From The Country... Art Journal Catch Up.

Hello out there!!!!

Oh, what a slice of Heaven it is, to be on Summer break! It's nice to wake up each morning, knowing that I can do anything that I desire... However, I do have some commission work to tend to (more on that in another post). I bounce out of bed bright and early, eager to play! Of course, even this requires coffee.

I did spend the first hour or so adding another layer of paint to a commission painting, but then I decided to catch up on some art journaling.

Do you recall the rooster journal entry? Well, I didn't use an entire page for the entry and I just cannot bring myself to waste any space in my art journals...

So, I did this-

I started journaling on the same page as the silly rooster entry, and spilled over onto the following page.

I like!

 

I'm so picky about my journals. I didn't want to start any new entries until I documented our Florida vacation! I like order and sequence.

Now that we are back home, we are working on our patio to create our own tropical paradise. Our patio bar has been completed. We pick up the quartz countertop Friday! The bar will also be a wonderful work station for me. We purchased some large tropical plants and pots over the weekend!

A little at a time.

That's okay. We have the rest of our lives here, together!

I must dash for now and get the chicken outside, and on the grill!

I shall return very soon!

 

Bright, Bold, Summer Colors!

Is it just me...

Or do you also get excited when you are surrounded by COLOR? I can hardly contain myself! I start snapping pictures, dashing from one bright color to the next! My head starts spinning, thinking about the colors on a canvas or in a future project. I returned home from Florida, feeling so inspired by colors!

Beautiful art displays throughout the Hyatt hotel really caught my eye. I even snapped a pic of the artist information, but unfortunately, the pic is nowhere to be found now so I cannot provide proper credit. So sorry.

I would pass by these displays daily during our stay. I would stop and take it all in. I feel sad for people who rush through life and never really stop to look at things. I observe everything. Rocks, flowers, textures, colors! I may never see that object or place ever again. I like to touch and smell!

Disneyworld is full of color and inspiration! (Disneyland in California is wonderful too... and will always be my magical place)!

Oh, so colorful tree flags at "Animal Kingdom". I love the Lion King movie. I cried. Then smiled! It's such a heartwarming show.

 

The last photo is from Epcott. Along with colorful inspiration, I also enjoyed the quick trips through several different countries!

So. What will I do with all of this color inspiration?

Well, the fantastic news is...

I now have the entire Summer to to dabble in many projects! Yesterday was the last day of school!!!! Working in a High school and being surrounded by graduating seniors, I felt as if I also graduated from school! At last, some time to rejuvenate, feel the sun on my skin, rest, think, slow down and observe even more! Today my sweetheart and I are taking a day trip to celebrate Summer! We are working on our patio (and even considering the purchase of a hot tub)... So we are going to shop for plants, pots, and colorful decor! He has also promised me a trip to a Barnes and Noble for some new art books and magazines! I want to do everything!!!! Paint, learn more about pastels, read, work in the garden and eat home grown salads!

Let the Summer vacation begin...

And surround myself in bright COLORS each and every Summer day!

Blessings to you!

 

Florida Vacation!

We have been away...

For some much needed rest and relaxation, but mostly... Some sunshine! Oh my, it has been a long Winter here in Kansas. I need to see COLOR. For too long, Kansas has been grey.

Off to Florida we went!

We stayed at this beautiful Hyatt Regency resort hotel.

Of course we experienced days of magic at the Disney parks! I can't possibly share every photo. ( I took over 300 pics)!

We saw love under the stars...

Palm trees dancing with the cool breeze.

We enjoyed quiet evenings with my family on the patio.

I tasted coffee from every restaurant!

A day at Cocoa beach provided me with a sun kissed glow.

Thanks, dad and mom!!!!!

I love you so!

Now back home...

One more week of work and then 10 days off before I begin working Summer school. ( I had not planned on working at all this Summer, but it was offered to me and I just could not turn down an elementary position)!

So much more to look forward to. Our June wedding and more family time.... And the entire month of July to play, not work!!!! Many creative ideas in my head and more sights to see!

No more grey. Kansas is green again, the sun brightly shines, and our garden is growing!

It's always nice to return home after a vacation.

Until next time...

