PagesPat's Ponderings

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Looking forward to Rainbows and Butterflies

 

I am never far away from my art journal, so when it rained earlier this week and the sun suddenly burst out, I found a rainbow curving over my neighbor's house (no pot of gold, though). I've been want to create a rainbow in my journal, but all alone it wouldn't look "postable" (as in Blogger).

So I drew out a few butterflies randomly across the page before adding the rainbow. I didn't want the rainbow to take over the world the page, so I drew my favorite way to doodle - drawing lines close together and all in the same direction.

It was very relaxing, taking my mind off the little day-to-day worries and anxieties I may have had. It's one of the best therapies I've discovered so far!!

Happy crafting, y'all!

Challenges I am Entering:
Country View - Things with Wings
Triple B - A/G with Blossoms, Birds and/or Butterflies


Friday, April 7, 2023

Back to Nature with Spring Decor

During Covid, I went a little crazy trying new techniques and media. One of my new hobbies was wired jewelry. I now have a bin full of sea glass, polished stones, seashells, wires, needle-nose pliers, etc. I was just about to give the whole lot away to my niece since I either sold or gifted family members my jewelry.

Until my gf sent me a photo from Pinterest featuring stones, sea glass and shells hanging from a large stick. Since my sister had her tree cut down, I grabbed a thick branch and cut a piece of it off and got to work. Wiring items that have no holes threaded and are oddly-shaped and slippery is a very tedious, time-consuming job. Half my time was spent picking up those slippery stones or rewiring a shell that kept slipping out. My patience was tried, believe me.

But I persevered and managed to finish my first hanging decor using this technique. And I love it!! I'm already planning which stones, glass and shells to use for my next hanger. I may even have to buy a table for the Memorial Day craft fair if I can make enough of these to sell.

I'm glad I kept my supplies...

Challenges I am Entering:

Creative Artiste - Anything Mixed Media Goes
Creative Fingers - Anything Goes
Morgan's Art World - Always Anything Goes

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Halloween is My Thing

Took me a little longer than expected, but here's my second Halloween decor item created from the item pictured below.

I created a scary Halloween scene the first time, but wanted to create a more kid-friendly one to sell at the Fall craft fair. Although it was a Christmas calendar, I couldn't utilize to holes and pegs after revamping it. It still turned out well, I think. I painted the triple-layered scene orange this time instead of black. I discovered I had a lot more cute Halloween craft items than I thought. Everything came out of my Halloween craft tub.
I used designer paper, ribbons, adhesive candy corn stickers, buttons, and even a cake topper that read Happy Halloween. You can see the candy corns on the sides of my piece.
Now the big question. The original Christmas pieces sold for $20 at Michael's.. They measure 8"x3"x6" high. I've been accused of underpricing my artwork and need an opinion. The craft fair is at an RV park where I own a trailer. I'm getting a table for the Labor Day weekend. There is a huge Halloween weekend that is open only for owners and their guests. I roughly give away over 200 pieces of candy to trick-or-treaters. There are prizes given to best-decorated trailers, carved pumpkins, costumes, etc. I've won three trophies from the pumpkin carving contests through the years.

The craft fair is close enough for Fall and Christmas holiday items to be popular as well as only available to owners and guests. I got the items on clearance for $2 each. My question is: How much do I sell these decor items? Anyone have any ideas?
Challenges I am Entering:
Morgan's Art World - Anything Goes
Two Old Bats Halloween - Mood Board (I love the pumpkin head)
Worldwide Crafters & Colorists - Anything Goes w/an image



Monday, April 3, 2023

Using Books to Inspire Your Own Creativity

 

Today was a good day. My Muse returned to me in the form of a diorama, or what I like to call a "short-cut shadow box". I didn't have any action figures from the Harry Potter series, so I printed and colored images from Bugaboo Stamps. I found the perfectly-sized box and background paper, and then painted the inside "walls" a matching blue.

The castle was free clipart that I fussy-cut, along with my characters. To give the illusion of distance between my friends and Hogwarts, I used good old Mod Podge (homemade) and small stones. They clumped and stayed together after I placed them against the back of the box.

After posing the kids at different distances from the back to add more dimension, I added florist green moss to look like they're standing against a stone wall in a field. My finishing touch was the full moon with the sentiment, "Believe in Magic" that I printed in Old English Text.

This month, the Path of Positivity Challenge blog challenges us to create something positive, with an optional twist of "Literature". I of course chose the Harry Potter series as it offers readers a look at loyalty, friendship, courage, justice, perseverance and sacrifice for the good of others.

The challenge at POP begins today so get your Muses started and show us what you created. Anything goes as long as it's positive. You can click HERE to enter the challenge. Meanwhile, happy crafting!

Challenges I am Entering:
    We Love2Create- Anything mixed media goes
   Arty Divas - Anything Goes
   Classic Design - Anything Goes
   Morgan's Art World - Anything Goes
   Worldwide Crafters & Colorists - Anything Goes
   Your Scrapbook Place - Anything Goes

Saturday, April 1, 2023

A Fruity Doodle to Tickle Your Noodle


 Today I just have a fun Zen doodle. I love puns, riddles and funny memes. I actually drew the pineapple first and then searched Pinterest for a quote that fit both my doodle and my sense of humor. I will say that creating tiny doodles in each segment of the pineapple was challenging, but I think it all came together well.

I love comments. Tell me what you think. Did it makes you smile? If so, I'm happy. A happy crafter is a creative one.

Friday, March 31, 2023

Back to Painting Scenery

While cleaning out my mom's house in order to get it ready to sell, I found several metal canisters, or  popcorn tins. I didn't save the canisters, but I saw possibilities in the covers. After sanding the surface, I painted with a winter scene with my acrylic paints on this one. 

The cover makes for light-weight wall decor. The only problem is that I usually put those sticky velcro tabs on the backs of my canvases to hang. Somebody's gonna have to use a hammer and nail for this one...

Ever since COVID, my morning mantra has been, if it doesn't move, I'm going to paint it. Good way to start the day, huh?!

Stay creative!!
 

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Journaling is Necessary Therapy for Emotional Well-being

 

I follow the path of positivity, not only the craft challenge blog, but the whole idea that positive living, thinking and sharing enriches one's life. I keep numerous journals - a book of lists, of books I loved, of gratitude, of artwork,  and of grief and recovery. These journals have kept me sane and balanced.

Today I needed to make another entry, but I was too upset to use words. I cut out pieces of some of my Zen doodling and meditated on each one as I placed them on this page. I was mindful of the stark contrast of black ink on white paper. I used "happy" colors of Washi tape to secure them.

By the time I was finished, I felt calm and on the way to accepting the end of a relationship with people I loved and still love, people whose deceit and lies and stinging barbs caused me pain and heartache. I say "on the way", because grief has no real end. It burns at first, and gradually tapers off. But it still smolders, lighting up at times, throughout your life.

Grief is a very personal battle. It takes as long as it takes. Period. We must remember, however, that life is meant to be lived, and one can still enjoy moments in between the grief, until the grief becomes just the moments while you're living. Journaling, counseling, and choosing the path you lead go a long way toward recovery, happiness and health. 

I choose to live mindfully and on the path of positivity; crafting, art and journaling are key to my success. I hope you remain positive while you're walking your own path...