For Lent Fasting and Feasting

I created this for my studio

FASTING and Feasting

During Lent and always fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from complaining and feast on appreciation.

Fast from bitterness and feast on forgiveness.

Fast from idle gossip and feast on purposeful silence.

Fast from judging others and feast on the Christ within them.

Fast from emphasis on differences and feast on the unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness and feast on the reality of light.

Fast from thoughts of illness and feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute and feast on phrases that uplift.

Fast from anger; feast on patience;

Fast from pessimism: feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on divine order.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressure; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonresistance.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion to others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from shadows of sorrow, feast on the sunlight of serenity.

Fast from discouragement and feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress and feast on anything that inspires.

Fast from lethargy and feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion and feast on truth.

Fast from problems that overwhelm us; feast on prayer that gives us the strength to get through.

What will be your fast? What will be your feast?

~Anonymous

Proctor Arts Fest 2011

Yep! It is that time of year again. I am busy getting things ready for the Proctor Arts Festival

this coming Saturday, Aug. 6th, 10:00 am-6:00 pm

located at N. 26th and Proctor, Tacoma

This is a great local festival and there is always fun for everyone! Great local artists, juried art exhibit, the farmers market, food, music, pet parade, fun fest and family stage just to name a few. Do you need more reasons to come? That right there is the perfect Saturday for family fun!

Here are a few pictures of my booth from last year of

The Patchwork Heart, Co.

I hope you will stop in and say hi!

My Oldest and my helper for the day!

Some artwork and wares

More re-purposed little pretties!

What Have I Been Up To?

Good question!

Oh blog land I have missed you so! I have spent quite a bit of time taking care of business at home. I have found that I am only able to do so

many things at once. Can you relate? So rather than fight it and collapse in frustration and defeat, I am choosing more wisely. This means less time on the computer and more time in real time- kapish?

But, I have been up to some fun projects that continue to keep my creative heart pumping. Remember my mixed media altered bird book Livre d'Oiseaux? Well it will be exhibited with the Puget Sound Book Artists! If you are in the Pacific Northwest in the South Sound Region please come and visit!

Puget Sound Book Artists Opening Reception

Thursday, June 2, 2

011, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Exhibition Dates: June 2 –July 31

Collins Memorial Library, University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, Washington

http://pugetsoundbookartists.org

Please note: This summer, the library front entrance is closed for construction. Temporary access will be
on the east side of library building, in the library parking lot by the loading dock. Entrance is down the ramp.
Library Hours: http://www.pugetsound.ed/libraryhours.

Busy Baking in the Studio

Look at these lovely paper confections I have been cooking up! This is what I have been baking up in the studio, as I get ready to start baking a delicious sweet for the LOC cake decorating party. This is sure to be an inspiring event. There will be 22 paper craft artists and card makers contributing their best recipes! I hope you will come and check out the blog hop and feast your eyes on all kinds of wonderful calorie free cakes and cupcakes.

Here is a bit of a peek to see what I am doing. Are you curious?

Livre de Oiseaux~Book of Birds

First pg.

Some of you may be visiting from Masterpiece Monday Welcome! I am glad you stopped by, let me know that you visited and leave a comment, I enjoy visiting with those who love the Lord, art, books and nature or any combination of those. Some of you have been curious from other posts to know what my "Bird Book"is. Here is a peak at my Altered Mixed Media Book, Livre de Oiseaux. I haven't finished it yet, it is a work in progress and something I find great joy in creating.

I was inspired by a book my friend Laura of LOC showed me called Nature Inspired by Tracie Lyn Huskamp. This book has great techniques and ideas to walk you through creating your own mixed media book. If you are an altered art fan then you will enjoy this book! My book is filled with artwork as well as poetry, bible verses and other sayings that inspire me to think beyond myself.

Become Radiant

This page features a verse from Isaiah 60:1 & 5a It reads:

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Then you shall see and become radiant and your heart shall swell with joy.

I Love the imagery. I think the birds do this every morning, don't you! To become radiant... it is only with the glory of the Lord that I could ever hope to be this way.

