Friday Fill-Ins...

And...here we go!

1. This week I hope to spend a little time at the Gulf, enjoying a beach sunset or two.

2. I'm looking forward to when Downton Abbey returns.

3. It's all about making sure you follow the recipe's directions so read through them before you begin.

4. Always put sunscreen on your face when going out in the sun.

5. I demand good service and will take my business elsewhere without hesitation.

6. I am working to change my path, it's filled with healthy food, exercise, laughter, lots of sleep and taking time to relax without feeling guilty.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing baby Hudson for the first time, tomorrow my plans include going to the beach and Sunday, I want to work in the studio!

Spring Flowers...

All photos taken at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

Digi IPad Art Journaling...

I created this digi page in ArtRage and Procreate on the IPad. I imported the text/words and added lots of layers to blend it all together. I use the Sensu Brush and love it!

D-Wade, Capri Pants and Doing Awesome..

Dwyane Wade.  What does he have to do with me?  One thing leads to another and now, he is part of my blog post.  Allow me to set the stage.  The other day, Wade who is a shooting guard/point guard for the Miami Heat (that’s basketball for those who don’t follow) showed up at Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals wearing skinny capri pants. He pulled it off with a double-breasted jacket and a pair of loafers, less the socks.  It became the talk of sports radio and while it was a bit different, I thought it was bold and daring and I liked it.

This leads me to Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio.  Mike Greenberg decided to give this outfit a test drive with items from his own wardrobe.  He almost pulled it off except it works best with skinny capri pants.  I digress!

I know, where is this going? Stay with me. I am sure this is not new and I must have been out of the loop but Mike said something that caught my attention: wake up, be awesome, go to bed.  Not sure if Wade follows this mantra but I would change it to “wake up, “do” awesome, go to bed.  What do you think?

So, my challenge for you is to “do” awesome this week.  I plan to send mail to several young kids at my church.  Who doesn’t like receiving something special in the mail?  I sent a card to a young boy several weeks ago to encourage him and his mother told me that he never gets mail and was so excited when my card arrived.  See, such a little gesture but it meant so much.

We aren’t all NBA super stars, winning games and setting fashion trends but we can do awesome things!  Now go, do awesome!!

Image created with A Beautiful Mess IPhone app.

Tri-Fold Calendar Card Tutorial...

Folded tri-fold card adorned with burlap, silk leaves and a fabric flower.

 

Gather supplies: Old calendar (I used one made by Wendy Brightbill), fabric flowers and leaves, old paper, rubber stamps, washi tape, pen, labels, unbleached wax bag, black dye ink pad, burlap, glue stick, sewing machine, scissors and adhesive backed magnets.

Add a piece of burlap to a folded unbleached wax bag and stitch to a piece of vintage paper.

Doodle on edges of vintage paper and adhere to folded calendar page to great a flap.

Adhere assorted washi tape on the inside of card.

Embellish inside of card with assorted rubber art stamps.

Add scrap and book paper to the inside of card with glue and washi tape. Add more rubber stamping and a label with desired sentiment.

Cut two pieces of adhesive backed magnets and adhere to flap and front of card.

Embellish the outside of the card with handmade paper and washi tape.

Hand write message on the inside of the card.

Friday Fill-Ins...

And...here we go!

1. I see lots of birds, including cardinals, doves, red bellied woodpeckers and more in my bird feeder each day.

2. I sent this cute card to a friend that read "The More Mascara the Better."

3. They begin by offering you a "free" sample.

4. I still love my dear husband as much as I did so many years earlier.

5. This I know: God loves me and He keeps His promises.

6. Fresh caught Red Snapper is what I am having for dinner.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating with friends at a wedding, tomorrow my plans include a little beach time,  and Sunday, I want to watch a little Downton Abbey, rest and squeeze in a little studio time after worship and a church lunch honoring our graduating teens!

Stitched Fabric Pillow Cover Purse...

Interested in learning how to turn a plain pillow cover into a fashionable clutch?  Check out the directions on the Stampington & Company website HERE!

Just For Fun...

Scalloped Border rubber stamp by Roben-Marie Smith.

April Instagram in review...

Art Journal Love - Trees...

Supplies: acrylic paint, black pen, Scratched Chevron, Scalloped Border and Paint Strokes rubber art stamps from my new Mixed Media Essentials line, collage papers, oil pastels and charcoal.

Friday Fill-Ins...

And here we go...

1. I know but it is a secret and I can't tell.

2. I want to go to the beach today if at all possible.

3. This weather has been great for a picnic in the park.

4. Paint under my fingernails has become a problem.

5. I'm really happy I have the ability to read and write because there are many who do not.

6. He told me to water the plants, or something to that effect.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to creating two more projects for my next workshop, tomorrow my plans include going to Marine Land with Brittany and Sunday, I want to have lunch with my friends Jena and Mike. I sure miss them!

Watercolor Well Palette...

My friend Lorraine introduced me to this fabulous Watercolor Well Palette and since I had several questions about it, I thought I would share some of the details.  It is available HERE and has several available components. This palette holds up to 85 colors and there's an area just outside the wells to write the name of the color with a fine felt marker. It comes with a removable mixing insert and the lid provides additional mixing areas. There is also a 42 and 64 well available. Don't miss the palette carousel for easy rotating of the well.  I got to use this well this past weekend and I loved it! Artist Gina Rossi Armfield uses this palette.  Check out her post about it HERE!

Have a  blessed day!

Mailbox Love...

Sometimes the direction just changes...wrapping paper becomes mail art!  I couldn't help myself!  The Bold Flowers and X Marks are from my new Mixed Media Essentials rubber stamp line.  I used brown paper, acrylic paints, Colorbox ink pads, black and white pens, washi tape and computer generated text.

The 1:2 Project...

I am now accepting nominations for The 1:2 Project for the month of May.  Please check out the details HERE on how to make a nomination.

Nominations will be accepted from May 3 - May 7. 

Friday Fill-Ins...

And...here we go!

1. After a while, the baby ducks will arrive.

2.  At least all this rain is making everything green.

3. Well, anyway, can I just say how proud I am of my sister....she got a well-deserved promotion!?

4. Having the job of naming paint colors sound like so much fun to me!

5. I always want to "get my groove on" when I hear Dancing Queen on the radio.

6. Knowing God loves me...that is what keeps me going.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to art time with my girlfriends (we are learning all about watercoloring), tomorrow my plans include more art time with girlfriends and maybe a little pool time and Sunday, I want to rest and begin season three of Downton Abbey!