Birds at the Feeder

Pine Siskins at the Niger seed feeder on a sunny day. 

Pulling Prints

A few weeks ago the store starting carrying Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plates. Of course I needed to know all about them and how they work so I could appropriately assist customers. Thus, the 8 x 10 plate came home with me.  ;) I've done similar mono-prints using freezer paper, but the gellipates are quite fun.

Here's a bit from my first time playing around with them.

Using recycled household objects for texture with decorative embossed paper as a "stamp".

Ghost print using decorative embossed paper as a "stamp".

 Trying a bit of masking (my acetate die cut masks didn't work as well as I liked!) 

Pretty basic. I have SO many ideas to try and need much more time to play! Working both at the day job and in my Etsy shops lately leaves me less time for art than I prefer. I'm working on that too!

On a side note, if you're looking for some cool ephemera for your journals or collage work, I've been adding some in my Vintage Shop. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Sharing with Paint Party Friday.

HuMp DaY Haiku - Low Tide

Flower Moon low tide

Intertidal zone exposed

Treasure hunts begin

Low tide at the full May moon had me out wandering the tide flats looking for treasures. Eel grass is thick at Marine Park's low intertidal zone and the few rocks are closer to the shore line. I saw a variety of birds and these tiny starfish. Compare them to the snails which are as big as a thumb. These are all small guys; the little green one the smallest I've discovered in my various treasure hunts. 

I have found that creating a haiku (non rhyming poem with 5 - 7 - 5 syllables per line) feeds my soul. I especially like creating them to go with my photos and art. 

Would you like to share a haiku you have written?  

You may include a haiku in the comments, OR you may copy your blog post url (featuring a haiku) and add a link to your blog using Mr. Linky. Consider visiting other contributors blogs to see what they've created and say hello. 

River Rock Heart

Heart waiting on the rocky shore, as the river rushes by.



Sharing with Clytie at Guest Heart Thursday

Miniature Red Tulip

Red Tulip Miniature Art

Red Tulip Painting. Watercolor over gesso. Miniature art canvas now for sale in my Etsy shop. 

Sharing with the wonderful artists at Paint Party Friday, hosted by Eva and Kristin. 

HuMp DaY Haiku - Healing in Nature

"Screaming in my head... I cannot let the sound escape. It would scare the natives."

I wrote this a few months ago in my journal. When things were so crazy it kept tumbling around in my mind. 

Isn't it interesting that if you don't take care of things, they keep coming back? After all the "stuff" with my son the past several months, added to a few stressful relationships with selfish people, I'm feeling close to that again.

Even with the pouring rain, we're heading out for a overnight dose of nature in an attempt to settle my mind and work on priorities. 

taking time for me

resting in among the trees

healing in nature


P.S. I forgot to include the linky before I left to go away to nature. It's here now. :)

I have found that creating a haiku (non rhyming poem with 5 - 7 - 5 syllables per line) feeds my soul. I especially like creating them to go with my photos and art. 

Would you like to share a haiku you have written?  

You may include a haiku in the comments, OR you may copy your blog post url (featuring a haiku) and add a link to your blog using Mr. Linky. Consider visiting other contributors blogs to see what they've created and say hello. 

Painting with the lens

Playing with my camera and painting with it's lens.  

This lovely poppy grows at the edge of the garden steps. It was "thinking" about blooming the afternoon before, just bits of orange beginning to show through the tight green bud. We woke to this gorgeous bloom. What a cheerful view on a gray morning. 


Playing with photo editing just because. Sure wish I knew what I was doing. :)

This is a easy-peasy edit, which has given me an idea for an abstract painting. 



Sharing with Paint Party Friday

HuMp Day Haiku - My style of journaling

Journaling the good

Borrowed words reflect my view 

Focus on the joys

"I have always felt that my journal was not the place for negativity.  Some may disagree but for me, I want to focus on what is good in my life, not what isn’t.  I truly believe that giving energy to the good makes it even better, just as giving energy to the unpleasant parts of our lives only amplifies it.  Besides, at this point in my life I can look back and see that those unpleasant times were all part of growing and really the “good stuff” when all is said and done."