I have been building this book for some time but recently have come back to it and I have found great pleasure in it's creation, I almost can't stop making pages for it. I intend on using my own bird sketches for another 2 page layout but haven't decided on a color scheme just yet.

For the cover, I am using an old rummage sale book. I have taken out the insides so that I can use the cover and spine. And because I am so cheap, I use canvas drop cloths from the hardware store for the substructure. Then I start building the pages.

The Mockingbird details

The Skylarks details

I am a collector. My friend Laura and I call each other little squirrels, because of our gathering instincts. I tell you what, it is hard for me to throw out stuff I know I will use on projects like this. So consequently, I have drawers and baskets, pockets and piles of treasure all around my studio. I tell myself it is one of my best character qualities...hey, not everyone can turn trinkets and trash into soulful treasures from the heart, right?(I say that humbly)

This page is called Mrs. Robin

To be continued....Thanks for visiting.

Christianity and Art-Books

Books are my favorite treasure! If I found a treasure chest full of books I would be the richest girl in the world, truly!

Lately, I have been filling my mind with words by authors who have written on Art and Christianity. Two of my loves! Imagine my delight when I found them together in several books. Two books that I devoured due to their subject matter are entitled Art for God's Sake by Philip Graham Ryken and Art and the Bible by Francis A. Schaeffer . If you are looking to devote your artwork to the expression of worship and testimony of the Lord then these are" must reads"!

Here are some brief thoughts on these two books. I enjoy sharing the things of my heart:

In Art for God's Sake Ryken takes us on a biblical journey back to the Old Testament and the building of the Tabernacle as directed by God. This takes us to the roots of art and how it is ordained by God for His Glory. Throughout history the relationship of the Christian faith and art has been misunderstood. I believe that currently there is a rediscovery of the arts and the Christian artist! This short little book is the perfect "primer" into such a subject. I believe the author is teaching Christians that there is hope for the Christian artist, that art can be used to express devotion, adoration, and worship of our Divine Creator in a fallen world. How exciting!

Art and the Bible talks about the Lordship of Christ over, even the arts. Shaffer also give us a biblical formula for critiquing and looking at art with a subjective and objective eye. This is really useful especially when looking at abstract artwork today.

If you are interested these are available through The Patchwork Heart, Co. Library Bookstore .

Christianity and Art

Simple Transformation

I have had the delightful privileged of being on an art discussion panel with 3 other very accomplished artists in my community, at an event called Celebration of the Arts, held at my church. What a pleasure to listen, learn and share with them. Here is some of what I have come to know about my art and how it is interwoven with my faith.

Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are (transformed) much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

2 Corinthians 3:18 ~The Message Bible

Parentheses mine

In the art piece, Simple Transformation, I have used a mixed media style to represent my own fibrous existence- layered, tattered and textured, plain as it is. This piece represents my own transformation into a creature created by God. The beauty and freedom of a butterfly reflects the qualities that God sees in me. It is with the ever presence of the Holy Spirit that I am able to emerge each day and reflect the iridescence of my own winged-spirit and give my praises back to the King of Glory.

One of the great responsibilities God bestowed to the the butterfly is pollination. In a symbolic way as a Christian, I am like the butterfly. I am called to drink in the nectar of God's word and His grace and then spread that essence to others through my own life, by my actions, my words, through grace and with love. I freely fly and give to others, for this is what I am called to do. This is why I was transformed and broken from my cocoon of sin and shame. I am to take this pollen of truth to others. Regardless of the type of flower. Regardless of where you come from, what your background is, how you have gotten to this point in time. Here, let me share with you what you need to emerge from your cocoon of sin and live transform into the creature God created you to be.

I have come to learn that for me, my art and my faith are inter-dependent. For without one I would not have the other. Alone they are ineffective. Together I can use this gift to spread the love and Gospel of Jesus and to bring beauty to a world in desperate need of knowing the Savior.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 NIV

Poem Canvas Art

Here is another project I completed for the New Release party that starts today! I have used Layers of Color stamps Acanthus Leaves and Backyard Birds. I mounted it on canvas by sewing it with decorative stitches ( oh do I love my Bernina!) The party has started with all the new release stamps so stop by for a visit and a chance to win. All the details are here. Have fun at the party.

