
Got carried away and had to colour the doodles too lol....
Then anchored the head to the page by drawing a neck, and emphasised the features with a blue ink pen :D
Next a few questions from Natasha at The Butterfly Effect, who's theme this week is "My favourite things"

What is your favorite flower to bring to your enemy’s grave?

I wouldn't waste flowers on an enemy...even if they were lucky enough to get a grave mwahahaha...

What is your favorite bird to dress up as if you were in a parade?

Once went to a party(grown up) dressed as a Lapwing(green plover)

What is your favorite pet quality you’d like to own?

I wish I had the ability to run around constantly for no apparent reason...oh wait...think I do that already:S

Which one of your favorite celebrities would you marry if you could?

Sean Connery...cos I think Johnny Depp will already be taken

What is your favorite food to order when your in-laws are paying for the meal?

My MIL never pays the bill...she regularly invites us out, but it always ends up costing me :S

What is your favorite drink to accidentally spill on a person you like?

Baileys...cos it's sticky and you have to lick it off nomnomnom

What is your favorite destination to vacation and/or live if you won a million dollars?

With Amy in the Dirty South...obviously pfft!

What is your favorite color to wear to your best friend’s wedding?

Black, possibly RED....cos white is for the bride lol...no seriously lol :D

What is your favorite book or/and book character you’d take with you on a lonely island?

Tarzan...he could kill stuff and I'd cook it :D(and he makes very little laundry)

What is your favorite song to sing in the shower?

"I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts!" hahahahahaha........:D

Enjoy :D XXX

05 of 29 Faces for February

2012-02-05T10:45:00.000Z

For portrait no5 I have tried "folk art Angel" style as I watched demonstrated by Annette's Art via Flutterbye ning

simple collage layer + white gesso, then drew image...
used watercolour paints to build layers of flesh tones...
used water colours, acrylics, brown pencil and black ball point pen to add background(the halo is shiny gold)

Enjoy :D XXX

Weird and Wonky .....must be the weekend :D

2012-02-04T07:28:00.011Z

Well, you know how I'm always banging on about Amy McDonald and her free classes....other lovely and talented artists have been adding their own free classes to her ning group Flutterbye. Yesterday I watched Russty Brazil make "Weird and Wonky" characters, and this is the result :D

It is also day 4 of Ayala's 29 Faces challenge, and I am trying to use a different style each day(hope there are 29 styles of portraiture out there....)

1# plastered black then white acrylic paint on to page...
2# stared at page trying to visualise an image...
3# noticed page was staring back...
and highlighted eye that was staring back. I now had my starting point lol.

4# Make funny faces :P...
5# add unrealistic colour combi(actually liked this bit loads)...
6# build up detail...
7# re draw lines and add finer details...(love those earings)
8# fill in background...
9# add top layer of detail with white acrylic and gold gel pen :D
and I LUUUUURVE these funky dudes :D

I wonder what else I can find on that ning page? :D XXX

Why I am thankful....

2012-02-03T13:22:00.003Z

This is my second post today(as with all fridays hopefully). For the latest adventure's of Lady Ophelia aka Darcy's Postcard challenge post, click HERE

Rocking my world this week is the new challenge by Ayala to make 29 Faces for February.

It is reminding me that I have so many things to be thankful for, not least of which is my eyesight!!!

Many people are less able than me mobility wise...I can't even imagine not being able to express myself through art.

This pencil drawing is based on a photo of one of my nieces. It is not meant to be a likeness, just a pretty little girl, who is fascinated by something that has caught her eye :D

I am also grateful for my will power!!! My youngest has Asperger's , which means some of his behaviour is a bit weird. One of his foibles(quite a common one amongst sufferers) is that his bed becomes a rat's nest...nicest description I could think of lol. Every so often I brave the nest and clear it out...this pic was taken after I had already removed all the excess bedding.The list of stuff he sleeps on/with(not including basic bed set) is:

2x large fleecy blankets(he sleeps on top of the duvet?)

1x large quilted bedspread

1x fleecy cot blanket(was his, he is now 13)

1x single/ripped flannelette sheet

1x flannelette cot sheet(was his older brothers, now 21)

1x large bit of "sheety"(scraps of flannelette)

2x adult sized dressing gowns(1 fleecy,1 cotton lined)

1x adult sized Slanket(ginormous blankety thing with sleeves)

1x football cushion

3x scatter cushions
6 medium sized stuffed toys

1 large stuffed snake toy
assorted strips of "sheety" and toy stuffing that has escaped
13 small stuffed toys, 1 fleecy xmas hat and 1 pair of felt xmas antlers...and his clock!!
I have been thankful that he is adapting his OCD abilities to keep his bedroom floor visible, but that's because he is piling everything on his laptop table instead...

I am thankful for my ability to think quickly...and scraped it all into a plastic bag for his dad to sort through later lol :D

And this is the arsenal of weapon he "needs" under his bed so he can sleep safely :S Like I'm not scary enough to see off any bogey men :D

The most interesting find was this lump of concrete and wrapper that was a weight for a bunch of helium filled balloons from his gran's 80th birthday party last August(couldn't throw them out til the last one collapsed pathetically to the floor, dragged down by it's dead companions)
And this is how it looks now...won't look like that tomorrow :S
Oh...and does anyone know how he managed to form a "kink" in his memory foam mattress topper??? Just about managed to smooth it out, but he doesn't even sleep on it!!!

Last but not least....I am thankful for an understanding hubby...who spends his free time sorting through bags of junk I hand him, with very little complaint( he's entitled to the occasional tut lol)

:D XXX

Lady Ophelia's Parisian heartache...

2012-02-03T07:35:00.001Z

Can't believe we are already up to week 5 of Darcy's Postcard Challenge for 2012!

This week Lady Ophelia is hoping to sample the romance of Paris, France.

Unfortunately, her husband is met with a terrible miscarriage of justice, which has darkened his mood.

In January 1895, Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Dreyfus, an officer in the french army was tried for treason and sentenced to life imprisonment on the dreaded Devil's Island. He was accused of spying for the Germans(Franco- Prussian war), though many believed it was the fact that he was the only Jewish officer at headquarters that made him a scapegoat. He was put through the humiliation of a public degradation ceremony before being exiled.

Fortunately, he was later exonerated, and rejoined the French army and served gallantly through the Great War. An honourable soldier will never be anything less.

" My Dear Miss Lillian,

I am so upset. Richard has been beside himself since our arrival in Paris. I had thought this would be the most romantic place to visit, but Richard is feeling so guilty for not getting here sooner. Apparently, a French army officer by the name of Alfred Dreyfus has been "Cashiered", and given life imprisonment on Devil's Island. Richard feels that if he had been here he could have stopped this outrageous event, as he has total confidence that this gentleman and officer has been targeted purely for his birth right.

He is taking me to the theatre this evening. A place called "Moulin Rouge". There is quite a commotion about the lead dancer, as it is rumoured "la Goulue" is planning on leaving the theatre to form her own company, and tour the country. I hope this evenings entertainment will bring a smile to Richard's face, my poor darling is so upset.

Yours Affectionately

Effie XXX"
"My Darling Effie,

please give Sir Richard my best wishes. I too have been shocked by the speed and secrecy that accompanied Mr Dreyfus through this matter.It IS outrageous that someone should be judged guilty because of their faith in this day and age! I hope your husband is successful in his efforts on Mr Dreyfus' behalf.

As to your evenings entertainment, I may have been remiss in my duties as your educator, with regard to such places as "Moulin Rouge". I can barely bring myself to even write those words. I will only say, I hope you close your eyes for the more "exotic" parts of the performance.

If you get chance, you may wish to look up the Lumière Brothers. They are working on something called "moving pictures", sounds quite extraordinary.

Your ever-loving Governess

Miss Lillian

p.s.Under the circumstances, I feel poor grammar is the least of your worries.

The images on my page are of Alfred Dreyfus, Louise Weber aka "la Goulue", and what is belived to be the first ever cinema poster from 1895.

I wonder if Effie will every have chance for romance on this Grand Tour? :D XXX

Portrait 02 In my Father's eyes...

2012-02-02T07:41:00.005Z

Today's portrait is one of my father, worked in graphite.Not totally pleased with the jaw area, but the eyes......they are so my dads eyes laughing back at me :D
or is he just pleased that I have managed to grow stuff this year already?

I was greeted this morning by a beautiful little blue iris(my dad had dark blue eyes...coincidence?)
Am really excited at trying new techniques(and improving graphite images) while taking part in Ayala's 29 faces challenge :D XXX

Greeting of Spring!

