Pretty cool!

Here is another Photoshop image from the two images below:

...using the overlay blend mode and some fiddling with the hue and saturation.  FUN FUN FUN!

Here she is again

I just couldn't resist seeing her with a Photoshop overlay. It is so fun to do this and it's a surprise every time.
If you have some images saved in your computer and if you have Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (I don't use elements so I am just assuming this) you can try it. Again, here is the how- to.

Saturday Procrastinating

Yes, I am procrastinating from going over to the studio and addressing the envelopes. I am finding out that I really enjoy addressing the envelopes because I love to write but it takes discipline which I think might be my weak point. So, I am going have to work on that. This girl is in the the composition journal. I colored her in with colored pencils then added Shiva oil sticks which always magically smoothes everything out. They all need a name and this is Heather.

A Little Photoshoppin' Fun

I have been busy with the envelopes and making progress although I spilled a whole bottle of permanent ink on the floor. I can't tell you how horrible that was but it missed the envelopes thank the Lord. But all was well after hands and knees scrubbing and it surprisingly came up very easily. I did have some time to do a little digital Photoshop playing. This was really FUN. Jane Royal of Painted Heart Studio has posted a little step by step tutorial on Photoshop. If you use Photoshop then this is fun and quick and very exciting to see these results. I probably will print some of these out and you will probably see them again in my journal pages. Try it---it's fun.

Freedom

Actually after I wrote this page the envelopes arrived so I will start them today. This page is in the 7x10 Canson journal. I did make a journal today with the Canson Edition paper I recently purchased from Dick Blick. I really struggled with how to make it.  I couldn't decide what size... or to sew or not to sew... and I gave myself a headache with all the decisions but I finally decided to just use the Rubicoil and do a spiral bound. So hopefully I can blog some pages in this new journal. After the Tylenol for the headache I really do like the new journal now.

The Tulips and a journal page

I thought I would just post the Tulips from yesterday's journal because it's a Monday (you are seeing this on Tuesday) and the Tulips brighten up and gray, rainy cold day here is Jacksonville. Bucky doesn't like the weather either because he has been right under my feet all morning. I did squeeze in one more journal page. I am hoping to continue my journaling everyday...at least that is my plan.  Below is the journal page for today in the Canson Mixed media journal (7x10) from Michaels.

Patient Endurance for today

Well, tomorrow is the big day---the day the envelopes get here. So, as I said before if you don't see me post for awhile, then the wedding envelopes have sucked the creativity out of me. I guess I just don't know what to expect but I am ready and looking forward to the challenge. And to be able to do this for my dear friend is so worth it. 

I painted the Tulips last night on a piece of scrap Canson Edition paper, then scanned and printed them on Hammermill Laser paper. 

Canson Edition Paper

I know that this post looks similar to my last post but actually this is not in a journal. I am trying out some new paper I received the other day. It is Canson Edition from Dick Blick and I think it just might turn out to be one of my favorites. I tried just about everything out on this paper. And all worked very well, even pointed pen lettering and calligraphy. I think I will now figure out what size to make the journal with the paper and start this one too. Let's see, that will make at least 4 journals started. I like to jump around anyway,

Mama--kinda...

She really does look similar to pictures of my mother when she was young. I wonder if that is something subconscious when I draw faces. Sometimes people say my girls look like me or my daughter. Isn't that a strange phnom???

This is another @30 minute page from a new journal I bought yesterday with coupon in hand at Michaels. They turned out to be 40% off and that was a good deal so I used my coupon for a Tim Holtz very cool ruler. Like I really needed that but ...well, the coupon was burning a hole in my hand. I actually like the paper in this journal very much. It is smaller (7x10) than the big journal so easier to do a 30 minute page. The cover is very sturdy and good for collage embellishments, etc. This one might have taken a bit longer because I tried out the watercolor on the pages last night and also painted the flower pot. Those are my 5 minute flowers so I will say that I still just about made it in the 30 minute limit. It helps that I have cut out some images from my art work so all I have to do in collage then in. That's a Violette tip. I love Violette.

In the BIG Journal

Here is another entry in the big journal. I still have a little space on the left hand page for a little more journaling but basically this spread is complete. I have used lots of things; stamps, collage of my lettering and art, magazines, Zigs and punchanella. I like using all the stuff. It makes me not feel so bad about...all the stuff! I am still trying to do some sketching and I did sketch my laptop. I try and make myself sketch every day but unfortunately it doesn't happen everyday mainly just because I don't want to. Sketching is hard for me.

BIG Journal

This one really is big. It is 11x14 and I must confess, this certainly takes longer than 30 minutes but for some reason I can add some elements and come back later or the next day. I am trying to leave things undone if need be. As you see, I started this one on Dec 20 with the full expectation that I would do it over the holidays but that was not to be. So I picked it back up on the 3rd. I have several journals going at once.  These pages are freeing for me because I really don't worry about making the whole page work as a complete design. I think that is why I can leave it undone. I try to use lots of my supplies for these pages---stamps, pastels, punchanella, calligraphy, markers, cut outs for my images, watercolor..etc. I haven started the envelopes but I am hoping that I can keep up with my journal work amid the envelopes. This is a hard bound journal by Pro Art and the paper is fairly thick but doesn't take watercolor very well so I am doubling up the pages.