Sneak Peak Spring Release-Fleur de Leaves

I admit it .... I was being sneaky.... well, you can hardly blame me since it is sneak peak week at Layer of Color! Here is how I used the Fleur de Leaves set along with the Vintage Roses set on my Wee Little Spring Basket. I think it frames it rather nicely and gives it the bling factor it needed.

Make sure to stop by the galleries and Abby, Kristine, Linda, and Patter's blogs, these gals are all cooking up magnificent inspiration just for you!

Sneak Peak Spring Release-Wee Little Basket

What fun it is to play with new stamps! I don't know about you but my brain just gets going so fast with creativity sometimes I think I might explode! Especially if the images are ones that look like wonderful old faded roses! I am excited to announce that Layers of Color is having another new release on Mar.15th! But to get you excited and whet your appetite here is what the design team: Kristine, Linda, Patter, and Guest Designer Abby and I made with one of the four, new sets called, Vintage Rose.

Mine is made from....hey wait a minute...oh that is right, I am not suppose to burst out just yet*smile*. But as you can see my Wee Little Spring Basket is very cute. I will post the recipe how to's on the official release date Mar. 15th!

I hope you will check back, until then check out the other designers, boards and all their finery! I know you will be inspired. Happy Spring!

Party On! Another Sneak Peek project!

Another SNEAK PEEK! This is another project I will unveil on the 15th at the LOC Fall Release Party. I used LOC stamps, card stock, re purposed cashmere sweater, beads, lace, velvet ric rac... oh I am saying too much you will just have to check back and see!

Have you ever been working on a project and with every little detail you add it seems to unfurl itself? It seems to bloom and get better and then you get more excited, so you want to keep creating and not do laundry... uh hummm... ooops! True confession.

Well this was one of those projects. It has been taking up much needed brain space and I was finally able to devote some time and energy to it. It is the end of something I started last year and I hope to have the pattern and instructions up on my website, The Patchwork Heart, Co. for purchase just in time for the Christmas season! YEA! The best part is that I have used LOC stamps from the New Fall Releases! It will be an e-pattern so you pay-download- and go, art and crafting just got easier!

Another Look

Well as promised I have another sneak peek on the Fall Release Stamps.

This is the same project but just another piece of it. Can you guess what it is?

Also here is another piece to the 12 days of Christmas project too.

I hope you find these inspiring.

Remember to go to Layers of Color for the Fall Release Party starting Nov. 14th and 15th!

Freebie Digi Party Favors-Just for You!

For the New Release Party, Laura of LOC is giving away party favors! Who doesn't love a party favor? Check out the free digis from LOC!

Here is what I have made using one the free digi design. Oh by the way there are FOUR! and then if that isn't cool on the day of the release party (Nov. 14th & 15th) there will be more new ones! Sweet I say!The sky is the limit...let your imagination go.

This is the Day 11 of my 12 days of Christmas. I will show and tell more later so stay tuned...

Here is a close up of the Freebie Digi...

Did I say they are FREE?

I recolored mine and added glitter and gold dust-tadah!!!

Here is an easy way to get the freebies and the you can also post the this graphic on your blog too, just make sure to link it back to LOC alrighty! Have fun and get creating!

Sneak Peak Fall Release Party

The fun has just begun! I have posted a sneak peak of a Layers Of Color project I completed with some of the new release sets. Ohhhh me oh my! These are so fun you will love them! Come back to see the full project on party day Nov. 14th and 15th! I hope it will inspire you...

Laura has nine new designs being released I have utilized 5 new sets in this project and the Garden Borders set. I used glitter glue, watercolor pencils, embossed paper and old text books, 2 types of stamp ink, and clear bubbles. So any ideas what this wonderful creation could be? I can't wait to share it with you so check back!

Quote of the Month-July

"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget that errand."

-- Woodrow Wilson."