2012-02-01T08:03:00.007Z

This project is another inspired by Amy's ARTFIRe journal project, using a magazine pic to help work out the position of the features in a profile situation.I made a quick sketch in pencil, using the photo as a guide....
then(because of the strong background colours) I painted it out with white acrylic, before re-drawing the lines.
Started to add shading with brown pencil...
more coloured pencil, building up the shaded areas(brown/red/yellow), and painted out background with pale blue acrylic.
A bit of doodling, and the Goddess breathes new life into the world, whispering the secrets of life to the plants and creatures that abound the planet !
Blessed Imbolc to you all :D

It is also the 1st day of Ayala's 29 Faces for February challenge. The idea to paint/draw/craft a new face each day...wish me luck lol. I thought it was a great idea to sharpen or even begin portrait skills :D XXX

ARTFIRe with Amy :D

2012-01-31T14:20:00.001Z

Yep! Still singing the "Amy is Amazing!" song :D This year she has started a FB group where she emails us an inspirational video or 3, weeklyish, to help us make an art journal. The group is called ARTFIRe. You have to apply to join, but it is still free (cos Amy wants the world to be filled with beauteousness!)

The book I am using is a handmade book by "Her Gloriousness" herself, and sent to me as a gift. I have no idea what Amy used to colour the pages....feels waxy, but absorbs stuff as well :S
The 1st video showed us how to draw and work over a graphite portrait...
if your new to portraits or just nervous at trying, Amy has a template on her blog for you to use. I'm quite practised so I drew mine freehand.
When I was happy with the shading, I started to add watercolour paints(I know...freaked me out to...but give it a go) I also enjoyed working on a darker background paper.
Next I added more shading with Stabilo All pencils...
and more watercolour(in thin layers)
The Graphite under-drawing gives such depth to the portrait!!! This is Gurishna, one of my spirit guides. She is the one who comforts and bears witness to the sadness of the world. A very wise and kind spirit!

Then it was time to work "intuitively" on the background...
just doodling....
and colouring(with acrylic paints in thin washes)
more doodling....and the journalling reads " The path that leads to your dream may not always take the straightest"
I really enjoyed watching the videos and having ago....couldn't recommend more highly :D

Enjoy :D XXX

P.S. Was going to save this for tomorrow. It is the start of the 29 faces for Febraury Challenge with Ayala, but I guess I'll be doing something else instead now :D

Lots of layers mean lots of pics :D

2012-01-30T11:17:00.011Z

Today's theme at The Butterfly Effect is "Making Layers" hosted by the awesomely talented Diane :D

I am also going to incorporate a few ideas I stole from watching Natasha White's live class yesterday on intuitive/tribal painting.

Lot's of pics for this one, so am going to do this post as a list :D

Layer #1 White gesso to key base page

Layer#2 spritzers and stencils
Layer#3 more spritzers with templates(forgot to rotate)
Layer#4 (forgot yo rotate this one too) acrylic paint through stencils
Layer#5 Pink acrylic scrubbed on and through stencil
Layer#6 highlight with Stabilo All pencil
Layer#7 (cheated by cutting out a previous portrait) glued on Portrait
Layer#8 Added hand print with white acrylic(one of Natasha's ideas)
Layer#9 (was going to do lino print but couldn't find lino :S) Scratched all seeing eye into wet paint using black acrylic and tip of brush handle(another one of Natasha's)
Layer#10 Built up pink layer around portrait
I'm not calling this page finished, as I just remembered I was going to add something lol....I get so bored waiting for stuff to dry I forget what I was doing (bad Gina)

Off now to research France for Darcy's Postcard challenge :D XXX

Lady Ophelia and the" beautiful creatures"

2012-01-27T08:03:00.001Z

Darcy's Postcard Challenge for 2012/ week 4# CHINA

Spring of 1895 was a time that changed the world. The Qing Dynasty went to war with Japan over who was to control Korea. Japan was assisted as an emerging nation by the British Empire and Germany in the building and training of it's armed forces(British naval skills combined with the German regimental system, making a force to be reckoned with). The Chinese on the other-hand were still recovering from the Sino-French war and two Opium wars with the British. Eventually, in February 1895 the Qing Dynasty agreed to leave Korea to the Japanese, a defeat that the Chinese Empire never really recovered from.

"Dear Miss Lillian,

for the first time since leaving the safety of home, I would say I am a little afraid. Richard is taking great care of me, but being met mid-ocean by a Japanese Warship, in the middle of the night,was very unsettling.

We were treated with the utmost respect, and taken to a port on mainland China. I found this most baffling, but Richard seemed totally relaxed about the whole situation.

I was escorted to the Ladies quarters of a most palacious house, and didn't see Richard for two whole days.

The Ladies that kept me company were the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen, dressed in the finest silks, and moving with so much grace that I found them positively hypnotising.

yours affectionately

Effie XXX

p.s. Richard says if you send a man to the Embassy in London once a month, he can collect each plant that I have drawn for you x
(oops, took this pic before adding p.s.)

"My Darling Effie,

I barely know where to begin. What on earth does your husband think he is doing, putting you in such peril? I know that the Japanese have all but chased the Chinese out of Korea, but to take you to mainland China? When we have been of such assistance in training the Japanese Imperial Navy! Not to mention that it is not so long ago that we ourselves were at war with these people!

I feel positively faint with fear for your safety.

I am certain that the Ladies of the court were most attentive, as one could never fault the manners of the oriental nations, and for this reason I must chide you for your choice of phrase "beautiful creatures". Do not EVER refer to Ladies of any nation in this manner again. The word "creature" should be used only when referring to God's lesser creations.

your ever-loving(though slightly cross) Governess

Miss Lillian xxx

p.s. The house was "palatial" . I look forward to receiving this lovely tree peony. They are quite the thing amongst gardening enthusiasts, my neighbours will be terribly jealous.

:D XXX

My Goddess Smiled...:D

2012-01-26T14:01:00.010Z

Quick edit :DSun came out again so I took another pic(couldn't bear the dingy one at the end of the post) lol

I wasn't going to do a new post today, but my Goddess had other ideas. In a rare moment of meditation, she appeared to me, surrounded by bubbles. She was smiling, and wanted curly hair :D

So who am I to argue with a Goddess?

First a simple line drawing(pencil, then ink)...
next, a bright cheerful sky behind her (water soluble wax crayon)...
Then colouring the Goddess herself, again with soluble wax crayon...
Now the bubbles, a little white paint for body then holgraphic embossing powder...
and pearls to decorate her dress...
a bit more shading around the eyes with NEW Stabilo All pencils (the one's Amy uses)
Unfortunately the sun went in as I took the last pic, but you can see how bright and cheerful the colours are in earlier pics. The word trail around the bubbles says "giggle...", while the journalling reads " let the Laughter Bubble up from your Soul..."

May your Deity smile sweetly on you today, and bring laughter into your life :D XXX

Final post for the Girl in the Blue scarf

2012-01-25T08:04:00.000Z

I have really enjoyed making this story with so many talented and beautiful people, and am honoured to be the one to post the final episode, dedicated to the most beauteous one of all, Amy McDonald :D

Blue was so tired, but he didn't know how to tell Red that all he wanted was to go home, after all it was him that had run away in the first place.

They had been having such a marvellous adventure, but it takes a lot out of a little dog, all this transforming, running and transforming again....He just looked at Red with big soulful eyes, pleading with the universe to let things go back to the way they had been.

Red looked at Blue and felt a twinge of guilt.

Ever since he had left the safety of her blue scarf he seemed to be in a constant state of anxiety....

"Maybe we should think about going home Blue" she said quietly, "or even settling down right here?"

"It is beautiful by the beach, guarded from the outside world by the blue mountains and the blue ocean..." joined in Blue

"..and the BLUE sky!" giggled Red

"... like being wrapped in your Blue scarf, but with room to breathe and run around" said Blue excitedly.

"oow! oow! oow!" continued Blue, his tail swishing frantically, "CAN we stay HERE?" he leapt up and down now fit to burst.

"YES!" shouted Red, as she ran happily towards Blue, arms outstretched. "And Purple can come visit us when he gets lonely!" she smiled as she caught Blue up in her arms.

"Oooow.....oooooow....aooooow!" howled Blue, licking her smiling face.

You see, once the dream of adventure had been fulfilled, Blue had returned to his true form....the loveable, and truly loved little dog belonging to the Girl with the Blue scarf.

"Thank you Blue" sighed Red, "I was tired and bored with my life, but you have inspired me. With your help, I am going to paint fabulous pictures of our adventures together and share them with anyone else who feels sad,lonely or just plain bored, so that they can have adventure in their lives too!"

And with that, they began collecting "stuff". Any stuff they could find, to build a home and fill it with art for the whole world to share.

And they lived happily ever after......

THE END

I hope you've enjoyed this little story, started by Amy, cos she thought it would be fun.

It certainly has been for me :D XXX

If you missed the rest of this story you can read it all HERE

Dark or Light....the "eyes" have it.

2012-01-23T07:05:00.000Z

This week at The Butterfly Effect, they are using my suggested theme of Opposites.

I wanted to keep my page really simple this week, so went for the most obvious of opposites...Dark vs Light, and have used only black and white paint(and a mixture of both).

I was going to do one side mostly black and the other mostly white...but decided instead to show how both are required to create depth of beauty in life.

I did break my b/w rule to add a hint of blue to the eyes....

for a world without contrasts would be a flat and tiresome place....
and the Light of Love could not shine without darkness.