The best-laid plans...

Yes, the best laid plans are sometimes interrupted by life but I love working quickly in a journal and creating a page in 30 minutes --> or less. My brain does not work in a way that let's me leave anything undone when I start it so my goal is to try to do a page a day or every other day. 

Next week I will be starting to work on the 200 wedding envelopes for my college friend's daughter. The wedding is in May so by the first of April they all need to be mailed. So, as a calligrapher, I am ashamed to say I have never done wedding envelopes so I do not know what to expect as to how it will go and if it will squelch any creative juices while I am doing them. So if I don't post for a while, you will know that has happened. I am so happy to do these for my dear friend and actually I LOVE to write so hopefully it will be enjoyable. It looks like a 30 minute journal page shouldn't be a problem but I well see how it goes. I do want to make a journal using the puffy quilted fabric squares for the cover like Teesha shows in these YouTube videos. But again...the best-laid plans...

The stamp at the top left is from Lori's collection of fabulous stamps.

Today's Journal page

Well, sometimes I just have to throw something into this composition notebook and this time I have been influenced by Violette and her steps to making a journal, She photocopies her images and saves them and adds them to journals. So this is what this is actually.
I am not really sure why she is standing behind the houses or what that might mean--it just looked kinda cute. I do have plans to make a new art/sketch journal soon when my paper comes in. I am thinking about how I will make it. 

Thank goodness for...

Goodness gracious, just where does the time go??? 

Sometimes I think back to my college days with nary a wrinkle on my face or a gray hair on my head and I just thank the Lord that I have made it this far with body, soul, and faith in tact.

For me, 2010 was a difficult year health wise and also for some other precious family members.   Life has it's extreme stresses, ups and downs and unexpected situations--BUT... hey, it's a new year and I know that whatever God has for me that He will see to it that I get through it!

 So, no worries for this girl!

I will embrace the new beginnings!!!!

Philippians 3:14

Poppy Fire Works

I hope everyone has a 

joyful, healthy, creative, colorful, delightful,

intuitive, happy, 

and 

very blessed 

New Year!

A few more...

I couldn't resist this one... and below we are just having a little chat...

Maybe I will have some art sometimes soon. I have been thinking about doing the Scrapbook Challenge

but sometimes when I sign up of things like that I usually crash and burn but I am looking forward to seeing all the fabulous pages and tutorials for the artists who have signed up.

Oh, and by the way some of you had asked about the cameras.

Most of the pictures were taken with a Leica M9 

and Macaulay's camera is a Nikon D7000

A few Pics of Christmas in Greenville

We all passed the stomach virus among us so I have been down for two days now but I think I see the light of day today. Macaulay had it Tuesday and Wednesday, Daddy Marc had it Thursday, Chauncey had it driving home--it was bad and we were in a blizzard! Thank goodness Baby Marc never got it and so far neither has Zach. But we had such fun and thankfully I didn't get sick until right as we got home.
Here are a few pics since I have no art work. Daddy Marc takes great pictures with his extra fancy camera.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas. We are having such a good time with Baby Marc. He totally loved all his toys and we are having such fun watching him play. He has learned to say, 'WOW!'

We are expecting heavy snow here in Greenville, SC starting at noon so they say.

If so, maybe I can get a picture.

This is a girl I started yesterday in my Greenville journal with the few supplies I have here. I used Koi watercolors, colored pencils and Neo colors with a little white acrylic. I actually had to finish her up last night right before goIng to bed. Just can't leave anything undone!

BLESSINGS TO ALL...and most of all...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

Making old new again--but look old...

 For Christmas presents this year I decided to pull out an old watercolor image and use it again--but in a different way. One of the things I just love is making something look old and adding a little grunge and weathering. So I adhered this image to my favorite little cradled wood canvases, Baroque Artist Panels, added a script stamp and grunged the edges with Distress inks by Ranger. I like the way they turned out and since they are small (4x4) they can just sit out for decoration. I like it on the little black easel. 

Maybe next year I will put some in the Etsy shop.

I also wanted to thank you all for signing up to win the CalligraFun giveaway.

 Donna from Lucky Dog won and it was her birthday! How great is that!?

This might be my last post until 2011 because I have to pull myself away from the paint brushes and finish up my shopping and wrapping. I kinda like to do that at the last minute though because it really puts me into the Christmas spirit. I have avoided the malls so far but, alas, I just might have to brave it and go.

I do wish all of you wonderful and talented artists out there in blogland a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new year too! I do love you all!!! 

 oxoxox

Oh, just one more thing...

Marc says Ho Ho Ho...

 I will see him Thursday!

YAHOO!

And the "Lucky" winner is:

Donna from "Lucky Dog"!
Congratulations, Donna! Have fun!!!

CalligraFun Merry Christmas Giveaway!

