Traveling Art Journal and the Holidays

Hello!

Do you carry art supplies when you travel? I do. I can't leave home without them. In fact when I do, I feel like a left a best friend home! LOL

 

On my last trip I had an art journal, gel pens, watercolor pencils and The Crafters Workshop stencils in 6x6 size.

 

This art journal page was created using TCW720 Snowflakes and TCW721 Big Wreath.

The Crafter’s Workshop provided me with stencils and mediums to create this project.

The opinions I share are solely my own because I do love to use them.

I used a gel pen to add the wreath on the page. You will notice that I didn't use the wreath as a wreath but a design on the page. While the gel pen is still wet I added some water to it with a water brush and used watercolors to add some extra color.

 

If you look closely you can see the snowflakes. I added them with a white signo gel pen to the page.

 

I love down time in a hotel where you just relax, watch TV and create art!

 

Thanks so much for stopping!

 





BEGIN, You Just Have to Start

Today's mixed media painting I completed a while ago. I remember in the beginning I didn't know what I was going to do. I felt completely lost and uninspired.

It started by painting a wood panel with TCW Black Gesso. Let it dry and that's where it stopped for the day.

The next day I came back and added leftover scrap papers and monoprints in blues and blacks. I pulled out all my metallic paints and then inspiration hit.

Searching through the sale racks in my local arts and crafts store, I found these metal wings. To add texture to them I added a layer of metallic embossing powder and while the embossing powder was still hot I added a few tiny metallic beads.

To add more texture to the background I used a stencil from The Crafters Workshop called Geo Landscape (TCW673) with TCW Black Modeling Paste. When it dried I added more metallic paints.

I auditioned the wings to see where I wanted them and adhered them with E6000.

I used Seth Apter's Word Circles1 stamp and die set by Spellbinders to create the center. Around the "begin" circle I used wire, beads, stars and in the what glue I added tiny metallic beads.

I also added a few pearls glued on top of tiny washers.

On the Geo Landscape stencil there are circles and I used one for behind the wings.

I always try to make sure my sides are finished too.

Here is the center piece showing you the wings and stencil.

 

The finished piece was very hard to photograph with all the metallic paints and embellishments.

The Crafter’s Workshop provided me with stencils and mediums to create this project.

The opinions I share are solely my own because I do love to use them.

 

 

I have two more wood panels to finish using Seth Apter's Circle 1 stamps and die. Hopefully, I'll finish them in 2018!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

 



Finding Art - It Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

Sit back, relax and grab your favorite beverage.

Here is another episode of Finding Art.

 

As I was going through my cell phone I found more pictures I took in Chicago during Thanksgiving weekend.

 

These pictures (if I remember) are during black Friday shopping.

 

This is on a building.

 

This partial wall is full of colorful bricks.

Selfies always in front of this!

 

Love the decay.

 

I'm a little in love with fire escapes although I wouldn't want to climb down one.

 

This is a picture of all the soaps and bath bombs in Lush. During the day they throw a bath bomb in a big sink so everyone can watch. It's like a Willy Wonka store for soaps.

 

What better way to get everyone in an AT&T store!

Yes, real costumes from the Justice League.

They were pretty cool.

 

I wouldn't mind a movie all about him!

 

 

 

Love cars.

 

Downtown Chicago there is the annual Christkindlmarket.

We had to take a selfie with Klampus!

 

I look for this every time I go to Chicago.

The first visit to Chicago was when we took our daughter to see a collage. This entrepreneur attaches this handmade stage to his bike and wheels it around. It's a fun puppet show with funny music. I have to stop and watch it every time. It puts a smile on my face.

 

We usually stay at the Acme Hotel while in Chicago.

It's my favorite hotel. It's down to earth, full of art and comfortable. Don't get me wrong, we've stayed in many 4 star hotels, my husband is an agent, and they are beautiful but I don't want to walk in the door and feel underdressed all the time.

 

We had a suite this time. This zipper was on the living room wall.

 

Love the lips on the bathroom mirror.

 

Light fixture on the living room ceiling.

 

Fall leaves are always a piece of nature's art.

 

City outside the hotel window.

 

Like I've said before .. look up, look down, look all around, Art is every where!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

 

Finding Art - Thanksgiving 2017

Hi Everyone!

Today is another post on Finding Art.

I'm really loving these posts.

 

My daughter lives in Chicago so we are there for Thanksgiving. So far all my Finding Art posts are in Chicago (another location is coming up soon). It's amazing how much art you see.

 

Love this bright butterfly mural on this building.

I never checked to see if the other half of the butterfly was around the corner.

 



 

I love this next installation. I don't know what it's all about. There was no sign. Each face was decoupage on the rocks.  

 

This face is a little haunting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subway

 

Remember look up, look down, look all around.

Art is everywhere but you have to look!

 

Thank you so much for stopping by!