(this is my new desktop pic, made hubby jump when I turned it on lol)

:D XXX

Lady Ophelia and the photographer...

2012-01-20T08:15:00.000Z

This week we were given the country prompt BRAZIL for Darcy's Postcard Challenge.

1895 was a very turbulent time in Brazil, as it had only recently broken away from Imperial rule and become a Republic. Some people wanted to reinstate the Monarchy..and this lead to much bloody warfare, especially in the northern province of Bahia.
"Dear Miss Lillian,

My mind is in such a turmoil. We had barely been in Spain 24 hours, when we were rushed aboard a Clipper bound for Brazil.

Richard says not to worry, and smiles at me adoringly, but I was dreadfully ill on the journey over.

We were greeted by a lovely gentleman by the name of "Senator Pincheiro Makado, who let me cut the ribbon to open the newest "ELEVADOR" on the funicular railway.

Had chance to walk around town today, and met a photographer by the name of Marco Ferrer, nice man, very busy.

The perfume of orchids can be smelt every where you turn. This is a stunningly colourful place.

affectionately yours

Effie XXX

"My Darling Effie,

You are in Bahia Province? Do take care not to wander off, and please DO NOT acquaint yourself with strangers so!

Brazil is but a young Republic. Only last year a rebellion was quashed by your Senator Machado at the Battle of Pulador, and the newspapers are full of stories about self proclaimed Prophets inciting the poor people to rise up against the new government. One such man Antonio Conselheiro, even claims to be heralding the return of the Late King Stephen of Portugal. Really! To mislead the lower classes this way is quite unacceptable, and I say this as a public supporter of the Monarchy.

Marmalade and Ginger are both considered suitable remedies for settling the stomach on sea journeys. TAKE CARE DEAR.

your ever-loving Governess

Miss Lillian xxx

p.s. The correct wording is "smelled". "Smelt" is what Smithies do with iron ore."

Miss Lillian is certainly not shy of voicing her political beliefs is she lol.

:D XXX

Smashin' a book with STEve :D

2012-01-18T10:55:00.000Z

And by STEve I am referring to the delightful Amy McDonald(it is her current fav name :D)

Yesterday she held a free online class making a spiral bound book using her stash of scrapbook papers(visit her blog HERE to see results and link to recorded class)

I started mine by recycling a butchered book cover...
then I sat and stroked my fav doublesided K&Co Blossomwood paper pad....
before cutting to size.....(oooow..that hurt...)
But they do look gorgeous bound together :D
Had to look away as I cut this piece in half....but I was using my trimmer(thanks to which lady it was for the pressure advice) so it was quick.
Now the inside was full of scrummie papers, but the outside!!!!!
So I did some paper weaving with the off cuts....
and made a panel for the front cover, sealed with some sparkly christmas tape I had lying around from last year(xmas 2010)
and just because I couldn't bare to throw away the off cuts from the offcuts, I used them to make page tabs :D
I still have to add pockets and stuff to the pages, but that will be cool as I get to stroke the papers each time *stroke, stroke*, and I will be using my cuttlebug to add some embossed pieces.....just couldn't use it for laughing last night lol :D

And what was hubby doing while I cringed and cried as I cut into those papers.....

He fell asleep....playing with his magna doodle...bless :D
and they complain that we treat them like children hahahaha...... :D XXX

I believe!!!!!

2012-01-17T14:04:00.005Z

Well I haven't joined in with any challenges for ages, but then Janet blogged her piece for Try It On Tuesdays ,Do you believe in faeries challenge.

I have been working on this project for a few days now and thought it must be the universe giving me a hint lol
printed image of baby niece, painted over with watercolours....

Crafter's Companion rub-on flower faeries.....
Martha Stewart pearlescent acrylic paints for background....with a layer of inca gold rub for luck :D
A few paper flowers...cos faeries need flowers...and done! Well perhaps not...feels a little "not quite enough"ish, but I will leave it alone for a while now :D XXX

entering this piece for;

TIOT# Do you believe in Faeries

For Fun Challenges# Anything Goes

A Lady of Texture...

2012-01-15T22:24:00.001Z

Thought I'd start this post with the finished page for a change, so if you don't have time for the full works you can skip the rest of the photos lol :D

And a huge THANK YOU to Rhomany for her free class on adding texture :D

This weeks theme at The Butterfly Effect is Quotes and Poems. I'm sure I've mentioned before that one of my most favourite poems is "The Lady of Shalott" by Alfred Lord Tennyson. It is an epic poem set in the realms of Arthurian legend, and though she is the title character, most of the verses give vivid descriptions of the world reflected in her mirror,while there is very little description of the lady herself.

I wanted the page to portray the environment in which she lived, so I used modelling paste to give the effect of stone walls and reeds(she lived on an island in the river)
to which I added layers of yellow, green and brown paint...
and this is the yummy textured result :D
Next I wanted to show how "the curse" affected the lady when"the mirror crack'd from side to side", so I split her portrait into a before and after image.
One half youthful and beauteous...the other wrapped in her shroud on the brink of death.
Inked lines.....
added shadows...
build coloured layers...

then drew cracks and foiled to give the feel of broken glass.
A quick frame of brown patterned paper and some doodling...
paper flowers and lines from the poem...
and gold wax buff to lift the texture even more.
Close up of shiny foiled cracks in mirror :D
Sorry, I know that was a long one, but there are 19 verses(though each verse is more like 2) in the poem!

I have chosen 2 "second parts" of verses as inspiration;

"out flew the web and floated wide;

The mirror crack'd from side to side;

"The curse is come upon me"' cried

The Lady of Shalott"

"For ere she reach'd upon the tide

The first house by the water-side,

Singing in her song she died,

The Lady of Shalott." :D XXX

Lady Ophelia....Diplomat's wife...

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000Z

This weeks Postcard Prompt from Darcy was SPAIN

After a most romantic few days in Austria, Sir Richard swept his young wife off to the sultry climate of Spain...where Effie is feeling a little frustrated at the amount of time her husband is spending with strangers, but it has given her ample time to send her second postcard to Miss Lillian.

"My Dearest Miss Lillian,

I can not believe we have reached Spain so quickly. So much warmer here.

Richard is tied up for most of the day with other gentlemen, discussing some "revolutionary" named Jose Marti, who is "stirring things up" with the Americans in some place called Cuba. I wish I had payed more attention to your geography lessons. Why on earth the Spanish should be bothered by some little island miles away is a mystery to me.

Richard says he will make it up to me by taking me to the Prada Museum in Madrid, where a MR RENOIR is exhibiting this week. I wish my maid would not lace my corsets so tightly, can barely breathe in this warmer climate.

affectionately yours

Effie xxx

p.s. I will bring you red roses with beautiful scent."

I have decorated my page with images of Jose Marti, a scene from the Cuban revolution against Spanish rule circa 1895 and a piece by Renoir that makes me think this is Effie visiting the museum.
and this is the card on it's page...a simple red rose from Spain :D

Miss Lillian as ever is quick to reply....

"My Darling Effie,

You do infuriate me so. Cuba is part of the Spanish Empire and is currently vying for independent rule. Where on earth would Our Nation be if the countries of the Commonwealth started breaking away? The Spanish will probably end up going to war with the Americans over this, you mark my words.

On less serious topics, the works of Mr Renoir are causing quite a commotion throughout the art world, I am very excited that you will get to see them up close, and you are the "Lady of the House" now dear, so tell your maid to loosen your laces if you wish.

Your ever-loving Governess

Miss Lillian xxx"

My Fiery Goddess of Spring

2012-01-10T15:00:00.010Z

Yesterday I watched a free class by the lovely Kelly, Pixie and Christy of the Creatives Group. Part of the class was Christy painting a beautifully serene lady in bright happy colours, so I thought I'd have a go...

I recycled a kids paint-by-numbers canvas board by coating it with white gesso.
When that dried*yawn* I splodged acrylic paint on it and smooshed it with my fingers...
giving me an extremely vibrant background.
When that dried *yawn some more and reach for heat gun* I started to paint my lady in with water colours...and this is where things altered.
She started to look really cross and scary....
and didn't want to be restrained and pretty....I tried to calm her with water soluble crayons, which seemed to annoy her even more....
But she did want flowers...so I scratched some into the paint...falling from the sky.
And she smiled :D
Sometimes Spring arrives in a foul temper....but she always smiles in the end :D XXX

Gone but not forgotten....

2012-01-08T20:45:00.001Z

Edit: I have found John Mauleverer de Letwell mentioned in the Feet of Tudor Fines, in 1512 under the reign of Henry VIII

This weeks theme at The Butterfly Effect is Forgotten Things. Now I try not to forget things...I may forget where I put things, but I don't forget I've got them :D. So I went for something that I hadn't known.....because it had been forgotten by others and so not taught to us in school.

