Black Tulips

Well, that's what the package said, but they don't quite look black to me and I'm glad. I mean, who wants black tulips, but I figured they'd be a dark color. Tulips are about done here in Ukraine and we are now in Iris season. I love watching the changes.

Butterflies and Hot Air

This journal page started with a dinner out with family in Texas, Andy, Gayle and Melissa. I started doodling on a napkin while we were all talking. I"m just one of those hyperactive Type A's that wants to be doing something all the time. If they'd been diagnosing when I was a kid I"m sure I would have been ADHD. Just the title describes me well. See there, I am off on a tangent. Anyway, I started with circles in the top of the balloon. I didn't know I was going to draw that. It's just what it turned into. I used a wash of diluted Elmer's to attach it. The rest of the layout came from the Butterfly house in Dallas that we visited. It's an amazing place if you ever get a chance to go there. I got lots of great photos. I'll post some later. Whoops, another rabbit trail. The background circles idea came form a video on Milliande's Art Journal January. She does a journal page a day. Hope you like it. Let me know what you think.

FLOWERS FROM MY GARDEN

I've been so blessed this year because I got to see spring twice. Once in the south in America and again upon returning to our home here in Ukraine. I love spring with all it's fresh new colors. These tulips are in my front yard, just a sampling. Hope you like seeing them.

DECORATE YOUR IPAD

Now this is a way to personalize that Ipad you just bought. Believe me, no one will have your cover if you do it yourself. This is so cool.

MAIL ART FROM UKRAINE TO AMERICA

This piece of mail art was to represent where I stand in my art after a 3.5 month furlough in the states. All I could do while driving in the car was an art journal and that was not always easy, but this little piece helped me to get back into my playroom and get started again. So now I'm "Moving On." Happy Sunday to you all. Coleen

Color Pencil Technique By Shari Carroll

Here's some great colored pencil technique. I like colored pencils and this has helped me to know better how to use them. I post things that I like and think might be helpful to others. Hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think.

ART JOURNALING WITH SAMANTHA KIRA HARDING

LOTS OF FUN TECHNIQUES HERE.

Red Birds

I was surfing the web one day and saw a bird collage that inspired me. I grabbed some newsprint and several other scraps and then the back of a magazine cover to cut out the red birds. They are all different because I cut them free-hand. I used enamel sticky-back buttons for the eyes. I just love it when something hits you and you must run and do it. Did mine turn out like the one I saw? No, not at all. I wasn't trying for that. It was just the bird theme that got me going. I love birds. Let me know what you think.

MINI-BOOK WITH POCKETS

Mini Book with Pockets using Only One Sheet of Paper. Very simple video from "Creation by Christie."

Vintage City Scene: Air - La Femme D'Argent

Many of you know how much I love anything vintage. Well this lovely vid is one I found on YouTube and I thought it just fascinating to see an actual movie of a time long past. Happy Easter to you all. May your day be blessed with great joy as only God can give. Hope you enjoy the video too. Coleen

Fabulously Artsy, Mini-scrapbook with pockets

You'll like this, so easy to do and so lovely.

MAIDEN OF THE DAWN

This is another art journal page I did while traveling the U.S. on missionary furlough. On the left page I glued down a used dryer sheet to make the maiden recede a bit. I used a plastic doilie and spray mist to achieve the halo around her. Wording: "Help me to unearth the passions of my heart that lay buried in my youth." By Ken Gire

Right page: Laid the wet doilie from left page down and did a light spraying on both pages. All in red. Wording: "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin

Hope you like it. Would love to hear what you think. Coleen

THAT MARVELOUS AMAZING GRACE

CLICK ON THE TITLE TO LISTEN TO ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RENDITIONS OF THIS OLD FAVORITE. I WAS MOVED TO TEARS BY IT'S BEAUTY AND MAGNIFICENCE. YOU'LL BE BLESSED.

Teesha Moore, The White Page Journal

Here's another twist on Teesha Moore and her amazing journal work. Look on YouTube for many more if you like her style. There's plenty to learn from how she does things.

MARK MONTANO SHADOW BOX

THIS IS SO CUTE AND SO EASY AND WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT. GIVE IT A TRY AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK.

COLORING YOUR TANGLES

This will give you some new ideas for coloring your doodles or zentangles. Some lovely ideas here so check it out.

Little Golden Books Dress Made From Pages

This is a truly amazing and artistically beautiful dress made from the colorful pages of children's Golden Books. Not only will you see the dress, but this site will show you the process involved in making it. Just click on the title above to go to the site. Enjoy.