Quoted from  Intention by Teesha Moore. 

For years I have believed in focusing on the good in my life, and the all things that I want in and from my life.  Many years ago a wise mentor said "Where you will be in five years depends on what you read (books, articles), the people you associate with, and what you listen to (ie. inspirational CDs/podcasts/etc)."  I firmly believe that as truth.  And so I was delighted to read about Teesha's recent intention and it's result for her. 

I'd love to hear about your results from focusing on an Intention. 

I have found that creating a haiku (non rhyming poem with 5 - 7 - 5 syllables per line) feeds my soul. I especially like creating them to go with my photos and art. 

Would you like to share a haiku you have written?  

You may include a haiku in the comments, OR you may copy your blog post url (featuring a haiku) and add a link to your blog using Mr. Linky. Consider visiting other contributors blogs to see what they've created and say hello. 

Mothers Day

This Mothers Day I'm feeling the pain of those who have lost their mothers, and those mothers who have lost a child. I don't know why. Perhaps it's the first year I have no children at home? Perhaps it's left over from missing my daughter?

At the same time I feel blessed that my mother is still alive, even though we are estranged, and that my son is doing well on his own. And that I have this entire day all to myself.

In any case, those of you who are missing your mother or your child have my fervent prayers for peace of heart.

Happy Mothers Day. 

Spring flowers

Tulips and Crocus blooming for a local Artist Trading Card trade. These were created using a technique learned in Carla Sonheim's Flower Crazy class, with gesso and watercolor paints. Most fun!

Have a wonderful Friday! 

Sharing with the folks at Paint Party Friday, hosted by Eva and Kristin.
Also sharing with Artists in Blogland 

HuMp DaY Haiku - Chula

Another week of HuMp DaY Haiku... just because it's sunny. 

Please meet my new friend

Chula, made by Gloria!

I won her May prize! 

Isn't she fabulous? I love the bright colors, and we've decided she'll be on the kitchen wall near the pantry.

I was surprised and delighted to win the May prize on Gloria's Blog Viva La Vida. Chula arrived with a few other goodies, and a nice note from Gloria.

Gloria and I have become blog friends this past year. We both participate in Paint Party Friday each week, (well, most weeks for me) and Gloria has also been a regular participant in Hump Day Haiku. I hope you check out her blog, she's always busy at creating paintings and cooking wonderful meals. 

And... I've decided to continue Hump Day Haiku for a bit to see how it goes. Play along if you wish!

I have found that creating a haiku (non rhyming poem with 5 - 7 - 5 syllables per line) feeds my soul. I especially like creating them to go with my photos and art. 

Would you like to share a haiku you have written?  

You may include a haiku in the comments, OR you may copy your blog post url (featuring a haiku) and add a link to your blog using Mr. Linky. Consider visiting other contributors blogs to see what they've created and say hello. 

Bleeding Hearts

Spring time favorite!

Little hearts upon a branch

attract hummingbirds.

Sunny workday lament...

I don't wanna go to work today... *said in a whiny voice*

I'd rather be wandering about in the garden on this lovely sunny morning. 

Ah well! 

I do enjoy working with creative customers. 

And working does help me buy art supplies and ink for the printer. *wink*

Hope your day is sunny too! 

Stencil Art!

I hosted another demo at the store this week, using plastic stencils. We have quite the collection from TCW Stencils. The following are a few I've indulged myself with buying, and these are all using spray inks. I did work with a few other techniques, but will share that later.

Stencil is Aboriginal. - sprayed over watercolor background, Adirondack Sunset Orange spray ink over stencil. I used the ink remaining on the stencil to make a reverse printing, which has potential.

Cell Theory - Watercolor background with Dylusions Calypso Teal Ink Spray. It works, but I LOVE the reverse image on the old dictionary page! 

Branches with White Linen Dylusions Ink Spray (right) on black paper. Wow! I quite like it. The reverse is just as cool! 

Tie-Dyed - Dylusions Cherry Pie sprayed over water colored background. Reverse from the left over inks was printed on a paper bag remnant. Makes me happy! 

Sharing with Paint Party Friday, hosted by Eva and Kristin.