Last summer I went to an open day at a small church (where several of my ancestors are buried)called St John's at Thropham(near Rotherham). The local historians had put together information booklets to help us read the age ravaged gravestones in the alter area, and amongst them was an epitaph to John Mallevorer from Letwell(another small village near by). I forgot to write down his dates!!!
This is the brass plaque on the wall that the transcription was taken from....
and on the floor beneath....a small brass figure set into the gravestone.
I used photos to cover a double page spread in my altered book...
and picked out some of the details barely visible on the worn brass effigy.
The entire piece had originally been deeply etched, but has been worn away by the feet of centuries of worshippers. From his appearance I am guessing he was around in the Elizabethan era (neighbouring gravestones are dated from 1400's)
I aged the pages with Tim Holtz Brushed Corduroy ink, and coated with clear gesso.....
before attempting another transfer.....
FAIL!!!, but it gave the piece an even more distressed look (supposed to be dandelion clocks from the same churchyard)
I wanted to give John some of his shine back, so I edged the pages with copper metallic paint, and added some dandelions with stazon and stamps by Marion Emberson and Kanban
Here are close ups of each page...

To have earned an epitaph like his..John Mallevorer Esquire deserves NOT to be forgotten.

Blessed Be his soul

:D XXX

Lady Ophelia Pendleton's Grand Tour 1895

2012-01-06T07:57:00.000Z

This year Darcy at Art and Sole is prompting us to make 52 postcards(last year was 52 journal pages..phew!)

The postcards will tell the story of the relationship between 2 people...my characters are;

Lady Ophelia Pendleton, wife of Sir Richard Pendleton , formerly a British Army Officer and now Ambassador for Her Majesty Queen Victoria(let me hear you so ooooow! :D) Ophelia is only 19 years of age, has never been away from her family, and still spends most of her day reading adventure stories and sketching in the garden.

The lady she is writing to is Miss Lillian Crowther, Ophelia's most loved Governess. Though Effie(Miss Lillian's pet name for Ophelia) was not her brightest student academically, she was the happiest child you could wish to meet.

When Sir Richard married Effie on Christmas Day 1894, he surprised everyone by announcing that they would be leaving immediately, as he had planned the grandest of all Grand Tours for his new bride, and that it would be a great addition to her education.

Miss Lillian was quite taken aback, at the suggestion that she had been lacking in her duties, and promptly left the celebrations. She gave notice of her retirement the next morning.
Effie has decided to share her adventures with Miss Lillian, and has vowed to send a postcard from each country they visit...each one hand drawn..so as to show Miss Lillian she is keeping up with her studies(her ladies maid told her about Miss Lillian's retirement).

They arrived in Austria just in time for the Grand Ball at Hohenwerfen Castle on New Years Eve.

The very next day Effie set about writing her 1st of many postcards...

To Miss Lillian Crowther

Peartree Cottage

Little Smetherington

Yorkshire

England

"My Dearest Miss Lillian,

So sorry I did not get to say goodbye after the wedding.

Richard and I arrived safely in Austria, and are having the most amazing adventure. Last evening we attended a ball in the most glorious castle, where it is claimed "Her Majesty" danced with her precious Albert in their younger days.

I know you worry about me so, but be assured, Richard is proving to be the most considerate husband.

Excitedly yours

Effie XXX

P.S. I have bought you the sparkliest crystal I have ever seen!"

On the reverse side she has painted an Edelweiss flower.
And this is how it looks in the journal.
I am keeping the postcards themselves quite delicate, as befits a victorian lady. But the pages themselves will reflect the excitement Effie is feeling with each new country she visits.
Miss Lillian is sending her replies via the Embassy of each country Effie writes from and is hoping they catch up with her, as Sir Richard has left no itinerary with the family(said he did not want anyone spoiling his surprise...), though they should be home to spend Christmas and New Year with them all.

To Lady Ophelia Pendleton

C/O The British Embassy

Austria

(please forward)

"My Darling Effie,

So lovely to receive your postcard today. You sound as if you are having the most marvellous time on your travels. Thank you for your beautiful Edelweiss, and I believe the crystal you are referring to in your post script is the new Aurora Borealis collection from Mr Swarovski. I look forward greatly to seeing it when you return.

I am certain Sir Richard will take great care of you sweet child, I just wish he had left word of the places he is taking you.

Just one thing my dear, I know you are excited but...please try to take a little more care with your handwriting.

Your ever loving Governess

Miss Lillian XXX"

If you go down to the woods today.....

2012-01-03T11:41:00.000Z

Thought I'd try a new technique for this weeks The Butterfly Effect theme of In The Woods, chosen by the very talented Cameron.

As I haven't tried gel transfers, and have LOADS of photos of trees, it made sense to combine the two. I am also using a new FB group called Prompts to Get you Started, who this week have suggested making 2 pots of words, one words of inspiration the other colours. You just pick out one word from each pot to literally get you started :D I selected Desire and Black.

So off to prep a page in my Altered Book of Stuff.
Just acrylic paint scrubbed on with a dry brush.

Then I took my matt medium and smothered the page before adding my photo face down, and squooshing as flat as I could.
After letting it dry(which I could probably have left longer), I started to wet and gently rub off the paper.(can you tell I was making this up as I went along?)
Yay!! It seemed to be working.....but the photo image started coming off too. I think I was being a bit impatient(or using wrong stuff:S)
I dried the whole grubby looking mess with my heat gun and the picture disappeared again, so I tried coating with clear gesso and this brought enough of the image back for me to work with it.
I wanted to get an organic feel to this piece so worked with soft pencils, picking out shapes..

tiny supplicant figure....
Stag-headed Daemon/God?
Finding shapes and highlighting....
using black (normally use blue or green) to emphasis sinister darkness.

Something a bit different.....will the supplicants prayers be answered by the Beast of Dark Desire?

mwahahahaha........:D XXX

Recycled into an art journal...

2012-01-02T16:27:00.001Z

Well Amy has been promising to show us how to make a Beauteous Junk Journal, like the one a blogging buddy Diana sent her. Unfortunately the base items are 2 Tyvek envelopes. I don't even know if we have these in England, and the post office was shut today Doh!

So being the impatient little daemon that I am, I thought "use some old envelopes you do have!"

found this large plain package (the only one without bubble wrap) that an American blog buddy had sent me, and when I looked inside......
it was one of those dang envelopes Amy was using....result!!!
*Big smiley face*
They feel a bit like waxed paper, which makes them tougher than normal envelopes.

Next I selected my paints. I made a major purchase of LOADS of Martha Stewart craft paints last year, all luscious and pearly and metallicy and satiny finishes.(and odourless/quick drying). I selected 5 colours and.....
splodged them....
and smooshed them....
until the envelope was totally covered. (just drool over that shimmery goodness)
I made 2 layers this way, then put plain sides together and taped with extra strong tape....
folding the edges of the outer piece over the inner piece.
Everybody say "OOOOOOWWWWWW!"
"SHINY!!!!!!"
Next job was to stitch the pieces together :(......but I did it!!!
Look Amy tidy stitching :D
Now I just have to make the internal pages with newspaper.......don't like touching newspaper....
Might have to use something else :) But then it won't be a Junk journal :(

Oh well, whatever it ends up as it will be sooooooooo shiny! :D

2nd post today: Now your just being silly Holmes!

2012-01-01T16:18:00.001Z

This is a second piece inspired by Amy's free class "kissing couple"( video here), this time on collage background in my altered board book

blocking out....
building picture...
adding depth...
more shadow...
Groovy crowns....
and the queen has her jester :D
Just had to have bubbles coming out of that pipe :D

Hope your seasonal festivities all went to plan....Happy New Year :D XXX

Kissed by a Rose

2012-01-01T13:00:00.000Z

This is another piece I am making in my altered art book, inspired by yet another fabulous free class(kissing couple vid) by Amy.

Now the book I originally butchered was an old Mp's index of business for the year 1980, and one of the pages still visible had the name "Mr Peter Hardy" on it. He may not be anyone to you, but he helped my family return to England from Australia in 1970, after my older sister was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease( a form of Leukaemia). The Dr's in Oz were unable to treat this at the time, and the only hospital specialising was Sheffield Children's, so we had to sell up and return to England. My sister did not survive, but without the support of family around her again my mother would probably never have gone on to have my baby sister later in life, so it seemed only fitting to use this page for a pic of baby sis with her baby daughter. Both very precious to me, and probably only here because of the actions of Mr Hardy.
Now to the arty stuff :D

This class was about painting on fabric, and using magazine double image for base. I decided to use a photo of my precious's instead....love this pic aaaaaw!

The fabric is over 20 years old(I know...hoarder) and is called Diva...had to use it lol :D
Please be careful to work on a clean surface when gluing...or this may happen DOH!

Fortunately I have the original pic to still work from :D , but it was totally scary painting out their faces...nearly didn't do it!!!
But started to feel better as I added layers :)
I decided not to paint out sis' top as the pattern is gorgeous....
so I dry brushed blue acrylic all over it instead.
I also decided to pick out the patterns in the fabric because it has a wonderful "magical moment" feel about it
I didn't want to over work the image as this piece is more about capturing one of those truly special moments in life...a true expression of love and adoration between mother and child :D
May add some more colour at a later date :)

And some shiny gold stuff....and Faery wings....

