Where does the time go?

I've already given away all of the things from my last post. As you can imagine, this time of year just about everyone is happy to get a card and some fresh cookies.

 The potholder was appreciated so I started another one and while I was doing that I finished a hat and started another one and a scarf. Yes I get a bit carried away with things and it's endless. One project always carries me into another and it can be hours,days or weeks before I snap out of it and wonder what happened.

It's a good thing we're not expecting company for the holidays. I work at the dining room table and her's a tour of the projects happening there right now:

1.Crochet potholder
2.crochet hat
3.crochet scarf
4.patchwork tote bag
                 5.sewing
                 6.embroidery
7&8.paper projects and letters
9.painting a wooden bird house
10.carving a wooden horse
11.painting a watercolor poinsettia
12.pencil drawings

The thing that makes this really interesting is that the diameter of the table is only 52 inches so I just don't buy it when people say they don't pursue their hobbies or interests because they don't have room.

Do the best you can with whatever you've got anyplace you can. It's the only thing thing that really matters to me these days and I think you'll find it useful to you too.

Carried away again

I'm thinking that this blue is too intense and throws the color balance off on this painting so I'm headed back to my worktable and hoping to lift a bit of the background color to even things out a bit.

I think it helped, what do you think?

Painting more flowers

Rainy Wednesday

I spent the morning designing products with yesterday's watercolor and then made a bit of lunch before heading over to the thrift store to drop off a couple of bags of things I don't need around here. Of course I went into the store as well to see if I could find anything I needed and was pleased to find a full length dress in classic navy with tiny white dots. It was new with the tags still on it, the original price was 29.99 and I got it for 4.00.

Well, that was the excitement in my day. I'm off to the front garden to pick a few more flowers to do some watercolors with.

Triple Project Tuesday

Designing for Easter

The difference in the colors on this Easter Card design is that I shot the in progress photo on my phone in different lighting than the scanner provides.

The nice thing about projects like this is that you get practice painting a variety of designs.

The reason that I left most of the large egg open was do that I can place text on it when I work with it on Zazzle to create cards and other merchandise so that lots of people will be able to enjoy it.

The original will be painted further and given to my family for Easter.

From acrylics to watercolor and back again

 Having made a first attempt at portraits in acrylic I thought I'd pursue the idea in watercolor. I'm not too excited about the results so far but I think the people I'm giving them to will enjoy them. I'm writing a letter on the watercolor now. 

I plan to go back to acrylics for a while and see how it goes. First to try another portrait and after that to do some abstracts and play in the colors for a while.

Watercolor Tulips from Garden Photos

Art masking fluid tulip watercolor painting

 As you may have noticed I've done tulips in many ways over the years (colored pencil, pen and ink, acrylic paint and watercolors)

 This is the first time I've tried masking out the area of the flowers while painting the background.

 I've begun painting in the flowers, stems and leaves

There's still quite a bit to do before this one is finished but I thought you'd want to see how it's going so far.

Paper scraps,layers and painting pieces

The completed piece is only 5 1/4 inches by 8 1/2 inches and is made up of dozens of scraps of watercolor paintings, card stocks and ink. The medallions are stacked in layers so it's thick and tall in several places too.

Mixed Media Tie by julia_art

I'm really enjoying the way this piece works out when I put it on a wide variety of products. So far the necktie is the one that excited me the most. It's hard to believe that it came from a bag of paper scraps, isn't it?

Irises for Christmas

 I've been exploring different ways to celebrate all of our favorite things at Christmas.

 When I  finished the watercolor work I began to add waterproof ink to add more detail to the image. This shot really shows the difference between watercolor and mixed media work.

I liked the stained glass look on the finished piece but you'll find the image both ways on merchandise in my Iris store.

Scrap Paper Note Card Project

 It's surprising what you can make while cleaning up your work area. These were
made from bits of card stock and watercolor paintings mounted over a greeting card.

 Since this project uses up scrap items on hand you can be more adventurous with your designs and take more chances, after all-it's not costing you anything but time.

Relax and have some fun with the idea. It's a great way to re-use all those odd cards that come in the junk mail. (if you like the insides but not the cover art).
I can't wait to hear how it works out for you.

Tie Dye to the Rescue

I'm always getting paint on my clothes and when I don't have any luck getting it out  I figure I might as well add some more color.

I was pleased to see that things have changed a lot over the years when it comes to dye and setting methods. (I've been doing this off and on since the 1960's) My new favorite product comes in premixed spray bottles and  the finished garment just needs to be tossed into the dryer to heat set it.

I just did the old shirt (a "jammie" top I've been "living" in all summer) up with rubber bands and twisting. Then began spraying on the dyes.

I haven't done this in years but it was fun.

It needs to air dry before you remove the rubber bands and again afterward before you toss it into the clothes dryer.

THE EXCITING THING:
I discovered while reading the instructions for this kit that you can also use these dyes to to watercolor painting on your clothes and linens and I can't wait to try that!!!
I've found these little 3 bottle dye kits at both
Target and Menards so you can probably get one just about anywhere for under 10.00

Today's Watercolors

Yes, they're on cards and envelopes. I just LOVE mail, don't you?

Before and After

Yes this IS the same watercolor painting.
I started with the yellow background but wanted to add a bit of drama and some other colors. Thank goodness for technology! If I make a mistake or over work a painting I can always use the previous scan and nothing gets lost or spoiled.
I'd love to hear which image you like best so be sure to leave a comment.
You might want to stop me before I change the basket and table...