How to Steal Like an Artist (and 9 other things nobody ever told me)

Here's an article I ran across in one of my online groups that is so good I thought I would share it with you here. I think you'll appreciate it. Just click on the title to go directly there. Austin Kleon is the writer and he does hidden poetry. Such a cool concept....I"m going to have to try it.

Sparking Creativity in Your Kids

Found a great article on the site of one of my cyber pals and wanted to share them here too. Check out these articles and forward to those who have kids. It will help them understand the devastation TV and video games are inflicting on this young generation.

Oh, and hope you like my vintage tag.

http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/articles/creativity.php

http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2010/12/14/sparking-creativity-in-your-kids/

http://www.cdacouncil.org/newsletter/117-sparking-creativity

And to watch for more on this check out her blog "Created 2B Creative"
http://created2bcreative.blogspot.com/

Journal Pages Published

An honor for me is that some of my art journal pages have been published on the site called Faithfully Yours. Just click on the title to go to the site. Then you can click on the pictures as she featured several. I am blessed that she has chosen my work to show.

Faith Art Journaling

Here is a good site that will tell you about art journaling, expressing your faith. Just click on the title to go there. You'll like what you see. This is one example of a faith journal page that I did.

COLEEN'S STUDIO, A LIFELONG DREAM

Many years ago after completing the remodel of our home we decided to tackle the attic. It had a high pitched roof with lots of room. We created a guest room and bath plus a big room with alcove and a kitchen. Then we also built a small loft area because it was that high. I love working in there, but I must admit, organizing the "stuff" is always a challenge for me. I gave up on waiting for it to get all neat and orderly to do this shoot. It is always a work in progress.

Alcove on a pretty sunny day.

This is my kitchen which is a room off the main hall of my studio. Of course, it serves as lots of storage and a sink in a studio is invaluable in saving steps.

Kitchen counter with storage underneath is opposite side of cabinets.

Studio from back looking towards the front of the house.

Overall picture looking from front of house to back. I have great windows a couple skylights. It's all knotty pine including the floors.

My writing/journaling station with stairway to the loft where I have some storage.

That's me in my main work area with two work stations opposite each other and of course the computer and printer near by.

Hubby was helping me shoot so I thought I might as well put him in there too. He is the one who wanted to proceed with this project and for that I am ever grateful and feel so blessed to have this place to create. It is here where I prepare many of the things I do with kids in camps, Sunday school and the ladies classes I do.

Free E-Book

Hey Folks, Check this out. The terrific magazine, "Cloth Paper Scissors" is offering a free E-Book of journaling techniques. Add these tools to your art journaling tool box and you'll be ready for some more fun and creativity. Just click on the title to go to the spot. Oh, and yes, that is one of my journal pages. I grow those ferns in my yard.

We Put Birds On It!

ART JOURNAL PAGES

This is a page(s) in progress. I love the old vintage pictures worked into it. What do you think?

Art Journal, The Love Verses

This art journal page was made using "The Love Verses" from the Bible which start from 1 Corinthians 13. Since love seems to often be of more interest during the month of February I thought I would put it in perspective with what the Bible says about it. Romantic love is what most associate with love, but it is far deeper than that as demonstrated in these verses. Click on the page to make it bigger so you can read it. The heart in the lower right hand side actually is gold, but because it's shiny it photographed as black. Just wanted you to know. Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day. May it and every day be filled with joy and love as only He can give.

Winter in Ukraine

This is what winter looked like on the day we left (Jan.4th) for America. I'm sure it still looks much like that, but maybe more snow. Makes me very grateful to be enjoying 60's and 70's in California for another few weeks before returning to the colder mid-west.

ART JOURNAL PAGES

On January 4th we arrived in the U.S. for missionary furlough. I took that as a good time to start a new art journal. So here are some of my first pages. The one with roses is done on foreign text which I love to use for backgrounds as it adds rather an air of mystery to a piece.

Handmade Flower Broaches

I had to show off these beautiful broaches (also spelled brooches) that my friend Sally in England sent me. They matched so beautifully with two coats that I have so I wanted to show you. Thank you Sally for your kindness and generosity. I love them.

Spray Ink Video Tutorial By Dina Wakley

You'll love the ideas she share with using spray inks. If you are a mixed-media person or art journaler this tut is for you. Check it out, just click on the title.

AMOKArts What Is A Dot? Part 2

Painting using only dots.

Altering Fabrics with Ink

http://www.scrapscene.com/2010/02/tutorial-by-tania-willis-altering-fabrics-with-ink.html

Just click on the title to go to this very interesting tutorial on altering fabric. You'll enjoy the possibilities.