Whatever your plans for 2012, I wish you at least 1 moment of true magic that will stay in your heart forever

Blessed Be :D XXX

past pleasures

2011-12-30T21:23:00.003Z

Just a quick post as I haven't been in much this week, but I have seen this posted on a few friends blogs and thought it a lovely way to end my crafting year.

The Stamp Man team are asking us to share our favourite crafting creations of 2011 (doesn't have to be a stamping project...rules here)

I thought it would take me ages to trawl through my old posts and choose a piece I was particularly proud of, but it didn't....I went almost straight away to this page in my altered book(original post).

I painted it the week after the beautiful Katie Renz passed away after a long and public battle with cancer. I didn't mention this in my original post as I thought it might be upsetting for others who knew her. She was definitely on my mind as this portrait formed..and Katie is what I called her as I was painting. I only knew Katie via her blog, but knew her to be a wonderful caring person who will be much missed by those who were touched by her plight.

Thank you for the opportunity to share this piece again :D

Bless you all, and wishing only happiness in your lives for 2012

Girl in a golden crown...a la Amy

2011-12-29T06:04:00.000Z

I have been working on an altered board book, to use as a base for painting on using Amy's "painting on collage" method. I usually draw my own face template, but this time I decided to try the "tear a face out of a magazine" technique :D
Following Amy's instruction video(FREE CLASS, portrait with groovey crown), I painted a layer of brown paint over the image...
then started adding layers of white paint with a dry brush.
I used a pencil to pick out the features again, and started blocking out the background.
More layers, and some black on the background to throw the face forward.
More layers of skin tone(not as white as it looks ) using wetter brush...
and more definition on eyes and lips....
And add her crown.

All in all a very satisfying effect, with no portrait drawing skills required :D
I will probably distress the background a little to reveal some of the patterned papers, when the whole thing is properly dried.

Enjoy :D XXX

In the new year I resolve...

2011-12-27T13:22:00.000Z

This week the theme at The Butterfly Effect is Resolutions.......

I only usually make 1 resolution, the same every year...to love my hubby more this year than last year. A resolution we have shared since the year we met...everybody say aaaaaawwww! :D

But this year I need to get more focussed. I need to calm my mind and learn to relax more. I need to spend more time in prayer and meditation, so that I can focus my energy on the important things.

So these are the things I am resolved to do in the new year...and ever onwards.

I have used the board book Amy showed us at a live class(video here) as the base for this piece.

I drew a face tilted down as if in prayer over a paper collage base...

then used a dry brush to add layers of white and blue acrylic paint
Next i "scruffed up" the double spread with blue and yellow
before adding a skin tone with wetter paint.
I wanted the bee visible again, to represent my busy mind, so I gently scratched away the painted layers with an emery board
and highlighted the features with blue pencil.
I have been enjoying using coloured pencils of various types, and used Inktense and Soft Colour to add some words to the page.
All together a feel a calm peaceful creation :D XXX

An Angel Appears!!!

2011-12-27T09:48:00.000Z

Last week I shared a page in my Altered Book of Stuff that had an angel on it......

This is how my angel "appeared" to me.

I had roughed up the page with acrylic paints to match it up with the tipped in page of my dog sitting by the front door....
As I looked at the drying page I started to see the shape of an angel
It was such a subtle image that I decided to use grey and white chalk pastels to highlight it...
His wings looked like feathers....
and his arms were outstretched.
I built up the layers, slowly and loosely....
until the form was fully visible.
I blew off the loose dust and sprayed it with artist fixative....
I love the weathered look to the finished piece....My Guardian Angel :D XXX

Hoping you all had a lovely Christmas day :D

2011-12-26T13:12:00.012Z

Well Christmas eve was just exhausting for our baby niece....she only made it til 1 pm before needing a nap haha!When every one was in bed, hubby let me open a pressie he had "made" for me....yes, he bought all the fiddly bits and made me this sparkly butterfly ring!!

Long story short...when he proposed he bought a plastic butterfly ring from a little shop, he thought we'd been together so long I deserved a new one :D...not at all practical but so precious :D
Christmas day lunch.... all my men together :D
They don't like chrissy pud...so I made individual Black-forest Gateauxish trifles,

Chocolate swiss roll(homemade blackberry brandy for adults), black cherries in sauce, chocolate custard(made with real chocolate), topped with fresh whipped cream and grated chocolate....
nom, nom, nommy :D
Then time to burn off a few calories with Kinnect Sports. I did play, but guys take this kind of stuff way more seriously...
especially knackered old footballer hubbies....
Chunky needed refuelling......
not that Shorty is competative, but the shame of being beaten by Chunky Monkey....
Ooops...hahahahahaha.....nearly piddled myself!! Apparently , me and Chunky are very bad winners :D

Just noticed we were all dressed in black...nothing morbid, we just wear a lot of black :D

Hope your day was as much fun as ours, Blessings to you all for 2012 :D

It's Friday morning and I'm soooo organised!

2011-12-23T12:34:00.005Z

So much to share this week...but mostly because I'm feeling totally in control of our festivities this year :) I know it's tempting fate, but things seem to be going so well I have time to do this post :D

Can't have Christmas without Angels, so here is the finished doudle spread from my Altered Book. I had made the tied in page with my dog at the door, and wanted to put an accordian/concertina book on the opposite page. While prepping, this angel just appeared (will show the evolution at a later date).

The title for the spread is Guardian of the Door....I was refering to my dog, but this Angel wanted in on the act :D
and I just had to do something a little different with the fold out sections :D

Another project I have yet to share is the Altered Board Book I started making after one of Amy's classes. We never got finished because of technical difficulties, but Amy is redoing the class today at 6pm GMT on livestream....feel free to join in if you wish http://www.livestream.com/amymcdonald?t=143152

I got this old children's book from a charity shop for 50p, and covered it with scraps of paper
So I am looking forward to finding out what happens next :D

Have you had a Rocking week with your build up to Christmas?...if so why not share it with us over at Virginia's Blog

Oh, and if you have been enjoying the paper dolls theme at The Butterfly effect this week, check out Plush Possum Studio today, They have given us the most stunning Christmas paper dolls EVER

A Grand Voyage...

2011-12-20T10:44:00.000Z

Well it's time to prep a book ready for Darcy's Postcards around the world challenge starting in January, was going to alter a book then spotted this in The Works...

Perfect!
butcher and remove all but 26 pages, and replace paper front piece with board, job done :D
Now to decorate.

I have this old(1968) A3 Reader's Digest atlas.

I thought "rip out maps for backing papers, and you've got an A3 book cover to alter :D"

ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!!

I'd rather cut my own hand off!!!! This book is definitely listed under Treasure....so I took some photo's of this page showing trade/exploration routes and printed them off instead :D
Painted board covers with acrylic and clear gesso, glued on printed maps(after scrunching and sanding and inking)

Dry brushed white acrylic around edges and stamped with black stazon
Added colour with Inktense pencils(must remember to seal with spray varnish!!)
then re assemble book

All in all I'm quite pleased with it so far.....needs a title plaque.

What did they call it when victorians went walk-about to europe and asia???

Probably last post before xmas(maybe not ;D) So wishing all my blogland buddies much joy and few puter problems for 2012 :D XXX

Playing with paper dolls

2011-12-19T18:56:00.000Z

This week at The Butterfly Effect, Andrea chose the theme of Paper Dolls :D

Over at The Graphics Fairy there are many free downloadable paper doll images(I've had these for over a year :D) to play with.

You probably have a printer that will take card, I don't, so I had to print on paper then glue onto card before cutting out.
Aren't they just the rosiest cheeks??? :D
I added a piece of card to the back so they could stand up....
The brunette had several outfits, while the blonde only has one...
Big hair!!!
I felt just making the dolls was a bit lazy, so I created 2 quick backgrounds in my altered stuff book...
One end of the page is a school room....
(Turn book over) and the other is a play room....

Hope you enjoyed this bit of fun, it sure brought back some memories for me :D Having boys, I never got to teach them how to do these.....not the same with dinosaurs and tank engines :D

Am Linking this post to The Butterfly Effect#Paper Dolls

Final 4 pages for 2011!!!

2011-12-19T11:11:00.000Z

As we draw ever closer to the end of 2011, Darcy has given us the final 2 prompts for our journal pages....grief!!! It doesn't seem a year since I started this journey with her, I guess it's because it has been such an enjoyable experience :D

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Darcy so much for encouraging me to do this project. It is great fun, and often very moving to look back through the pages and remember moments of contemplation.

So here goes with my final 4 pages for 2011;

page 46#Grow ....(the gardener's prayer)

Page 47# Gratitude...who are you grateful to?
I am and will ever be grateful to the antiquarians of this world :D

Page 51#Celebrate... Christmas, love it or hate it?
not sure where I stand on this one, I always feel so trapped in other peoples expectations that I struggle to enjoy myself :S

and finally

Page 52 for 2011........Anticipate...

(this is a piece of scrap paper I have been using whilst making my journal pages :D)

I for one am anticipating another year of messy creative fun with my blogging buddies !!! :D

Thank you for joining me on this journey :D

The story of The Girl in the Blue Scarf continues.....