If you would like to win a free CalligraFun class just leave a comment and Mr. Random.org will do his picking on Saturday, the 18th at 8PM.

In the class we do not write Merry Christmas but after you take the class you will be able to write just like this. I have been so impressed with all of my students' success.
You really can do this!!!

Amelia wth Poppies and Berries

Here is Amelia. She loves poppies and berries.

She is painted in the crummy journal with the paper that I actually I like. I think it's from Walgreens. It doesn't like watercolor as well but it stands up to Neo colors and acrylic very nicely.

Stay tuned because I am planning a giveaway of my online "CalligraFun" class tomorrow.

Amelia

I drew her today while I was happy and all snuggled up inside in the warm watching all my DVR recorded Glees. 

Yes, I am a Gleek. 

I am planning on painting her and I will post her tomorrow.

She is Amelia.

Natasha

Do you recognize her? This was actually another experiment of sorts. I printed her face on my Staples Photo Matte paper and decided to mask her off with painters tape and see if this printer paper would take some adirondack spray. It did take the spray but it sank right in like a sponge before it would spread but that was ok. So I pulled off the tape and painted her hair and her dress and worked on her face a little more.
And here she is---Natasha.

Happy Today

This is in the composition journal, as you can see, and I am always surprised what this paper can take. This is Caran d'Ache and acrylic. I think the acrylic gives it some stability. If it was watercolor the paper would just melt away. So yay for acrylics! And YAY for Neo colors and yay for the wonderful composition notebook ...and ... YAY for the sake of YAY!

Spray-a-Rama

As you know I love to spray.

Hope you enjoy the Spray-a -Rama.

EXPECT

I just got a few new colors of Adirondack spray in the new improved 2oz spray bottle. You know how I love to spray! This really was an experiment of sorts that was fairly successful. I have always wanted to write in whire calligraphy or Sharpie white poster paint markers on these inks and I have found that these markers or calligraphy inks won't sit on top of the inks and the inks actually bleed through. My experiment was to seal the inks with Jacquard NO FLOW, which is actually for fabrics, but it works on paper too. It smears just a bit going on but not enough to cry about so---today I found the solution so I can write on the spray thing-ies. YAY!

 Now I guess now I better to go to Walgreens for toilet paper. Oh the dreaded interferences with the art journey! Well, while I am there I guess I better get some bows for the packages, too. Y'all have a happy day!

oops--

Didn't mean to publish nothing--look below for todays post.  :))

She Believes...

I haven't decided what to do with her yet so I put her on this background in Photoshop until I decide. 

Finished her!

Thanks Kelly and Janie for the blond suggestion because I think she was a blond all along. I think I am feeling a little better about hair, thanks to Tam. Seeing her paint the faces has really helped me make the best choices for painting the face and hair.  I could have cloned out the seam in Photoshop but it's a lot of work and actually may not make it look any better. It's in a journal so--it's all good!
So let's see, what might be her name?
I think she is Ava.

Getting there---in progress

She is also in the Moleskine journal. I love the paper in this journal. It is very smooth and takes colored pencil really nicely.  I will say it again, Tam from Willowing is great!

Just a napkin for the background--now for the dreaded hair!  Her face is painted with Shiva paint sticks. Maybe tomorrow she will have hair color. Perhaps brown--ish.

She's a WIP

This is a WIP in the Moleskine colored with pencil and colored pencils. I haven't yet decided what to do with the other page on the spread or the color of her hair.  I think that Tam is one of my favorite teachers in teaching the face. I bought her DVD "Fabulous Faces"and I have been really enjoying it. With this girl I will probably go ahead and add some acrylic and maybe a collage background --or maybe paint--I will decide when I get there. Below I have added Shiva Paint sticks to her face and next--- on to the hair.
She is much yellower in this scan. The Moleskine paper is very yellowish.

Can you see her now? This is Hannah.

Don't we all remember our mother's telling us this, "Pretty is as pretty does," and then in turn we told our daughters. And how true it is. But if you want to look better just put some flowers around your face! Flowers make everything around them beautiful. This girl is painted in the Moleskine journal--see the seam? I am still liking the collage background because it's a no brainer because after you go to all the trouble to paint the face you surely don't want to mess it up with a crummy background. Her face was painted first with Caran d' Ache and acrylics which wasn't working so well for some reason so I pulled out the Shiva oil sticks and my favorite tool--my finger- and colored her face. I love Shiva because it always works. It takes overnight to dry completely though.

This is Hannah.

PS Not sure why she wouldn't show up. I think it's because I scheduled her last night for this morning and after it posted I had forgotten to republish after an edit---but who knows!!!!

Three model friends

I think these girls might be models ready for a photo shoot with full makeup on. I have always loved make- up and "painting" my face but as my face grows older I can see that less is more for me now. But for my girls more is more! I guess I am living vicariously through my girls with hair, make-up and long flowy hair!

I grabbed some scraps of paper and collaged the background. The sides of the canvas are painted black.

From left to right:

Ginger, Staci and Miranda