Memories of Spring

Since so many of us are in the "dead of winter," as they say, I thought you might enjoy some reminders of spring. It really isn't that far away and will be here in a flash. This is crocus, one of the first flowers that pops it's head up in our garden each spring. I love that time of year. It is a reminder that God gives new chances for all of us. We may make mistakes, we may really mess up, but he is ever forgiving if we seek him and ask for forgiveness. He makes us new everyday for his love is like the white of these flowers....it is pure and it is always there for us to turn to.

Plate Glass Flowers

Use up that plastic packaging and make something beautiful. From Laura of Following the Paper Trail. These are so pretty and you could do it with any shape.

Shaped Hinge Envelope Mini Album

You'll love this idea. It is so simple and a great way to repurpose envelopes, new or used. It's from Laura at The Paper Trail. Enjoy.

This and the following two pictures are pretties I received in a bird swap. Thought you'd enjoy seeing them.

Nostalgia

Just wanted to share with you these lovely bits of long ago. I think they came from my grandmother's home. She's been gone many years now, since I'm a grandmother as well. As a child we had the best holidays at her house which leaves for such fond memories. I only pray that I might create the same fond memories for my grandchildren as well.

If you'd like to see another lovely blog with some beautiful "nostalgia" just click on the title above to go to Faith, Grace and Crafts.

2010 Life Path Challenge

Wow, Life Path Challenge, week 52. It just struck me this morning that this is our last challenge week. I must admit it has had pluses and minuses for me. While I've loved hearing about what you all have done, it sometimes was a bit demanding for me to get this up every single week. Therefore, I"m sorry to say that I will not be continuing it into 2011 as some of you have asked. Nonetheless, my prayer and hope is that this year has presented some questions and thoughts that may have made a difference in your life. Everything we do has impact so it's important to remember we make a difference in our lives to those all around us. Thus, let us get on with our last question of the year:

WHAT ONE THING WILL YOU DO IN 2011 THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE AND/OR THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND YOU?

It had been my joy to hear from you all. I would love to hear any parting comments or advise for improvement if I ever do this again. You may contact me by a comment here or by my email: coleenfranks@gmail.com

Happy New Year to you all, May 2011 be blessed for you, Coleen

The Gift You've Already Been Given

Simplicity

Simplicity was the prompt word for a new challenge for those who like to do tangles or zentangles. Just click on the title above if you'd like to check it out. This is one I did. Fun to do while watching TV or sitting in a coffee house.

Van Gogh and The Church

Paper Flowers: Poinsettas by June Campbell

2010 Life Path Challenge

Counting down the days to the end of the year now. 2010 is drawing to a close very rapidly. So, given the holiday season, it is a time when we usually focus on those we love so here's your assignment for this week:

It's always nice to share with someone why you love them. Today, I want you to draw a picture, doodle, sketch, of a person who you love, or admire. Then, write that person a letter telling them why they mean so much to you! If you are intimidated at the idea of drawing a portrait of someone, draw objects that represent that person or draw their name in a creative way. Enjoy and Merry Christmas to you all.

Artist Georges Seurat

European Book Art Project Call for Entries

I received the following call from a (professional) bookbinders'/book
artists' list thru another friend. The information may be of
interest to those who live in Europe. (At last! At last! A "serious"
European book arts project!) Full details are available on the
www.abot.mak.at website.

Check it out, Coleen

I would like to let you know that the MAK Vienna, in cooperation with
>the MGLC Ljubljana and the UPM Prague, has recently launched the
>EU-funded project "Artists' Books on Tour - Artist Competition and
>Mobile Museum". In this project we offer artists a platform to share
>their work in the field of artists' books within a unique pan-European
>competition.
>
>The submission period started December 1st, the application deadline is
>May 2nd 2011. Please note that the competition is open to anyone living
>and working in Europe.
>
>We would very much appreciate the announcement and distribution of our
>competition to anybody interested in the topic and eligible for the
>contest.
>
>For further information please visit our website www.abot.mak.at or our
>Facebook page www.facebook.com/artistsbooksontour.
>
>Thank you very much for your support!
>
>Best,
>Katharina Diewald
>Project assistant
>
>____________________________________
>
>ABoT | Artists' Books on Tour
>
>MAK - Austrian Museum of Applied Arts / Contemporary Art
>Library and Works on Paper Collection
>Stubenring 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
>abot@mak.at
>www.abot.mak.at
>www.mak.at

Merry Christmas from North Point's iBand

Now this is taking technology to new levels of creativity. I love it.