2011-12-18T15:21:00.000Z

By the time Red and Peg reached the ocean, they were both sore and hot. The cool blue water reminded Red of her Blue Scarf, and how safe it made her feel. So without hesitation, she jumped from Pegs back and threw herself into the foamy depths.

(It would seem that Red has the attention span of a goldfish, and had already forgotten her dream of mermaids and sea-turtles!)

Peg, on the other hand, stood nervously on the shoreline, letting only small ripples of the water touch his hooves.......
...it did feel inviting......

Suddenly Red let out a loud "SHRIEK!", as the waters around her started to bubble and froth. She felt something brush against her legs, and almost died of fright as a face bobbed up in front of her.

"Hello!", gurgled the green-haired girl.
"He...he...hello?", squeaked Red in return.

"Isn't Peg joining us?"

"Who?...How?...What?..."Blurted Red in response.

"Oh, Sorry, silly me.....we were expecting you, though you seem not to be expecting us", smiled the girl.

"We?...Us?..." Red seemed to have lost the power of speech through the shock, and some vague memories started to struggle into focus.

"Yes silly! Me and my sisters have been waiting to meet "The Girl in the Blue Scarf " for simply ages! Come on!" and with that she grabbed Reds hand and dragged her beneath the surface...

PEG WENT WILD!!!

Forgetting his nervousness, he leapt full length into the ocean, desperately trying not to loose sight of Red.

He caught up with them amazingly quickly (even for him),but was even more amazed at Red's reaction when he slipped underneath her and tried to fly her back to the surface.

As they rushed together and broke free of the water, Red giggled! A gurgling kind of a giggle,and they splashed back into the depths.

The girl with the green hair took control of Pegs reins, and calmed him down. "Look!" she smiled.

Peg looked at his reflection in the water. "WHAT HAPPENED???!" he screamed.

Green and her sisters laughed gently.

"Your...your....a FISH!" stammered Red, now totally confused. It was difficult enough for her to accept she could now breath underwater, without Peg mutating again!

Dog? Horse? Flying Horse? Fish?

The green-haired girl flapped her tail at them. "Look!" she urged again "Haven't you worked out who Peg is yet?"

"No,.. well yes, of course I know who Peg is. He is my Dog..horse..fish thingy, but mostly he is my friend!"

"Very sweet dear, but no. He may appear to be all of these things, but what he actually is,"

"IS YOUR SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE!!" all the sisters chimed at once.
"He is the one who gives you courage when you are afraid, he is your inner strength manifest."

"WOW!" said Red and Peg simultaneously.

"For the next part of your adventure, you need to be able to get around under water. What use would a winged horse be here?"

To be continued.....

You can catch up on the story so far HERE

If you would like to add to this adventure, you can join in by contacting AMY, over at her blog :D XXX

4 more pages ...steaming on to 2012!!

2011-12-15T12:48:00.000Z

Definitely on a roll with these pages for Darcy's "52 pages for 2011" :D

Page 37# Release: why you should let your children have there freedom...much as you want to keep them safe and protect them from the world....

"How will they thrive if they are held too tight?"

Page 41# Desire

Who or what is the object of desire in this picture :D?

Yep, you went for shiny red shoes too didn't you :D

Page 45# Listen

Are you listening to the earth's heart beating? Or do you just trample her underfoot?

Page 50# Utopia

I had quite a bit of trouble on where to go with this one. Call me a grouch, but I can't see how this state of existence that others crave can actual be! Unless we all spend eternity in a drug imposed stupor. I like the rawness of life as it is....that's how we know we are alive :)

Are free thought and paradise compatible??

Phew!! 4 more to go and we will be steaming on into 2012's Postcard prompts...yay!! :D XXX

4!!!! catch up pages, and a mystery.....

2011-12-14T14:39:00.000Z

Since January I have been using Darcy's prompt challenge 52 Pages for 2011 to make art journal pages...we only have 2 weeks left!!!

For 2012 Darcy has agreed to do another years worth of prompts, but in a slightly different format...we are doing Postcards...between 2 people. The prompt each week will be the name of the country one of them is visiting, and sounds great fun. The idea is to build up a story/relationship between these 2 people.

I bought these blank postcards from the post office(50 for £1.69), and am already excited to learn the 1st country :D
In the mean time I am desperately trying to catch up on my 52 pages for 2011(a bit geeky about finishing one task before starting another :S)

So here are the latest 4...

Page 38#Author
I wrote a little ditty. It says;

Authors are my heroes,

They open up our minds,

And show us lots of lovely things

All colours, shapes and kinds.

They take us to the farthest lands,

They scare us and they bless,

And mesmerise us with their hands

By Magical "WORDINESS" :D

Page 43# First....the 1st stamp I ever bought was a tiny bee. It was to be 1st of many :D

Page 48# Floating....boats on water in Newquay harbour, just before a storm
Page 49# Evolve.....to transform from one thing into a better and improved version...Blossom to fruit to alcohol :D Nicely evolved :D

Now to the mystery.....Where has page 48 gone???? I made all 4 pages this afternoon on my desk. I took photo's as I made them. But when I came to put them in the box.........No 48 was gone!!!

Shorty says the poltergeist has moved it( I prefer the title lodger) He likes to torment us by moving things(only in fun). It will turn up, I'll tell you when it does :D XXX

Art that tells a story

2011-12-12T09:19:00.000Z

Well, I have tried to edit the number of photo's for this post...from 34 to 10..not too bad ha! :D

This technique was demonstrated by Natasha over at Flutterbye ning for the altered book class.

Tissue paper background, you have to be real gentle not to over handle the tissue on the glue or it sticks to you instead :D
When dry, coat with gesso to strengthen.....wait for it to dry again...then trim.

I wanted to add a window between 2 spreads, so I made a template and cut it out before making art on them(cos I thought it would be easier to make the images appear that way)

Yep!

Then followed multiple washes of watered down acrylic paint(lots of waiting for stuff to dry...)
but oodles of texture :D
I drew the lady dancing onto the other spread, and started to glue tissue over knowing the image would show through when dry.......well it does if you pick up the right pot, ie clear matt medium and not white gesso :S like what I did *grump*
but I managed to scrape it off and most of her showed through :D
I used a flowery tissue for this page, because I was trying to get a feeling of 2 different worlds, 1 bleak and one full of life....
Look hoe the dancing ladies dress is so shiny!!! Can you see the Stag Creature watching through the window
I kept the wording simple, so you can make up your own story.

Is she afraid?....throwing the boulder to scare him off?

or is she trying to break the glass in order to join him?
And in the other world....is he trying to drive her image away ? Does this pretty pretty image repulse him?

Or is he too, desperate to break through to another life where he might find joy?
I used this pic because it shows the lady through the window(or is it a mirror, showing 2 sides of one personality???)

but I added some sparkly fire balls, for more texture(scrunched up tissue)
I am linking to this weeks Butterfly Effect challenge# Story Telling :D XXX

Much "rockinger" week :D

2011-12-09T07:35:00.008Z

What Rocked My Week....

I really enjoy this chance to give thanks for happy moments each week....some weeks I have to dig deep, but this week was so full :D

1st I am thankful to Mary Berry(cook) for producing the Christmas cake kit that was excellent value and easy to follow....you know I'm rubbish at waiting for stuff to dry....
I'm rubbish at waiting for cakes to mature too nom nom.....:D
Next I am grateful that baby sis, BIL and hubby haven't got the patience to use teeny fiddly screws....so I got to build the dolls house for neice *clap,clap* (always wanted one myself) took me 4 hours, and even I had to use tweezers for some of the screws!! God help anyone who hasn't thought to build in advance!
Next I'd like to thank the group of people who are putting up statues in and around Sheffield. This one appeared recently at the entrance to the park(previously known as heliport,cos it was)
It's official unveiling is tonight, but weather not looking good, unlike the day last weekend when I made hubby pull over so I could climb on wall to take pics :D Couldn't find the artists name, but the group are "Friends of Parkwood Springs"

I've used that image on my pages using Natasha's free altered book class on how to use tissue paper to make a textured background/window in page....but you just get a peak as I am not posting that til monday :)
And this is my thank you to Amy :) She has dropped herself in it this week by saying"post me some art and I'll send you some back!" So this is a mixed media piece I made to send her this week...
Hope she likes it...

and finally to Chunky Monkey....for trying to stay at school all week...he managed til yesterday afternoon, but got soaked to the skin after refusing to go inside, so they asked to send him home. Would have been helpful if someone had thought to give him his coat, but he's in bed today keeping warm.

OOW! Just read comments...am being featured on Joyful Stampers-Inspire Me Friday!!! Today! :D Thank you Maria

How blessedly "Rocked" was your week?

If words are the cogs.....

2011-12-04T11:03:00.000Z

Another double spread in my "Altered Soul Inside " book, using Amy's free classes for inspiration :D

It includes a page pocket and masculine(ish) portrait,which I think I struggle with because my men folk have such gentle/big eyed features.

