Light Orbs

This past week I have had the totally awesome experiences of "what is" spiritually in the known of unknowns……….the magics that many of us are in the dark about in the world of light.

I had the ultimate priviledge of meeting and talking to Dharma Cohen who is the author of the book "Calling all Orbs".   Dharma lives in the Mt. Shasta area of California which is a very spiritual and diverse area of eye opening retreat experiences.  

I was immerged into some eye opening experiences so I can only share with those of who you dare to believe…….a couple of untouched photos I took when at the base areas of Mt. Shasta.  I have photos taken at Panther Meadow and also McCloud falls that show how amazing these light orbs are as they make themselves known to us in the mysterious magic of the unexplored…..  For those of you who would like to know more about Orbs please search out Dharmas' book and let her take you on her journeys of experiences thorough photos and knowledge.  My eyes did NOT see the orbs until I downloaded my photos from my camera upon coming home to the computer and the shivers of delight and total disbelief of this lifes' mysteries continue…..that "I" had unknowingly captured.

And following are the photos I took….The photos are "un-touched" …..    Click on the photos to enlarge and see what my camera saw and captured in larger proportions and ENJOY….

Handpainted Journals

I purchased 6 of these journals to see if I liked them……and just went back and ordered 6 more as they are really nice quality and I like the before and after…. I was able to get all 6 painted today and enjoyed the hours at my table listening to music.   As you can see what is unique about these journals are they are 6 ring binders, small, leather tie and brass leaf which matches the embossed leaves on the journals.  The cover is a sueded material but the edges of the leaves are a smooth shiny leather that is really nice.  I like the way the journal has a large and small side that provides a nice off center look to the journal.   The inside paper is camouflage tan which I like soooo much better than white.  When I fill the journal….I will be able to cut and punch my own paper to go back in so I love this option of a "re-cycleable" journal….  I have painted roses on 5 and a hydrangea on 1.  They are painted with Enamel acrylic paints and I love the way the background provides a natural looking shading to the rose.  The blotches that you may see on some are the flash of the camera reflecting the Diamontd Spray I used to add just that TINY bit of sparkle and bling……and best of all it IS NOT GLITTER that is shook on and comes off.  They are listed on Etsy so I can get a "feel" for how well this type does….  I think this will be a Christmas present option for friends this year.

The next ones I paint will be different from these……

Handmade Jewelry Set #2

Same beads, different look.  My smaller green beads are more in a dark sage green which goes with more of my clothes.  I absoluely love the orange, green, white and black beads which are NOT lamp work but goodness but they are beautiful…and I have NO idea where I got them to order more….With these 2 sets of jewelry I think I might have one (1) left.  I also really like the clasp on the bracelets and I am trying something a bit different with the necklace and will show you what it is when I finish another……  It will work good for me…but maybe not tohers.  Once again I love the little teardrop pieces and need to order more of these as they look so cool in the pieces I have done so far.  The ring had room for a cham on the outside of the ring so I incorporated a silver lady bug which has a personal meaning to me.  I am anxious to wear this set….

Handmade Jewelery Set

I just finished this jewelry set tonight and it will be soon on its way to the east Coast….a birthday gift….  I LOVE the beads in the ring and the bracelet (orange, black, green and white) and have enough to make myself a bracelet and ring which is nearly done…..it is the same in some ways but different in others.  I love that the polymer clay beads for the earrings matched and makes a cut set.

The teardrop silver beads between the lamp work and Czech beads add a different look which I like.

When I finish the other set (am doing a necklace, bracelet and ring set for me) I will post it so you can see the similarity difference.

Have a great first week of August  everyone…….

BOOK "WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES"

 I really enjoy painting books and was into working with this surface so I painted the book I am reading
"Women Who Run With the Wolves"….  On the page edges I have painted a couple of roses also…..

And by the way an AWESOME book and I am only on Chapter II but was so impressed I felt it needed my own thank you to the words inside….  It is so jam packed with knowledge it is a slow read but you find you want to remember it all.

I wrote the word LOBO because these were the wolves that WERE prominent in PA where I was born,  raised and spent about 25 years of my life….  They were a grey wolf and there was a preserve for them in either Kane or Ludlow Pa.   Funny how triggers work….where they take you…

MAUI INACTIVE VOLCANO

Of all the photos I have ever taken I think this one is the most magnificent….and I am just in awe of this magnificent Maui capture.  I was petrified going up the windy 2 lane highway, and then when we went ABOVE the clouds my panic doubled, and next my toes ached from grasping the pavement with them.  It was WELL worth every minute of distress when you see THIS….  I had it enlarged and just finished matting it….NOW to find a frame…..  GOODWILL here I come.   This was taken the beginning of this year...

