Day 173 - Autumn Birthdays

This is a large card I did. It is a Unity stamp.  Below is a closeup of the image.  

I did the background with a piece of photo paper. It was the summary sheet from a couple pictures I had printed at Walgreen's.  I just cut off the end of the sheet that was printed with tiny thumb names of my last prints. I used the colors below of alcohol inks to color it.  Since I knew I wanted to stamp it, I tried to have more of the yellow.  The leaves are punched out of the same paper. 

Below is a test I did after with a couple papers. The outside papers are glossy photo paper. The middle one with a "soft gloss" 

When using alcohol inks, I sometimes use alcohol to blend or get effects with the ink. 

You can see here the middle one which was the "soft gloss" did not move the way the other inks did. It also became soaked with the alcohol and inks rather than them floting on top. 

In all three cases, the final papers turned out pretty cool, although I like the glossy papers best. 

Good in the World - a short rant

First. I apologize now to Laurel who I believe is really the only person who comes to my daily blog. I need to say some things and this is the place I have chosen to talk. Skip this one my friend, I will be back to art and crafting in a moment.

I am deeply saddened about the events at the concert in Las Vegas last weekend. It made me doubt the goodness in the world. It made me feel like evil is winning and I grieve for my grandchildren growing up in this world but wait... I WILL NOT LET THESE EVENT TAKE AWAY MY HOPE. There is good. And LOTS of it.

Even that moment when one man was spraying evil at the people attending the concert, many, many people were shielding each other, helping people get to safety, helping the wounded.  There is far more good than bad in the world. Just count at this event.

Everyday, people are helping each other..in big ways and small ways. Volunteering, donating, and just caring for our neighbors. Sending a card to someone. Sharing a kind word. Even a smile by a by-passer can make a difference and be a kindness.

We can make laws and changes to try and protect people however, the real power is for us not to give up and continue to try to be the good in the world.  Spread it like a virus.

 Below is one of my favorite past pieces. I actually don't know what has happened to it in the move.  Each hand says "I can be the good in the world" and I named it, Me Too.  I hope - if anyone reads this - that they will hold up their hand and say," Me too - I can be the good in the world"

I am sending a big hug to the world and commit to do more to be the good in the world myself.  Let's help Good win!

Day 172 The birthday cards continue

More of those really big cards. This is a Unity stamp. It was done with paper piecing and copic markers. The pattern papers are from Stampin Up.  They are discontinued. 

Have a Creative Day! 

Day 171 Quilling at Art Prize.

 I  was thinking about what I would share from Art Prize. Art Prize is a massive art contest that takes place in Grand Rapids each year. It includes over 170 venues this year and more than 1300 pieces of art.  The big winner gets something like $150,000 and it is voted for by the public.

I went last week and had a nice time. Weather was hot but I was excited to see some of the work.  Since mostly my work here is paper, I am posting some pictures of "When Your Head is Swimming" by Kimberly Wolz. http://www.artprize.org/64803  It was quilled.

Day 170 Dale Chihuly art

This is a chandelier in Meijer Gardens I saw again this week. It is an incredible piece of art. It is all blown glass. I went to art prize this last week and I will share some pieces from that. I am working on some long term pieces and may bore my visitors a bit but hope to keep on posting daily.

Day 169 Life rocks!

Here are my rocks that I will be putting out this week. They have been sprayed with a sealant to help them last longer outside. 

Day 168 World Beauties -the rest of world beauties

I just couldn't post them for 8 days straight. Here they are in some group pictures.  They are a little thick for US mailing without paying extra.