The Butterfly Effect theme for this week is "Book Pages" so I thought I'd use book pages to make my book pages.....if you get my drift ;S

This is a pocket made with a torn out page to be added later....
These are 2 more torn out pages, scribbled on with Inktense water soluble pencils...don't look much do they....
til you add water! This pic doesn't do justice to the intense pigment you get with these pencils.
Next I tore up the torn out pages and glued them onto my prepped double spread...
Added some stencilling and pocket and roughed up with a bit of distress ink....
and started portrait :D
I used water colour pencils again to colour the face...

Doesn't he look peaceful :)........deep in thought......

More zig zaggy stencils and acrylic paint finished with the words....

"If words are the cogs of the machine that is book, then imagination is the fuel!"

Enjoy :D XXX

Linkint to

The Butterfly Effect# Book Pages

Inspire Me Friday Linky Party#35

Was also going for Inspiration Avenues#English Literature, but I missed the deadline doh!

What's Rocking my day today?.....

2011-12-02T10:13:00.007Z

Not giving a S**t!!!

I love blogging cos it lets me be who I am! Like so many of you, I spend my life being what others need at any given time, but just sometimes......I need to just be me, and you guys let me !!

So HUGE amounts of KUDOS to all of you:D

Today, when Chunky started the "I hate school" routine, instead of going through the step by step reassurances and discussions on why he had to go.......I said "go back to bed then". Now I normally jump through hoops to make sure school knows what is happening...today ..I haven't. It is now 10.20am, and even though Chunky makes his own way to school(and I always phone by 8.30 if he is staying home) no one has contacted me to let me know he hasn't turned up! So why have I been stressing out making sure he gets there???

Anyhoo, I have really enjoyed my morning so far :D I finished icing my xmas cake! Made myself using a cake kit that cost a fiver!! Just had to add eggs and butter(the bag of pre-soaked fruit was amazing, def very good value for money!)

Hubby is still on form with the selection of beer :D He says he actually realised last night that he now always looks at the bottle cap BEFORE the description or price!!! This came off a bottle called Hopping Hare....do you think he was getting subliminal messages that I was starting to loose it haha!
and yesterday I completed our advent sleigh...as in I filled the boxes with choccies :D
Here it is in situe :D
and this is a close up of sparklies on the tree.....just cos I'm feeling festive :D

So what's Rocking your world this week?

OMG!! I Loved today!!!

2011-11-29T15:19:00.014Z

I've been a bit grouchy this last week as I couldn't get any time to myself to relax and do arty stuff, but today Chunky Monkey went to school...and stayed!!! All Day!!!

Hubby went to work, and stayed.....all day!!!

So I got to play :D Baby niece's (xmas pressie) dolls house arrived and baby sis says "would you mind building it for me and keeping it til xmas eve?" Ha! Could force myself...heehee!

Then to top it all off, the post man brings a gift from Magaly!!! I won a book mark from her last month, and it arrived in a rather large packet.....cos it came with a book!!! I love books....I love Faerie folk lore.....I love Magaly :D !!! And it smells divine...! THANK YOU MAGALY :D

So, what did I play at?? Another of Amy's free classes :D

This week she has been showing us how to make a 3/4 portrait with a tilted head.

I prepped a double spread in my altered book by gluing in a photo of some crazy paving made from broken headstones.......(I know it sounds ghoulish, but it was actually a beautiful area in an old church yard, and the paved area had a bench and rose beds)

On the opposite page I added white gesso, but not before noticing a section heading that said "Withers The Future". I don't know what it was referring to, but the words seemed to fit the page I was planning.

I then used Amy's "4 eyes" method to place a tilted face .
Added a bit more detail and rubbed out guide lines.
I think she has an oriental look :)
I added colour with watercolour pencils, then blended with a "damp" brush.
Next I gave her blue/black hair.
I LOVE HER!!! I know it's not cool to blow your own trumpet....but I am thrilled with how she turned out :D
I had to give her something to look at, so I added some collage images I won from Katina Wright as a prize for Inspiration Avenues "Wings of Inspiration" challenge last month :D

This one is a cherub and some butterflies carrying a crystal ball. I have added crackle glaze to the ball(but I couldn't wait for it to dry :S)
I emphasised the broken pieces of stone with black pencil, and wrote between them with a gold pen.
The butterflies are also from Katina :D

(oops! Took that picture before I added the writing:S)

Hope your day has been as joy filled as mine :D XXX

Linking to The Butterfly Effect: Broken Pieces hosted by Priti

El Gato que esta triste y azul.......but rocked my world :D

2011-11-26T15:12:00.008Z

Had a bit of a stressy week, with Chunky Monkey managing to get most of the week off, but it did give me plenty of time for crafting......:D

But what really made me smile this week was when my Bubbles by moonlight pic reminded Leovi of an old song, and she/he(sorry Leovi I don't actually know if your male or female, how weird is that?) left me a verse from the song in my comments box.

I searched tinterweb to find the full lyric and artist (Roberto Carlos, aka El Rei, the King of Latin Music!!)

The song is called "El Gato que esta triste y azul" which google translates as "The Cat who is sad and blue!" How perfect is that for my fold-out page title???!

And the beer bottle top hubby treated me to this week....."Blue Moon"...and he squished it for me too :D
So the sentiment goes to hubby...cos" Life with you is Stardust and Moonbeams"

I hid the song lyrics (translated into english by google :S) inside the page

The little strip at the top reads "the cat is in our sky"
and included a pic of said Roberto Carlos from the 70's/80's :D

This is how it looks folded-in :D
So yet another big shout out for Amy and her free classes at Flutterbye.ning, for keeping me sane this week...well...as sane as I can be ;P

And thanking my baby niece for reminding us of the magic of this season...we took her shopping for trimmings and she was totally awestruck with all the trees and bling :D

So those are the things that Rocked My World this week....how was yours?

:D XXX

Moonlit Kitty

2011-11-22T12:14:00.001Z

After seeing lots of people making cards with stitching on, I bought this diddy sewing machine so I could have a go......that was about a year ago now...naughty Gina :(

Anyhoo, Amy had another free class in which she stitched a piece of fabric onto card before painting it....*dig out machine* :D
gather bits of fabric card, and one of the pages I cut out of my altered book to stitch dog pic in last week( for I had a cunning plan!!!), and stitch all 3 layers together....
works better if you thread machine 1st......:S
Yay!!! Stitching....and it only took 3 attempts at threading :D
Next....loose control of devil beast machine!!!
but at least all the layers are stitched together haha!
Draw Kitty (yes Amy, I drew a kitty for you! Don't get used to this, it's a treat!)
Paint over fabric with cheap acrylic paint(use very little water as the paint will bleed )
I was going to paint a moon, but then I got to thinking bubbles...by moonlight :)
So the kitty is now called Bubbles!

Now for cunning plan....use the kitty pic to make a Fold out page in my altered book!!
Gessoed both facing pieces for future decorating, and laced outer edges together with 3mm ribbon....
AMY!!!! I did a Fold out!! :D Yay me :D
Hope you enjoyed this bit of silliness :D and remember....make sure your layers are dry before lacing together or your pages won't fold out ;)

If this appeals to you, check out Amy's Cat Class (it's free!!)

Time for Tea....Altered Popjes

2011-11-21T07:24:00.000Z

The title of this post relates to the cute doll faced girls drawn by the lovely Manon, who recently gave a free class at Flutterbye.ning.

I decided to make one of these girls for this weeks Butterfly Effect challenge of Tea/Coffee, and put her in my altered book:D

I simply covered my page with this scrummy piece of Tim Holtz design paper, which cried out to me "Time for Tea?"
I drew a pencil sketch of the doll face(didn't show up enough on photo) and started too colour with promarkers....

Painted over with a layer of watered down gesso.....
then added black outline.....all as instructed by Manon :D
But I picked up the wrong pen...and the black ink bled every time I caught it....
so I very carefully built up the colours with markers and gesso(making sure each layer was dry)
got "miffed" at all the smudges and coloured over with pastel pink.....
before adding a final layer of gesso. Not very happy with the finished surface, but we all make mistakes...doesn't mean it's useless.....
I thought "surreal", and made her into a teapot :D
I painted the dp with a dry brush and gesso to age it a bit more, and over stamped with a fabby tea cup stamp that was a gift from Stef aka Glitterbabe, using TH's distress inks in faded jeans(blue) and Aged Mahogany(red).
The fabric was from a Dezinaworld Treasure Lucky bag, and I thought it would make a pretty outfit for afternoon tea :D
And every teapot needs a cosy :D

Here she is in my altered book.....
and I think she turned out pretty cute :D

Enjoy :D XXX

Yay! 3 more journal pages for Darcy..and a poem what I wrote :D

2011-11-19T15:05:00.000Z

Still on catch up with my art journal pages for Darcy's 52 Pages Challenge, so here goes with the next 3 :D

Page 31: Compromise

I have chosen to stop compromising with my life, after all, none of us knows how long we have got. Don't keep putting of til tomorrow what YOU want to do today!!!
Page 32: Discover (what did you learn at school)

I learnt that I am very good at "reading " people :D If I choose to call you friend, believe I truly mean it :D
Page 35: Wilderness

This dp made me think of swirling icy winds. Possibly Arctic/Antarctic, possibly depths of space. But then I added a bit of coloured pencil as it started to speak to me of the vast emptiness of sky, filled with the spectacular wildness of the Northern lights :D
For all 3 pages I used some free papers I got from Magpies Nest, cutesy of Inspiration Avenue (just added a hint of colour to the blue and white swirl)

The next page I need to work on is called "Author", which reminded me of this poetry book I made a few years back
And I thought I'd share one I wrote about this time of year, while making Christmas gifts. I think most of you have someone you could read this too :D

Yuletide Joy

I screwed up my eyes

and snuggled in bed,

to dream of the heroes from books that I've read.