THIS LITTLE PIGGY

I have NO idea why I felt so compelled to paint this pig.  My Aunt and her husband raised pigs back in PA, and I had a friend who had one of the small pet pigs, but why now, and in jigsaw format?  It was inspired by the cover of a book I purchased at the Thrift Store on different pigs….and how many of them are extinct….  So meet Jasper the pig…..I like him….He looks happy.

My new Most FAVORITE TOOL

There are a lot of tools and gadgets out there for "doing something" and when I came upon this idea
(or at least it is a NEW idea to me) I wondered if it was going to be something I would really use….and for me it is a BIG YES.  I have a REALLY NICE pistol grip dremel (not even made any more naturally) and it was such a HASSLE to fight with changing the type of tool from one to another it was just something I didn't want to take the time to spend TRYING to change it with always NO LUCK.

Once a year I treat myself to a pedicure in the summer and I don't have my nails done so I was watching this manicurist use this and I questioned where she got it….etc.  I went on to AMAZON and there was this one……AND in pink…how much fun is that….and sanders to use as well as the other metal tools…..AND all of my dremel tools fit on this machine.  YAHOO I say….  I use it when I work with clay which is what my current creative outlet is based so I use this to drill holes, buff or polish when done,  and sand down rough edges.  I LOVE that the tool can be held like a pencil….it is really
light weight, in a second I can switch tools and I am REALLY happy with the amount of tourque it puts out on the maximum setting.  There is not just high and low with a click but the exact speed you want for what you are working on.

This one was under $50 complete with tools, manicure kit, sequins, etc.  Well worth every penny I spent.  It is compact as you can see……and how neat that it is pink????

But any who……I just wanted to share a super duper tool for all creative artists who can use a little electric drill like this.

Tomorrow I will be back at it.  One of the things I am making out of clay is a spirit doll….I have had the inspiration to do one for ions it seems…and now just feels like the right time in my life.  The very first one will be mine and based maybe on just what is inside me…and I can use the solitude, along with some soulful music to get the ole ball rolling and see what happens….

On Etsy I sell rubber stamps for clay so this is actually the first I have REALLY worked with them to
 do an actual project and I am so thrilled with the results.  I also tried different brands of clay to see which I like the best and so far it is Fimo.  I like the little bit of flexibility that this clay has after firing…more of a rubbery feel which I like.…  Every artist has their favorite "somethings" and is part of creating your own style…..  Sometimes it takes a waste of money but somehow in the long run I think that it works out….

I will post my Soul doll which I am goins to call Salina….and she is a beautiful shade of pale turquoise blue and she is going to be a wall hanging or an inside in front of an open window….windchime.  We shall see.  Seems nothing ends up the way I think in the beginning they will…..

BUT ANWAY….great artist tool…..

Sky Blue Pink

During the hot weather we were having a couple of weeks ago I got this shot….and no matter where I looked there was a magnificent sight ……   I was in the car as a passenger with no place to "really" pull off to the side of the road so I have had to be content with what I got…..  Photos just don't do a lot of nature justice….this is one of those times…

FRETWORK JOURNALS

I have been purchasing fretwork items and FINALLY got around to playing with some of the pieces I had.  Since my latest "artistic journey" has been journals…here are 3 that I just finished using fretwork by Unique Laser Designs.

All of the journals I do are one of a kind and I love altered art, out of the box, and fun.

At the last show I did journals sold well….especially to the teenagers which was great to see.  I have about 15 done so it is time to "move on".

The Color Yellow

Just for my own information and curiosity I decided to look into the color yellow since it seems to be a favorite color….that I am drawn to.  Some interesting facts came up that I can really relate to.

Yellow means:  Sunshine, hope, freshness, happiness, positivity, clarity, energy, optimism, enlightenment, rememberance, intellect, honor, loyalty and Joy.  On the flip side it can stand for Deceit and/or cowardice.

Other words associated to yellow are cheerfullness, increased mental activity, activates memory, encourages communication, enhances vision, builds confidence and stimulates the nervous system.

If yellow is overused it can have a disturbing effect as people seem to become more critical and demanding.

Yellow gemstones aid in clarity for decision making, boosts concentration and increases energy.    They offer relief from burnout, panic, nervousness and exhaustion.  Twoof the most popular gemstones in yellow are amber and citrine.

