Art On Vintage Bible Pages

Yes, believe it or not....I'm back, all in the same night! WooHoo! Don't expect this to happen again for sure. Many who know me, know I love books, old books especially. There is something very exciting and mysterious to me about a book. The paper, the binding, the story that lay between the pages. Older books are often so beautiful in its text styles and covers, which is what inspired me recently to use pages from vintage books for my art.

I was originally inspired by a vintage bible I have that is falling apart, with torn pages, etc. It wasn't able to serve its original purpose, but hopefully I could help the pages stay alive (my apologies for the not-so-great photos.) Several of these were 'test pages' of sorts because I wasn't really sure how different medium would take to the pages, especially with the fragile nature of the paper.
I was surprised though. Even watercolors worked well. I also used acrylics, ink and colored pencils. Then I thought perhaps I could create a further message within the text of that page so there were random words within the page or art that I left open, so together it created a message. I'm going to have to scan these and get better images so I can use for prints.
I'm going to continue to work on this concept and see what transpires and I'll post more when done. I really think it's unique and could be quite beautiful.
There is even more to post, but I am just going to have to wait until later. I still have much to finish so I need to get busy with that too. Until we meet again, Blessings to you.

Painting And Drawing And Creating.....Oh My!

Painting and drawing and creating....oh my! Painting and drawing and creating.....oh my! We're off to see the wi.....oops, sorry about that. Got a little crazy, there. Well, let's just say, it's been busy around here lately! Many new ventures are in the works (more info later) and there have been a lot of creating going on. I am in my 'happy place' for sure!

This is a great little project that I just finished 'just for me'! You see....I have an artist pen (and pencil) problem....urhhh....addiction! And I know it will get even bigger as time goes on. It's a sickness! I have been looking for some time now, for a sort of 'holder' of sorts to store them all in. Something that will hold them flat (or preferable at a slight angle), has dividers for the many types of pens/markers and a convenient size to sit on my drawing table. Not to be found! Well, I've been left no choice...I guess it's time to make it myself! I had bought these great little wooden boxes a while back, that I had planned on using with images of my work. But when I looked closer, I realized they were perfect for my little project! I can still get more, so my other idea can still happen.

After sanding them, gluing them all together (with a small lift to give it a slight angle), and spraying them with a sealant, it was time to turn it into 'something special'. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I had so much fun with this.

It was done with a black sharpie and contains some special words.......

Inspire...... Art......

DZine......

Dream......

and Create!! I really like the way it turned out and it was a blast to do. Not only that, but I get to keep it. Love that! I really think I'm going to use this concept on some further pieces too. We'll just have to see. I still have to get the photos together of some of the other pieces I have been working on, but here is a new pendant necklace I just finished. Well, almost finished.

I still have to add a layer of resin, but for the most part, it's finished. I've worn it a few times for feedback and I received many, many comments...all positive. It doesn't really show it in the photo, but the color comes from underneath and the black lays on top, so it has a very unique dimensional look. It measures about 3.75 inches across. It's a real fun piece to wear. Looks like I'll be making quite a few more. Gotta go for now. Until next time....Blessings!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Well, I'm back. Got a bit off course for a while when my little Nathaniel came down with pneumonia. There were concerns of more serious issues as well, so he was my #1 focus for a while. He's better now, but they're going to watch him closely over the next several months. Then school restarted, Hannah in the 5th grade and Nathaniel in pre-K. It was a wonder there was time to create at all, but there was. There are so many projects that I have needed to post and I'm going to try to play a little 'catch-up'. Not sure if I'll get them all posted today, but I will certainly try! Not off to a good start though, I spent most of today just trying to get everything off my camera and sorted through. Boy, do I need a new camera. My computer wasn't playing nice today either. Egad! Okay, here we go....let's see...well for starters, some time ago, me and my daughters' group leader at church were talking and somehow, after all this time, we realized she and I had never formally introduced ourselves to each other. We had talked many times though. Well, much to our amazement....we both have the same name (first AND last!). I almost fell over! And here's the clincher....she's attending college to be an artist!! God works in mysterious ways!Well, she contacted me later for a project she was working on with her class at FGCU. They were collecting artwork to donate to a thrift store in Naples that benefits a shelter for abused women and children. The objective was to raise awareness about abused women and children, provide funds to support an organization that helps these women and children and to demonstrate a way in which the art community can contribute to a cause. What a great project. I did a quick watercolor and printed it with the scripture Matthew 6:25-32 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life....". Somehow, I thought this was a message for this organization. Having been in an abusive relationship, God's promise that He was there and would take care of me and my children gave me the courage needed to make some very difficult choices during that time. Some alarming statistics from just this shelter last year....the two thrift stores have accounted for over 30% of the revenue for the shelter, the shelter answered 4,652 crisis hotline calls, developed 6,459 safety plans with adult and child victims of domestic violence, educated 8,689 individuals through one or more of the educational programs and provided more than 14,000 days of shelter. And this is just one shelter in one city. Most think it's easy to 'just leave' or call for help, but I can tell you, it's at times impossible. So these numbers only represent those that took a leap of faith and called out for help. There are many that never do! I'm so glad I got to participate in this great project and donate something.This is another graphic watercolor that I finished at that time, too. It measures 6"x6". Below is a sneak peak into a big project I'm finishing now. More to come on this later.....

I still have a lot of pics to take so I can post some of the other finished pieces. Let's hope my camera cooperates! If all goes well, I just may get it all posted tonight.....okay, well, it sounds good in theory! 'Till we meet again.....