Masks . . .

Hmmm - I like to think that I am fairly constant and you get what you see but the reality is often it's a mask of 'fineness' because that's best for everyone!

This, together with the fact that all my peeps seem to be doing 'stagey' things in the next few week, was the inspiration behind February's art journal calendar page.

 

I used my new favourite Dylusions spray inks of Cherry Pie, White Linen, Funky Fuchsia and Calypso Teal to make the background.

 

And today I really am fine!

 

xXx

 

 

 

Antithesis....

Happy New Year!!

For a change (!) I was not ready at the beginning of January to post my calendar page for the new year of Kate's journal challenge - in fact I wasn't ready until the 16th and then couldn't get blogger to upload any pictures so here we are, am actually glad I made it before the end of the month!

I was lucky enough to go to HobbyKunst in  Norway in December on elf duties. When I was not required for tea making, stencil cleaning and general merriment I got to go shopping ;o) Hobbykundst is the biggest craft shop I have ever been in so I was in my element just walking the shop floor and making the occasional purchase. These two stamps designed by Suzy Blu caught my eye and fell into my shopping basket: 

Because life is hard enough so everyone needs play time 

and

because that is the antithesis to how January can make me feel and why my January page is so deliberately bright!

The lanterns are ghosted Dylusions inks on water colour paper

 and are drawn with a magic pencil. The inspiration came from Suzi's stamp and Graphic 45's enlightenment paper from their Bird Song collection. I loved how it turned out even if it took me a while to get there.

Hoping your January has some sparkly and bright bits in it, if not make something happen to make it so.

xXx

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

 

I love Christmas time and all the excitement in preparations and the traditions we have in our family so will be buried in all of that, with some exciting events thrown in too, for the rest of the month.

 

Thanks to a Dylusions challenge last month, set by the fabulously talented Dyan Reaveley, I am ready for December's 366 Calender Challenge ON TIME!

I know!?!

 

 

 

I started with black jesso and then scraped lime green paint on with an old store card. I love the vibrance of the colours (thanks Dina for this idea from your recent accident!!)  I bought the Stampotique tree stamp this year and actually don't really like it as a tree - but have discovered it created fabulous 'matrix' style backgrounds ;o)

 

 

 

As much of my December will be spent at Art from the Heart I had to go with using Dylusions stamps and inks to create the baubles and my own special Santa... I love it!

 

This was the original journal page that I did for the challenge - yes you could say I've cheated and just expanded the idea it but c'est la vie!

 

 

I cant believe I have got to the end of the year - Thank you Kate for setting me off and for your, and all you lovely people who have looked an commented along the way's, encouragement to carry on.

 

This has done me good ;o)

 

What's next?

 

xXx

 

Thanks for stopping by and for any lovely comments you may choose to leave

Catching up ;o)

So, 'fess up, who stole the last 2 months?

 

I cant believe its been that long since I posted anything and that I have to confess to finishing creating October's 366 journal challenge page on November the 1st! I have to say it was fun reviewing the month after the fact because it was a FUN month; My friend and I got to go on a girlie road trip (air trip?!) to visit a fabulously talented and gorgeous girlie in Phoenix, Arizona - hence the Saguaro theme.

 

 

 

I did this on the plane over to the States - an expression of how I felt at the beginning of the trip - just in need of some 'me time'

 

 

 

I love, love, love my peeps and my job but it was sooooo freeing having NO responsibility for 7 days ;o)

I am so grateful for everyone who made it possible xxx

 

(I am working in my new Dylusions Creative Journal - I always knew I'd love this and I so do, the paper is soooooo versatile, I just wish I could have it in about 4 sizes! Hint to Ranger!!)

 

The creator of said journal (who is another gorgeous and fabulously talented friend) has been trying to teach me the following principle for some time now . . .

 

 

....... it is not something I excell at!

 

So, on to November. Whilst wracking my brains to come up with an idea for the date squares I wandered in to the room where I create stuff, switched the light on and was met by the internal fireworks of an exploding light bulb! Say no more . . . .

 

 

 

I've got lots of exciting things planned and lots more business ahead so who knows when I'll be back, but thanks for stopping by and thanks Kate Crane for keeping me on task, I've come so far that I cannot not complete this challenge! 

1 month to go . . . .

 

xXx

I will obey . . . . well maybe a litle bit

Spent a great day yesterday at Art from the Heart journals class. Dy gave us a challenge - I love challenges but struggle to stick to the rules . . . .

 

The 'rules' were to write 5 words that describe where I am at now, to include a word or two that my classmates used to describe me, to use a tag and use a colour picked by the classmate 2 to my right . . .

 

I love to procrastinate in class, usually I just prat about and enjoy the freedom of being there amongst creative energy - when I left at the end of the day I had a yellow page with a few images stuck on it - no words and not a hint of a tag or the colour I was given (green) but I said I'd finish it and I have:

 

 

Thanks Dy for a fab class

 

xXx



New beginnings . . . .

So here I am ready with my September calander page for Kate Crane's 366 Challenge - it's really rather sparkley for me.

 

 

In August we had a pre GCSE results day in London a) to distract and b) to celebrate in case there were disappointments on the day (shouldn't have worried).

The highlight of the day was going to see Wicked at the Apollo Vicotoria. I loved, loved, LOVED it - so much stood out and impressed me - my Emerald City is a poor reflection but it means so much to me!

 

I guess as I am getting older I am realising more that people influence us in so many different ways - some move in to our lives and stay a while and others just brush past but all have an effect and make us who we are. Like Glinda I can think of so many folks in my life whom I can say 'because I knew you, I have been changed for good'

 

For Good (Menzel and Chenoweth)

 

And here is how August turned out - IRL I think this has taken over as my favourite month for now.

 

 

Thank you for stopping by and for your comments

 

Have a great September  . . . . may you have many new beginnings

 

xXx 

*giddy*

Am sooooo proud of Team GB - just watching the athletics and am amazed ;o)  - I salute you all.

I think I might be capable of a gold medal for sheer determination  and effort for a few things in my life but could never get any award for achievement in anything sporty!

So we are in to August already  - for me this means a summer holiday (phew - so ready for it) as such my 366 Calender Challenge page reflects this with postcards to be sent for each day. Am not sure if the corner images are sunshades or umbrellas - both may be required!

Having checked, double checked and treble checked I do at least have the right number of dates for this page, unlike my July page ......

Anyway I filled in the missing dates with  a whole separate page - inspired by my amazing friend Dyan Reaveley - and as a tribute to her and the creative wings she has inspired me to spread.

Fly high.  Fly free.

xXx

Thank you for any comments you might leave