In different cultures different meanings and in some cultures yellow signifies peace.
Japan        Courage
India         Color of Merchants
Egypt        Death

PSYCHOLOGY of YELLOW
Resenoates with the left or logic side of the brain.  Creates mental agility and perception.  Inspires original thoughts and inquisitivness.  More practical thinking vs the dreamer.

Yellow is the color of Solar Plexus Chakra

Yellow is non emotional.  Related to ego and sense of self worth.

It is the most highly visible of all colors.

INTERESTING TIDBITS
Jews wore yellow arm bands in Nazi concentration camps.
Comic book character in the GREEN LANTERN was afraid of the color yellow.

So now you know yellow….

Check out the predominant color(s) in your life in the present moment and see if there is a connection to events in your life,  your mental state, etc.

COLOR

For WHATEVER reason I have recently been drawn to the color YELLOW…..  I took several photos of this flower and think one one them will have to be enlarged, matted and framed for the YELLOW wall that replaces what was once RED….  and I am also wondering about the painting of a pig I just finshed.  WHY a PIG?   They do say that we have cycles of change, and that colors make a difference in our lives but a PIG?  A PUZZLED PIG that was inspired by the cover of THE OLD PIG book by Martin Wiscombe that drew my attention when I was browsing used books….

MY STUDIO

I AM GETTING THERE…..but the piles that are left are the hardest it seems.  As you can see I am running out of room….but I normally work on several things during the course of a week…and once one is done another starts so it will NEVER be totally neat and organized…. but it is a whole heck of a lot better than it was.  Even my dog didn't know where to step.  So I am pleased with the results that no one sees but me…..LOL….

CREATIVE is NOT tidy….at least not in my creative space.

Humming Bird

I have spent quite a few days getting my studio cleaned, picked up and organized and figure I have another 2 days this week to take care of about 4 floor piles!!!!

Last night was the first it began to look like I could work in it again so I decided I wanted to do a faux stained glass piece….and the photo is my humming bird which is on a pane of glass in a door window. Isn't he pretty???  I have a friend who loves humming birds and dragonflies so I thought she might like one for a window when she moves.

The hardest and longest part is to get the finished piece out of its mold….I used a pointed qtip on this one as there were so many tiny little edges…

I love these as they "just stick" with no adhesive what so ever and peel right back off if you want to move them…

Need to get my books out as I have a couple of vintage windows that this technique will work perfect on…..

ENJOY SUMMER FUN

HELEN BREIL DESIGNS SILKSCREENS

THESE ARE BRAND NEW SILKSCREEN DESIGNS BY HELEN BREIL…… they are gorgeous and I am anxious to give the one I purchased for myself (Irresistible Rhythm) a try.  Helen recommends using a heavy acrylic paint (in the tube type) {I have and will use Liquitex heavy body in the tube}

You can see how these silkscreens work (and they are reuseable) if you go to www. Helen Breil.com/silkscreens.  

I am carrying her amazing rubber stamps which sell well on my Etsy site also.  When these were offered to sell I decided that they would definitely be of interest to some of my customers.  Check out my Etsy site:  www.artisticrenderings.etsy.com 

Each silk sreen is $13.00

Judgement Call / Floral Photos

I TOOK THESE FLORAL PHOTOS ON A RECENT OUTING.  THE FLOWERS ARE GORGEOUS AND I WAS PLEASED TO HAVE GOTTEN SUCH NICE SHOTS….AND
OF EQUAL BEAUTY IS THE PHOTO OF THE THISTLES….WHICH ARE IN THEIR OWN WAY MAGNIFICENT AND BEAUTIFUL.

Touch Drawing

ONE OF MY FAVORITE CLOUD PHOTOS.

Today I experienced a "Touch Drawing" class given by my friend Candace at her home studio.  There were 4 of us and it was the perfect size.  The class went from 2-5.

I attended with NO expectations….and even wondered if it might not be a waste of time for me as I have been preparing for a neighborhood  bbq. …. but I was intrigued as she was really excited when she took a class a few months ago.  A kit can be purchased online either as a single kit or as a group kit.

The class consisted of a brief intro into the background of Touch Drawing which was developed by Deboarah Koff Chapin back in 1974.  We each chose one of Deborahs Soul cards to inspire our journey and then were told when we were totally done we could choose another to end our journey.

We had one hour to complete as many touch dtrawing as we wanted in that time frame.  I was really getting frustrated with what I was "getting" ….  they looked pretty bad to me but I kept going…maybe I would get better the more I did.

After the hour was up we were asked to go through the pictures in chronological order and give each a title/name based on feelings/intuition and Not the mind.  Hmmmmmm.