Of hiding from Dragons

in caves that are dark,

or drifting through meadows to the song of a lark.

Warm, balmy evening

walking on sand,

while my heart skips a beat

as he's holding my hand.

In ballroom and sparkle

I twirl and I dance,

just hoping he'll spare me

one soft, sultry glance.

Sat in a station

the train I will miss,

as he's bending towards me....

I wake as we kiss.

But I'm glad that I've woken.

My dreams all came true.

I won't pine for a stranger....

My hero is you!

Enjoy :D XXX

Her masters voice!

2011-11-18T11:48:00.009Z

EDIT: My dry pic stitched into altered book with black 3mm ribbon :D

Today I have tried another of the FREE classes at Flutterbye .ning :D

This one is with Natasha, who is painting a simple portrait of her cat to add to her altered book. I have a dog...so I copied the style but replaced cat with soppy dog :D

Quick sketch onto gessoed card...
Add main body colour...
built up a bit of background...
added a bit more detail...
and a little more...
and finally some texture(scratching into wet paint, stencil clock faces,dabbing with mucky baby wipe), and shadow(not poop) where she is sitting :D...
just waiting by the front door for hubby to come in :D

I haven't put too much detailed work(door furniture etc) in the background because the dog(Meg) is the focus, and when it is dry I have to stitch it into my book!!!

The door is an irrelevance to Meg, it's what she can hear on the other side that is important to her!

Wow!!!

2011-11-17T13:58:00.011Z

Haven't blogged for a few days cos I was feeling a bit yucky. Thought I'd cheer myself up by watching some free art classes from Amy and Natasha at Flutterbye

I got inspired and energised. I struggle with "messy art" but have always wanted to try, so I took ideas from several different classes and went for it, so here goes!!!

I took about a gazillion photos so major editing but I think these pics will show the process.

Step 1 Found a book as advised on Altered book class( yes this is/was an official government issue jobby. A4/ hardback/embossed, bought as job lot in an auction by BIL, but it is only an index so no secrets)
After demolishing it Amy style, and spending a whole day glueing pages together, I covered a double spread with bits of paper from my(huge!!!) scrap box.
Next I painted over the paper with white gesso and added pics of STUFF that inspire me to do art :D. I was making chutney/listening to music/distracted by sparkly glass jars/bottling homemade crab apple brandy liqueur....and watching plants grow....that about sums up most days for me :D

Then I doodled with new Zig paint pens(cool but smelly)
The colours came out too strong for me, so I painted over with pearlescent acrylics...
Then white acrylic(I know crazy stuff, but this is what the classes are about)...

Now I had a base built of STUFF that is inside and outside of me, so it was time to add me!
Layers of smooshy acrylic paint, in colours I would normally shy from...
just banging on 1 layer after another(without waiting for it to dry)...
Then the strange thing happened. I was starting to pick out shapes in the background that had gotten obscured, when my inner animal appeared!!!
No joking....this is just how the piece progressed...I think it's called intuitive painting

And then I realised what was happening...all the layers of STUFF are what makes me ME!

I can seriously recommend having a go at this kind of working...it was so much fun, just picking stuff up and using it!!

Thank you Amy and Natasha for your generous freeingness!!! :D

Me and My Goddess...

2011-11-14T15:00:00.002Z

The theme at The Butterfly Effect this week is Ancient Goddess, and most of you already know that I am a Goddess worshipper, but I have never given a lot of detail.

Many years ago I decided to study the Bible....as in read it, and though I found it fascinating I was always left lacking(no offence intended). I wanted to know more about who wrote it, when and why.

Now answers to those questions tend to be "all you need to know is it is the word of God", never a good enough answer for me, sorry but it is not an answer!

So after reading lots of books, I settled my mind on the oldest "biblical" story that seemed to be universally accepted as historically proven, which is that Queen Semiramis of Babylon/Mesopotamia, was the 1st woman linked to the virgin birth story(said by some to cover the fact that she was a prostitute). She ruled for 102 years(allegedly, years then were different lengths to ours) around 4000 to 3500 BC. She declared herself a God, and is believed to be the root source of all other Goddesses, such as Venus , Aphrodite, Diana....dare I say Mary?

Her titles include, Builder of Walls(hanging gardens) and Fortifications

Branch Bearer(as in olive branch/bringer of peace)

Gift of the Sea(apparently where Nimrod met her)

Mother of Heaven/Bringer of the Seed(mother of the son of God), and one of her symbols is the wood pigeon, which has become the dove of peace and representative of the Holy Spirit.

She was also known as the protector of children and the elderly, and is called she who will smite the serpent in the head, and is often depicted with a headless snake.

I know there are lots more books I haven't read, and that by some she is seen as a murderous prostitute(generally people wanting to down grade her authority), but to me she is The Mother Goddess, protector of the helpless, builder and defender of walls. She was not ousted by her people, her successor was! And her "cult" has continued throughout history, under many different guises.

Did you know, that her official title was "Woman", the word Queen did not exist, and to be known as "Woman" was a great honour(as opposed to wife/mother/sister), as in A Woman in her own right!

My picture isn't finished yet....but I think there is enough to show :D

Blessed Be :D XXX

Rocking my World...Freedom!

2011-11-11T11:39:00.012Z

In remembrance of Katie, a blogland friend I didn't get to know long enough. A beautiful soul.
Haven't done one of these "Thankful" posts for a few weeks now, but as it is Remembrance Day, I have no excuse :)

I will ever be Thankful to those who put on a uniform and stand up for our freedom.

My grandfather fought in the trenches fron 1914-1919...he survived. His eldest son fought in WW2...he did not. He lies still in Italy where he fell, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Italian people who keep the graves so beautifully.

Bless them All!!!
On a lighter note, this is a plant in my neighbours garden...it flowers in June....it is a yucca of some description...it is getting ready to flower again, now, in November???! So I thank Nature for it's entertaining vagueries :)

I am Soooooo thankful for my lovely tattooist Steve, who spent the morning working on my Totem Tattoo. Just look at those icey blue eyes on my she-wolf...mwahahahahaha........!
I am loving that Reeves have brought out a range of soluble wax crayons(couldn't afford the other make) this pack of 24 cost just £7.49!!
This is a quick sketch I made with them to send to Donna with a small set of the crayons for her to play with. It's to remind her of the green fields of England :D

And I am thankful every day, for the inspiration given by other bloggers. This weeks special mention is for Dawn and Cheryl, who inspired me to make a visualisation of my Guardian Angel

And last but not least ....Hubby, who yet again came home with a cheap treat :) There are 2 alphabet stencils(upper and lower case) for £1 !!!
Blessed Be to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice ! Thank you!

Linking to Rocking My World Friday

Painting Angels !

2011-11-09T11:18:00.012Z

So today I have been desperate to get some art done (problems with youngest at school :(), as it is my main source of relaxation at the moment.

Yesterday I was inspired by Dawn's Post at Journal Journeys, which was it self inspired by a lady called Cheryl Irwin(who is probably the sweetest person on the planet!!), and who has made a video on how she paints Angels/Godesses :D Nice lady :D

So,....I'm saying that quite a lot lately aren't I...I did me some exercise, had a nice refreshing shower, light an incense stick and chilled.....before choosing a blank canvas and selecting colours to work with.
Being a stressed out Werewolf...and the full moon being quite close...my energy levels are hot and fiery and through the roof!!! So my (said it again:S) colours are strong and fiery too.
I'm using my soluble wax crayons to work this piece, as I don't have the stuff Cheryl used, but thought these would give a similarly loose/free feel to the image.
Still the background looks a bit tense!! While waiting (didn't say "so" :D) for the background to dry I had a practice at sketching my Guardian Angel.

You know I'm a bit weird right...well I don't see my angel as being female like most people do.. he is called David..cos he told me he is OK.

And he is translucent..like polished crystal..and has iridescent dragonfly wings.
When the base was dry(heat gun, got bored) I lightly sketched the image in pencil...
then started adding layers of white and pale blue wax crayon, which I then blended with water...
No proper outlining, just suggestions with a darker crayon(I used the purple from the sky)
some orange and yellow to the wings to try and make them appear more transparent....
The wings still look a little heavy to me, but I'm calling this a work in progress :D
(and yes I know he hasn't got any bits, He's an angel...he doesn't need them!)

Enjoy :D XXX