Summer Preservation Project

This summer I have taken on a preservation project. My daughters “NeeNee” has become so frayed with love that she is in danger of, dare I say it? Becoming extinct. So I am attempting my hand at quilting. So far it is a very rough and amateur attempt. However the good news is I think it will do its intended job and protect NeeNee.

My inspiration was to make a quilt using pretty fabrics on the top and then to sew the NeeNee onto the back. This way my daughter can still see her and feel her NeeNee. I am hoping that by sewing her directly onto the backing she will be girded up and won’t fall apart.

Now NeeNee can live forever…can you hear the fairy music?

I know that when I am feeling worn and frayed it is a good hug from my hubby and the word of God that grids me up, reassures me and steadies me on. The word of God also talks of sowing seed could I be so bold as to interpret the imagery of that to a different picture? How about, sewing the seed of His word onto my heart? Aaaahhhh I feel an art inspiration coming on! Oh happy day….

I will post the end results when I am done with the art and the quilt.

Thank you Lord for your word and the gift of words your inspiration is astounding to me. Lord I hope I will always bring you glory with my creativity. You are the song I hear in my heart and the colors by which I create. I love you Amen.

Great News I Just Have to Share!

My heart is singing and I am laughing a bit louder today!

Why you ask...? Well I will share my news with you.

Article spread inset of choker details

I was published to my delight in a wonderful magazine called Belle Armoire. This magazine features "The Artistry of Clothing and Accessories". This is such a wonderful honor to have my sewing artwork included in this fabulous publication!

Letter inside secret pocket on choker

I submitted two pieces for an art call: "Becoming Jane". A light blue velvet choker and matching handbag highlighting our heroine herself. The choker features a hidden pocket where Miss Elizabeth of Pride and Prejudice keeps the words of love professed to her by Mr. Darcy. The handbag features a small diary attached to the front with, smokey light blue rhinestones, antique shell buttons, a lady figurehead and hand sewn medallion lace attached to the bottom of the purse. This feature article is by Amanda Crabtree and to my surprise she even wrote a lovely description of my work in her article, thanks Amanda!

Details of purse

The spread is stunning and features other fabulous and talented artisans too, who submitted handbags, hats, an Edwardian style dress and jewelry. I am honored to be among you. I hope you will check out this edition of Belle Armoire you will not be disappointed!

Holiday Art & The Dicken's Festival

Victorian Paper Ornament Pendant with antique tinsel

I have been working like a little elf in my workshop, I tell ya! I am getting ready to sell my wares at a local fair called The Dicken's Festival. I am looking forward to being transported back in time to early 19th century England.

Of course, it is all things Christmas Carol, Tiny Tim and Oliver.

I will be selling my ribbon flowers and Victorian paper ornaments and a few other Victorian things at Oliver's Place. I do believe there will be plenty of merry making on the Queen's Stage along with carriage rides and roaming carolers. The Bobbies will be there seeking out those who belong in the debtors prison, who knows what you will have to do to get out?

There will even be High Tea!
Should be a jolly good time don't you think?

Victorian Paper Cone Ornaments~ Patchwork Heart, Co. Style

Little envelopes with a spot of tea and chocolate~Great for any Gift Card!

Click here for more information. I can't wait....I have even been practicing my bloody British accent...Cheery oh!

Great News I Just Have to Share!

I am so thrilled to be published in Sew Somerset! What a great honor to see my artwork on the beautiful pages of a top sewing and mixed media magazine! My heart is just singing! I submitted work this last spring when I had some time to devote to it. So what a wonderful surprise to find this magazine in my mailbox, only to discover, as I poured over the pages,that I had been accepted!
Here are some pictures enjoy...

I feel like a real Artist now!

Live Laugh and Love

This is what I have been creating for our women's retreat. I was inspired after a bout of migraines. It was nice to feel better and be able to really live out these 3 little words. Live Laugh and Love. I hope that you will do them with abandon this week!

I use wallpaper samples along with old text pages from old books. I use black ink and Layer of Color Stamps, and of course the peace de resistance: gold glitter!

These are little favors to give to each woman when she arrives. Our crafts and activities will both incorporate these design ideas and color scheme. Look out ladies we are going to live laugh and love a ton at this retreat!