When we had all completed that step we were told to white the names we had chosen down the middle of a sheet of paper leaving room on the to the front and back of the titles…..to wirte a story using the center title words.

Goodness, was I EVER in a mess….Lousy pictures, stupid titles and now I had to make up a story using the titles and "share".

When I began to write my story it just "flowed"…. as if my hand was creating the words….

Here is my story.  The all capped words are the names of the Touch Drawings I did in the order in which I had done them.

FROM UNDER and within the EMOTION remains STUCK but has begun to UNRAVEL as the SHADOWS become VAPOR and the ENERGY of the earth ANGELS EMERGE with MUSICAL vibrations, OUTSIDE UP, DOWN AND AROUND.  Then CLOSED cords.

As the SNAKE rears its nasty head PASSING THROUGH the PATHWAY of my soul the SHIELD protects and with BOWED HEAD the FLYING BIRD encircles the COUPLES who are HIDDEN .

As the MOTHER boards the SAILBOAT with the MAN WITH THE CANE a SIGN appears and through the DOORWAY the CITY SMELLS create DISCORD OUTSIDE of them until they reach the GATE CONNECTON to the PEACEFUL MOUNTAIN TOWN where INFINITY blows in the  WIND, EVER CHANGING the inner TURMOILwith a normal EKG.

Needless to say I was pretty AMAZED with the process…speechless and a bit in awe with the speed with which I wrote using not my mind but my soul.   I am already looking forward to doing it again and think I will put a kit together myself and save a little money.  I already have a brayer…and just 5 tubes of color were used and our hands (even the non dominant hand) , fingers, finger nails, etc were used as "brushes".  I do have to admit that I think a group is the perfect setting but alone would be different and kinda neat also.

I find myself wondering what will be next….

If you are interested in learning more go to:  www.touchdrawing.com


MY DRAWINGS:  (These are only a few of the touch drawings I did:

Sign

Doorway

City Smells

Connection

Peaceful Mountain Town

Infinity

YOU HAVE TO KNOW THAT THE MIND HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH NAMING THESE TOUCH DRAWINGS I DID…..OR THE STORY ….  I FIRMLY BELIEVE THEY CAME FROM THE MIND OF MY HEART…. WITHIN.

Necklace Inspiration

I purchased this necklace at our local Goodwill because I liked the concept design….and wanted to see if I could figure out how to make one that is similar.   In making the purchasei I have the item to study and less money invested than in an actual design pattern.  Last night I began work on one and already have several more designs in mind so I hope they turn out the way I am envisioning them….. sometimes that doesn't happen so I never know what I will end up with…..

After I finish this first one, make my mistakes, etc. I want to do one called snow and ice because I LOVE winter, icycles, snow, white and the palest of blue, ice, water and sparkle.

This one reminds me of a "Flying Carpet" I wonder what mine will remind me of?

Enjoy your creativeness.

Another quote from  Jeff Fox "The Deepest Acceptance":    "We numb ourselves to the pain of being human so we don't have to experience the experience or feel what we really feel"

"We are only ever experiencing what has already been allowed:

Christmas Feeling

MOST FUN IN HAVING AN ONLINE BUSINESS THROUGH ETSY IS THAT EVERY DAY IS LIKE CHRISTMAS…..  I LOVE PURCHASING ITEMS FOR ARTISTS

THAT ARE HARD TO FIND…DEPENDING ON LOCALITY.

A NEW ITEM IS THE WOODEN FINGER ROLLER FOR ALL CLAY ARTISTS,  INKERS AND CREATIVE ARTISTS AROUND THE WORLD.

AND THIS PEBBLE PUZZLE RUBBER STAMP IS ALSO A BRAND NEW ITEM BY THE MANUFACTURER AND I JUST LOVE THE ZENTANGLE LIKE 

APPEARANCE THAT IT PROVIDES.  I HAVE GOT TO 

TRY THIS ONE OUT….ONE OF THOSE ITEMS THAT IS ONE FOR YOU AND 

ONE FOR ME.

SILICONE BRUSHES FOR CLAYING.  I USE THEM LIKE AN ERASER ON POLYMER

CLAY AND I AM JUST DELIGHTED WITH HOW WELL THEY WORK.  THE BRUSH

SHAPERS ARE HARD TO FIND AT REASONABLE PRICES SO WHEN IF

FIND A DEAL IT IS FUN TO SHARE.   I MAY NOT CARRY THEM 

ALWAYS.