Merry Christmas from North Point

2010 Life Path Challenge

Gratitude is one of the keys to happiness. It is like a muscle...not used it is weak, but the more we exercise gratitude the stronger it becomes in our lives. And the result is more joy and passion for life, more love for those around us. And those things are infectious creating the kind of people we want to be around. As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another it is often a time of reflection for people. So let's look at that idea this week.

AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME, WHAT ARE YOU SO GRATEFUL FOR THAT IT SWELLS YOUR HEART?

Tutorial - Fusing Plastic Bags

This is just a sample of what you can do with fused plastic...my mini-book. The pages themselves are the fused plastic. It's fun, give it a try.

Check This Out for Some Great Crafting

Just click on the title to see some beautiful Christmas crafts.

Ever Wonder About These?

Matroyshka Dolls are all the rage now in a lot of places. Those above are 5 sets that we have that were gifts given to us early in our ministry here in Ukraine. When tourists or short term missionaries come the one thing you can be sure they will buy is a set of these. If you'd like to read a short history on matroyshka dolls just click on the title above and it will take you to "Above the Clouds." Another spot that simply displays a whole lot of different kinds of dolls is this: http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2008/04/matryoshka-madness-russian-nesting.html
Enjoy, Coleen

Christmas Fun, Not Holiday Fun!

Two visitors enjoying my old platform rocker given to me by my sweet long gone mother-in-law. This is a reminder that we are seeing so much issue about Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Let us not forget "The Reason for the Season," that of Jesus Christ who came to earth that we might be saved. All of man's history is dated by his birth as before and after (B.C./A.D.). What else in life has so impacted history?

This picture is a link up for White Wednesday featured on Faded Charm Cottage. You can visit them and see lots of other pretty vintage Christmas pix by clicking on the title above. Merry Christmas all. Coleen

Winter

Winter finally arrived in Ukraine. I'm not complaining mind you. I loved the long drawn out fall weather we had. I still had rose buds near the house in November. This is a tag I did in honor of winter. Hope you like it.

Vintage, Vintage and More Vintage

I know that many of you like to do vintage arts and crafts. I do too, but often I've found that along with that goes a general love for all things vintage. Things that speak to us about the past, about a gentler time and place in our lives and sometimes about actual happenings in our past. So I found a site with a wacky name that I think they suggest that vintage is better than anything. So don't let the name put you off. Just check it out and you'll see some lovely stuff just like the pictures above. And when you get there, if you want to explore further, check out her Etsy shop. The link is on her blog. Just click on the title above to go to her blog. Cheers, Coleen

SO FUN!

TRAVELING ARTIST'S GUILD

I am participating in a year-long art project called the Traveling Artists Guild. One of the projects for this is to do some sort of traveling container. Some used boxes, some bags and most used some sort of suitcase. I happened to have this old, very vintage leather suitcase that I thought would be perfect. Back in October I posted the plain suitcase so you could see what I'm working with. This is what I've done so far and I have one more side to do. Some of the vintage photos are those actually given to me of relatives and ancestors of friends. If you'd like to see more of the artists who are doing this just click on the title to go to the blog where our work and stories will be posted.

2010 Life Path Challenge

MESSAGE FROM THE HEART

PEACE, COURAGE, ABUNDANCE, LAUGHTER, REST, CHOICE, POWER, WISDOM, FORGIVENESS, INTEGRITY, DECISION, FREEDOM, CONFIDENCE, WONDER, BEAUTY, COMPASSION, HUMOR, ACCEPTANCE, CALM, HEALING, COMFORT, UNDERSTANDING, LOVE, BLESSING, HARMONY, PLAYFULNESS, AWAKEN, TENDER-HEARTED, GRACE, HOPE, CARING, HONESTY, TRUST, GOODNESS, CLARITY, FAITHFULNESS, WONDER, LIGHT, FAITH, THANKFUL

Pick a word from above that has meaning to you. My word is _______________.

My initial reaction to my word ______________________

Reflect on your word this week, write or art about how its meaning is part of your life. Enjoy.

Glitzy Double Loop Bow

You gifts will be big hits this Christmas with this technique by Tammy Malone of Not Just Paper and Glue. Find more from Tammy at her place here: http://www.notjustpaperandglue.com/

Stools in the Netherlands

I fell in love with these stools the moment I saw them. I'm sure this is a European thing because I've never seen stools like that in the states, but I have some just like them in my house. Now my imagination is turning on stool ideas, what fun. Just go here: http://bobbeez-8r1id.blogspot.com/ and you can go and see many cute crafts Susan does.