 

Something to roost about!

Seriously? It's a Saturday morning and after a very long, tiring work week, I was really looking forward to sleeping in a little. Well, my body clock was wide awake at 4:00 AM! I tried to fall back asleep but had no luck so I got out of bed and brewed the java. That's when I heard, "cocka-doodle-doo".... Over and over again. Country living comes with such sounds!

So, with my first cup of coffee, I began sketching.

Then painting with my watercolors. It was a lovely morning!

Hey! Now you may follow my blog through "bloglovin'"! Just click on the button on the right hand side! Possibly you have been using Google reader to follow your favorite blogs and need a new source. I think I like Bloglovin'! Easy to navigate and you can have blog posts sent to you to suit your preferences (daily, weekly, or as each new post comes available). I choose to get one message a day informing me of new blog posts, however, I find myself just browsing through many, many blogs through Bloglovin'! I just love everything about blogging, don't you? Please, let me know if you are a blogger yourself so that I can go peek! I spend every single morning reading art blogs! They so inspire me to get out my own supplies and make something!!!!! Just maybe we will meet over there... At Bloglovin!

Until we do,

Enjoy your Saturday!

 

Bloglovin

Now you may follow my blog on bloglovin!

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The Simple Life...

Today was just another day. I haven't much to blog about...

But that's okay, right? I live a pretty simple life these days, in a simple, little town. I always wished exactly this for myself. It suits me and my personality.

It was another work day. I get to go out with some students for "on the job training". As my student walked down the sidewalk of our simple downtown I noticed that the trees have bloomed and snapped a few photos! It's a cute downtown, with an old time feel to it. Very quaint. Very friendly.

As I drove home from work I noticed that the grass has at last turned to green...

And baby calves are roaming the open fields! My country drive home is simply lovely! Lots of rolling hills here.

Once supper is cooked and served, I usually go to a quiet place and work in my art journal or read.

Thought I would share some bits and pieces. Very simple pages.

I hear a Spring rain outside! Once the temperatures rise, I will spend the evenings outside on the patio or nurturing our garden. I can't wait!!!!! My sweet fella has already tilled our garden space and planted radishes, asparagus, and onions. We will continue to add once we know that we are safe from freezing temperatures. Would you believe that we are expecting a dusting of snow tomorrow? Yes. It's true! I love Kansas!

I also love this simple life...

In the country...

With him!

How about you?

Are you living the life that you wished for yourself?

I hope so!!!!

Until next time...

 

Ticket Tutorial!

Hello out there!

Shame on me for not being more consistent with my blogging, but I do have good reason. The day job, of course... Along with planning and shopping for a June wedding! We are also leaving for a Florida family vacation very soon and I have "needed" new sandals, tops, and shorts! (Giggle, giggle).

How about a fun tutorial?

Aren't these tickets just adorable?!!!!!

I love filling my art journals with things like this, but think of all the possibilities! How cute these tickets would be on greeting cards, book marks, packages... Or for giveaways at bridal and baby showers (just number each ticket)! Ooooooooh my brain is packed with ideas for using tickets, tickets, tickets!

Ok. Let us get started!

I do not own a ticket die cut or template. I make my tickets quickly... And manually!

Step one:

Cut paper in 1 inch wide strips. Any paper will do! I chose to use watercolor paper today. I had given the paper a watercolor wash a few days ago, providing some soft color.

Step 2:

Pierce the strips with a paper piercing tool, every 2 inches. If you do not have a scoring board, just draw some lines onto your strips, using a pencil. Pierce with a protective mat beneath your paper.

Step 3:

Using a paper punch, begin punching half holes down your paper strip, top and bottom.

Step 4:

Get creative with your tickets!!!!!

Stamp them, sketch on them, paint, collage, dye on them!

I drew tiny birds on this ticket strip, then added color with watercolor pencils. Oh! I always use a fine tip, black 01 Micron pen for wet media with small detail work.

I do hope that you have a blast with this tutorial and guess what?

Throughout the Summer months I will be providing you with more tutorials! Yes, indeed!

School will soon be out and I'm so very excited to dive into my creative world for the Summer!

Thank you for stopping by! You never need a ticket enter here!!!!!