AND LASTLY A NEEDLE POINT TOOL ULTRA CLAY PICK.  IT IS AWESOME AND MADE IN THE USA…..  I PURCHASED SOME POLYMER CLAY BEADS WITH

FLOWERS ON THEM AND I CAN SEE THIS TOOL BEING PERFECT 

FOR LAYING IN NICE STRAIGHT LINES…..  ANOTHER I CAN'T

WAIT TO TRY OUT.

SO THERE ARE THE NEW ITEMS FOR THIS MONTH (THUS FAR) ALTHOUGH 

THERE ARE 

MORE OF THE NEW SMALL 2 X 4 STAMPS THAT ARE NEW 

THIS MONTH ALSO.  "Woodland Residents", Whose Who", Humming Around,

Butterfly, Butterfly Effect,  REALLY NICE SUMMERY

DESIGNS.

I will do my best to list new items at least 1-2 times per month so those of you who

are followers and purchase items from me will

know and can keep up with new designs and items.

CHECK OUT MY ETSY SITE:  HTTP://www.artisticrenderings.etsy.com

Jewelry Set "Hot Salsa"

This is going to be a hard set to put a price tag on…….cause I want it.   I wasn't quite sure when I purchased the focal beads and the set of spacers just what I was going to design; buy Oh My, it is one of my favorites.  The finding/clasp are by Tierra Cast and sold by Dragynsfyre on Etsy…..   I used cording for the necklace and bracelet because I wanted the set to be casual…hot and spicy.  The colors in the beads are green, blue, black, orange and red…a gorgeous mix of COLOR….  On the necklace I fashioned a makeshift tassle using cording colors to match the bead colors.  

Hot Stuff…………..

The Deepest Acceptance by Jeff Foster

I am in the process of reading the book The Deepest Acceptance by Jeff Foster.

Here are a couple of quotes from his book….that I have journaled.

BLISS:  You disappear, and you become everything; self absorbed, internalized, from the heart or everything disappears and you become nothing.  Words simply don't do "IT" justice.

The place where conflict begins in us …..  is also the place it can end.

It's often only when we start hurting that we start listening to life.  Your suffering is your unique invitation back to the ocean.

So thanks Jeff Foster….. as I continue on with your wonderful book of what I see as common sense.
Things I am SURE that my mother told me about…..

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who feels they want to get in touch with themselves.

Journals and Sketchbooks

I really enjoy the diversity of mediums, art styles, etc. and in each I find inspiration in another and the circle gets bigger and bigger ….  A balance in Art.

Mixed Media is fun and I am always amazed and what gets put where….and who knows why?  Many times not me….I just look around…and go with it.

At the last show I did even the kids were visibly appreciative of what I had done…so it seems to appeal to many different patches of ages…men as well as women.  I want to work up several for men as I know there are many who take journaling as seriously as we women do…..  A journal is just the new diary I guess….

These two are "done" I think but I have 6 more in my studio that are "in process".

Price will be determined by the cost of the elements used as well as my time.

Floral Arrangement

I had never done any flower arranging before but I felt it would be a good, out of the box, medium change, creative experience…..

I purchased the vase from an Etsy Vendor and the photo really doesn't do the vase justice.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  It looks like an open lily and is bright yellow getting lighter down the base where it turns to light blue and then a rich, watery dark turquoise blue.

The flecks of blue you see here and there within the bouquet are small, handmade glass beads from a woman from Austria.

The flowers are from our local goodwill and were PERFECT…

Miss Butterfly from Hobby Lobby.

Willowy twigs have been added here and there to offset the floral arrangement.

The bouquet is for a friends' birthday on the 11th for her newly painted YELLOW bedroom with accents of turquoise and deep red so I am in hopes she will like it.  She wanted to keep the bedroom simple…..&^%$#

I have decided that floral arranging is no different from other artistic creations remembering these
elements as a check out to follow….  and I am sure there are other artists' who could add to this list
but this is kinda my list…using my artistic license.  Feels good.

Dimension
Color
Texture
Form
Eye Stoppers
Creativeness
Build from back to Front
Different Sized Elements
Variety

Mr. E. Wizard

This is Mr. E. Wizard…..a painting I just finished on a spare tire cover for an RV of a friend.  It was a challenge…..and I had a lot of difficulty with the hands and the face…but it was fun to paint and a joy to finish…..  The RV is on its way from Oregon to Utah to spread the magic of Spirit….

Etsy Treasury

I was delighted to get a convo saying one of my art pieces was in an Etsy Treasury…..to me this is exciting to have someone somewhere favor a piece of my artwork….it gives me a boost of confidence.

Here is the link to take a look at a Gallery of Artwork.

www.etsy.com/treasury/OTMwMTI4NHwyNzI3NDIxMDU2/surreal-art-collection