New Year's Habit

I just joined the forum at Leo Babauta's The Challenge of Less website. The challenge is to "create a new habit in 30 days". I chose to start walking every day with my trusty sidekick, Belle Starr. We will go out in the morning after my shower and then again in the afternoon. The afternoon walk is harder to plan for since the kids' schedules change every day. So my main goal is to get out every morning.

Crocheted Creativity

I have been spending time crocheting hats and scarves for Christmas gifts. My daughter is modeling a set I made for her which was an early gift. Since she is such a great model, she may find another set under the tree!

Light a Candle

I drew this last night as I was lying in bed. It is dedicated to the people of India, especially those who live in Mumbai. I also wanted it to be a reminder for the rest of us. We can all do our best to make this world a better place, regardless of the people intent on destroying it.

A Donor Was Found!!

Read the wonderful news here. To think the perfect match came from one of the mother's e-bay friends, on her birthday at that. What an amazing story and so wonderful to hear the day before Thanksgiving, when all of us should be counting our blessings.

Save a Young Girl's Life

A young girl is in desperate need of a kidney. Read about her here.

There is a potential donor questionaire on the blog post. I am filling one out because you never know who could be a match for her. I admire this mother for not giving up hope to save her daughter's life; and I pray someone can save her.

What Is Artful, Anyway?

I was playing with some frames tonight to see if any of my art is "frame-worthy". I had two frames which would only fit my 8" x 8" canvases. I did not like how any of my art looked. Perhaps it was the frame or the mat. Afterward, I felt a bit dejected, like maybe I am kidding myself that I have any artistic talent. I realize that everyone who attempts any kind of creative endeavor feels this way from time to time. I know I just need to keep working, practicing, and trying new things. Maybe I need to stop looking at the amazing work other artists are creating and focus on my own art. But my art feels so insignificant. I have to remember that my work is a part of me; therefore, it does have worth, regardless of the quality of it.

Here is a link to my work for the Art Every Day Month challenge which I have been participating in for the month of November. And a link to the AEDM pool, to see everyone else's work. I know, it is too early for me to give up on something that has tugged at my soul for a very long time. I will find my artful purpose, as long as I continue the search for it.

Painting Pumpkins

Not too much creativity this week, but my children and I painted pumpkins. We enjoyed this small fall project.

Childhood

My creative project for today was inspired by a technique taught by Judy Wise as well as an idea I found in The New Acrylics:

In Photoshop, I converted the photo to BW and used a stamp filter on it. Once printed, I covered it with Self-Leveling Clear Gel Medium. Once the medium was dry (it took a couple of days), I wet the photo and peeled the paper off the back. Now my image is translucent! The inspiration for my background was Simultaneous Open Windows by Robert Delaunay. I read about it in one of my favorite books, Sister Wendy's 1000 Masterpieces. Finally, I added some pressed flowers and a few paint swirls.

Fiddleheads

I have decided to take the Creative Every Day challenge for 2008, even though we are already in the tenth month of the year. I painted this last night:

I did not paint with any plan. I just went on instinct, and the result reminds me of emerging ferns. It was definitely fun just putting layers of paint on my canvas and seeing the result.

Wings of Beauty

I was in my garden this afternoon and took photos of two lovely monarchs. My favorite shot:

I am past the peak migration dates for my longitude which are the last two weeks in September. However, this is my second fall here and I rarely see them until October. 

Mixed Media Collages

Inspired by Kelly Rae Roberts' book, Taking Flight, I have begun to explore mixed media collage. I have always admired collage and have even collected materials, but have never ventured forth to actually create something. My first attempt:



The lyric "Because we all have wings" is from the song Never Tear Us Apart by INXS. The cute elephant paper is a freebie from Jackie Eckles on the Little Dreamer Designs blog.

Second try:



Most of the elements on this page are from the Angel Kit by Lily Designs.

I enjoyed the process of making both collages, especially getting to paint. I already have other projects in the works, and will be trying some new techniques. Ahh, art is bliss!

Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit

Today I went with my daughter on a field trip to Waterford, Virginia for the annual fair. Waterford was founded around 1733 by Amos Janney,  a Pennsylvania Quaker. It is also a National Historic Landmark. We watched juried craftspeople in 18th and 19th century style clothing make baskets, do woodworking, stencil floorcloths, and spin wool, to name a few. One of my favorite exhibitors was Vermont Botanical. Maggie Lake's pressed flower art is spectacular! I loved the Jack-in-the-Pulpits and Fiddleheads (emerging ferns). I could have spent the day learning about all of the traditional craftsmanship, but we had a bus to catch back to school.

Digital Scrapbooking Layout

I am having difficulty posting an image in my previous post, so I am adding it here. I am still learning how to manipulate this blog.

Two of My Favorite Things

We adopted a retired racing greyhound last November named Belle Starr. We had never owned a dog. I never knew that greyhounds were so mellow. You would expect such a fast animal would be high-strung. Not at all. While there are exceptions, most greyhounds are laid-back couch potatoes. But they do love their walks and an occasional run. Belle is the best companion we could have ever asked for.

We adopted her from the most wonderful group, Blue Ridge Greyhound Adoption. We just had our annual picnic and had lots of lovely hounds. One of the most amazing things is that even at a park full of greyhounds, they are very quiet. They rarely bark. They sniff and say hi to one another, but that is it. 

Another of my favorite things is digital scrapbooking. I enjoy the creative process of putting together a digital layout. Of course the best part is being able to tweak it ad infinitum in Photoshop. 

Master Gardener Program

Last night I attended an informational meeting for our local Master Gardener's Program. I want to learn more about growing plants suited to our little micro-climate here in Northern VA. Also, I would like to give back to the community by answering homeowner's gardening questions, caring for the demonstration garden, and participating in local events. The bonus is meeting people who love gardening.

Welcome to Artful Synchronicity

I am doing something I thought I would never do... start a blog! Honestly, why add another one to the online world? I decided that creating this blog was my first step in living and documenting a creative life. I have to start somewhere.

So let the creativity begin!