Lyric Art

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Etsy Shop Update: watercolors

I've decided to share my little treasures with you.

LyricArt at Esty

More Watercolor Bliss

The kidlets and I end up with stacks of leaves in our grubby little fists every time we head out the door.

It's simply glorious here in North Carolina during the month of November.

There are huge flaming trees all above us and individual little works of art in every leaf at our feet.

I've been taking time every other morning to "meditate with color"

Thanks to Vivian Swift's lovely tutorial on

how to paint a leaf

she it the author of

"When Wanderers Cease to Roam"

A beautiful little book on visual journaling.

the view out my studio window

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Gratitude Gift Guide 2011: A Black and White Tale

As we go through this week of Thanksgiving and into a beautiful season of Giving

I'm thinking of things that will help you Find Joy, Be Inspired, and Create Beauty!

I'd like to introduce you to

A Black and White Tale

by Ann Fahl and Jacquie Scuitto

This little book is a sweetly whimsical tale of a cat, told in verse and wonderful whimsey.

Jacquie is known as the quilt muse and her verses have been delighting me almost as long as I've been quilting. Ann's quilts were among the first art quilts I fell in love with and inspired me to begin this wonderful journey as an artist. You can see the specific quilt here. Her work is always inspired by her immediate environment, be it her garden or in this case, Oreo, a sweet little cat that brightens her home. (Inspired!)

My kidlets, who sadly, must make do with loving on all of our neighbor's cats instead of living with one of their own, have been enjoying this book for several weeks now. Stories before bedtime is one of our favorite times of the day. (Joy!)

Your children or grandchildren will love it when you read this book to them. But of course you don't need little ones. Anyone who has had the pleasure of a purring cat on their lap or watched the playful adventures of a mighty little feline hunter will have a smile on their face as they read each verse.

At the end of the tale Ann describes each of her quilts for you and she even has a cat pattern that you can buy in tandem with the book if you want to make your own sweet little cat quilt. (Be Creative!)

Now, you must know I am not unbiased in any way shape or form. I count both Ann and Jacquie as friends. They are creative artists who have been bold and inspiring. They have gone out on a limb and self-published this book, and endeavor I admire and am happy to support. Think, this Christmas, about supporting artists, fair trade, or hand made. It makes a difference. It makes the world a better place.

You can purchase

A Black and White Tale

HERE

on Ann's website.

AND!!!! (as soon as I find where the kids have hidden it) I'm going to give away our copy of this book.

Leave a comment telling me what you are grateful for this week... and a way for me to contact you.

I'll let the kidlets draw a lucky winner next Monday.

Tiffa130 on Flickr

A quick note: lest you think I'm hucking rampant consumerism because it's almost Christmas... Nope. My poor, neglected children get one gift from "Santa" (having known all along that it was me and usually been in on what we call "elfing") and one from their grandparents, and one from each other. It's not their birthday we are celebrating after all. We prefer handmade, or something truly thoughtful... not something expensive. We also find a service project each year that they all can participate in. Their favorite being the "ring and run" variety - leaving gifts on a doorstep. Probably because we dress up like spies to do so.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Be Inspired!

Find Joy.

Where does your JOY come from?

My joy - and my peace - comes from gratitude.

It is a blessing greater than I could have ever imagined

to be here, with you, doing this.

Be Inspired.

I am continually inspired by the world around me.

My fellow artists and students inspire me with their creativity.

My family inspires me with their love and support.

Create Beauty.

The world can be what me make of it.

In any small way we can create order from chaos,

peace from sorrow.

Our hands, and our hearts can create beauty.

This week I'll be spotlighting some things that I think would be beautiful gifts for this season but I wanted to start with this. I believe we have been sent here to make the world a better place. There are numerous way we can do so. Shop local or support fair trade projects. Create with your own hands. Serve others with what you have. Give your time, talents, or simply your love.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

ARTSPARK tutorials Day 10

The last few ARTSPARK winter tutorials are amazing. I was immediately inspired by Jill's tutorial to start my own project - you'll see more in upcoming days.

November 18: Jill Berry Geo Papers and Projects

Gloria is the techie GURU!!! that I turn to at need and you will love her video.

It is clear and easy to understand. Make time for it! It's worth it!

November 19: Gloria Hansen Easy Resizing of a Digital Image

November 20: Diana Trout Furoshiko

And here is the full roll - just in case you missed some of us.

November 9^: Jane LaFazio Sketch & Stitch Gift Bags

November 10: Lyric Kinard Beaded Ornament

November 11: Tracie Lyn Huskamp Christmas Cardinal Ornament

November 13: Traci Bunkers Moldable Foam Stamps

November 14:Melanie Testa Zipper Tute Mania

November 15: Judy Coates Perez Folk Art Inspired Ornament

November 16: Kelli Nina Perkins Whimsical Spool Garland

November. 17: Lisa Engelbrecht Experimental Lettering

Friday, November 18, 2011

Faces on Friday

I'm excited again about drawing faces.

from a photo - freehand

from a photo- freehand

Remember way back when with my "how to draw a face" video tutorial at the beginning of the year? I think I've come a long way with the pics. This is from a photo.

from imagination

These two are from my imagination and scribbled quickly.

I'm just at the beginning of my due diligence. The time you have to put in to "get there."