HERITAGE SERIES - ATC (WOYWW)

I've been doing a series of vintage artist trading cards so this one is for the category of families. If you notice to the right is a tent. The were camping on their way to California in the 30's. Someone told it reminded them of a "Grapes of Wrath" scene.

MIXED-MEDIA TECHNIQUE

MARK HAMMITT, GIVING YOU ALL OF ME

A story of joy created out of pain. Read the "story behind the song" at the end.

DAVID GRAY / TUTT'ART

Truly an amazing and talented portrait and still life artist. I know you will enjoy him as I did.

UKRAINIAN PRAYER SCRAPBOOKS

Here's my group of ladies doing their Prayer Scrapbooks for 2012. We have 15 in the group, though we are missing a few here. Each month and sometimes twice a month we've been meeting to get their books set up. We started in December for 2012, but some were so excited they wanted to start writing in the immediately so a few did December pages as well. I always love to see how creative Ukrainians are.

"CLOTH PAPER SCISSORS" FREE E-BOOK: IMAGE TRANSFERS:

Some really great ideas here. Worth the cut and paste. Sorry, couldn't get it to work any other way. http://e1.interweave.com/dm?id=54B92B0C5372AFA8D65CBE558EF5705FAD0B43E0AE847CC5

TRIED ENCAUSTIC?

Encaustic painting is something I've been interested in and I found this video I thought you would enjoy as well. He makes it so simple and yet his technique was so effective.

SCRIBBLE FUN

On my desk today is a quick sketch in acrylic paint and oil pastels. Just a nice reminder of summer, when right now we have knee deep snow outside and 14F or -10C. Looking forward to spring when I can be outside in the garden again.

JUNK JOURNALS BY CINDY SHEPARD

You're going to love this idea by Cindy Shepard of Design Originals. She's an artist and author sharing her ideas for art recycling. Saving my bags and envelopes now. And why couldn't we use plastic bags too? Hmmm! Wheels are turning.

Daniel Gerhartz - Portrait Artist

He is truly amazing. You will enjoy his very talented expression.

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE

OK, I'm posting this as much for me as for you. Some good ideas for 2012. Now, out of 29 different pictures, why it chose this one that looks like someone tettering over from too much drink I have no idea. It's not even about that. Oh well. Enjoy:

Summer's Beauty in Ukraine

Since we are all in the midst of winter now I thought I'd share some beauty from warmer days. I know this butterfly almost doesn't look real, but I promise it is. And the photo is untouched as far as saturation or anything. I'm just not that techy, but God in all his creativity is amazing in what he makes. It is a foretaste of what is yet to come in heaven. Hope you like it.

Ira Glass On Creativity

Kid's Class in Philipovichy, Ukraine

What do you do with calendar pages? Not long ago I had the great fun of doing this group. Now and then people have sent me old calendars. For a long time my use of them was limited because they were so big, but as often happens...if something stays around long enough, I think up a use for it. So now we are doing these puzzle pictures. The kids really liked them. I'm also making envelopes from them as well and we put them on the front of our scrapbook albums. My thanks to those who have sent them and we can always use your 2010 calendars now that you are done with them.

ART TAGS

Years ago there was an electrician working in our home. When he came to understand what I did he asked the question....."why isn't there any of your art on your walls?" Well, I thought about that for a long time. Some day there will be, but the reason there isn't is because I keep giving it away. That hasn't change over many years, but I still say that one day there will be. Just this last week we had another electrician in doing some work. I happened to show him the two tags below, saying, this is some of what I do. He knew that I work with children and adults doing arts and crafts. Well, as it turned out, he went home with the bottom one. He wanted to buy it, I couldn't sell it.

BOTTLE ART IN UKRAINE

This is a spice bottle I re-purposed for a cappuccino sprinkler. It's on its way to England as I write. I love taking things that might be headed for the dump and putting them to some higher purpose. Plus, when I do something like this it gives me skills to teach in my classes and/or an example to show. The vintage jewel certainly adds a nice touch. Let me know if you like it. Your comments are always valued.

A Psalm of Thanks from Ukraine

LADIES DOING "FAITHBOOK" ALBUMS IN UKRAINE

Ladies having fun working on their albums that are a testimony of their walk of faith. I help them get started and they go from there. This was run concurrently while Jeff, my husband did a conference with their husbands and dads. For more on that see: www.franksukraine.blogspot.com or find and click to the right. Great thanks to all those who send me materials that allow me to do this ministry.

We had some young ladies join us after school.

ARTIST TRADING CARDS

Sharing a couple vintage themed ATCs I did in October. Do you like them? I do like vintage.

JUST ANOTHER PRETTY FACE

Did this back in August. Guess I'm a bit behind in posting things. Lots of classes I need to post too, but when it comes to doing or posting, I just think the "doing" has to take priority. Hope you all aren't too crazy with Christmas preparations in the west. Here in Ukraine that is all much more relaxed. No big rush of buying expensive "stuff." Remember, take time and breathe deep.

GLITZIN' IT UP

This fun piece was done for a sweet young gal who loves castles. It was fun to do, but long process of applying glitter and letting it dry, one section at a time. I don't usually do things like this, but sometimes the recipient is reason enough. Click on the picture to enlarge so you can see the sparkly detail.

MAKING BRACELETS IN UKRAINE

Not long ago I had the privilege of doing a class for 13 year old Marina's birthday party. Thanks to the Mark and Rhonda Kilsby family of Texas I had Christmas bracelets that told the nativity story. As you can see from the pictures we had all ages get in on it, from little ones to some of the moms.

Even this little guy wanted to make a one, but needed a little help from Papa.

That's me in the green giving instructions (in Russian). We all had a great time. I love doing this with kids. Their joy in creating is my delight.

Altered Bottle

My first attempt at a painted altered bottle. This one shipped to America and made it in one piece.

THE DELIGHT OF CRAFTING

Many of you know that I have a ministry of teaching arts and crafts here in Ukraine. We have been here for 17 years, but I have only done this the past 13 or so years. It started with my sitting in church not fully understanding the Russian language yet, when the light bulb came on one day, I thought I could do crafts with the kids. I never have been good at sitting for long periods so this was perfect. Now I speak the language well enough to instruct them and communicate most of what I need. The shot below is some of the little ones with the proud pieces they will take home. I just love it when they are so happy about what they created. It is my joy to share this with them.

THE SOUND OF BIRDS BY CARLY SIMON

A little piece I did not too long ago. I love doing things with birds. One of God's marvelous creatures. This is a 3x5 inch "Skinny" as they call that size. The buttons are Mother-of-Pearl and the lace is vintage from my collection started back in the 60's. The little journal box says, "The sound of birds stops the noise in my mind" by Carly Simon. This little bird flew overseas.

CAROL OF THE BELLS, TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA

Sometimes missionary families are left feeling a bit "out-of-the-loop," in regard to their home culture. I mean, we are in our 18th year of living overseas so despite internet, some things just slip by. Only today I was visiting another blog and she had this musical piece by TSO. It brought back memories of our 2007/08 furlough when we were first introduced to this fab music. We were in a small Texas town going to our hotel room when we came upon this wonderful display of Christmas trees and what looked like something out of Disneyland with lots of figures and light up displays. As we marveled the trees and figures just pulsed in rotation to this wonderful music which we only later found out was TSO. We could have stayed for hours, but alas we had an early morning church visit. So enjoy.

GOD'S ART

Sharing some of the beauty of Ukraine. These shots were from out trip to the western mountainous region this fall. We were there on a prayer retreat where I also led craft classes. It was a blessed time.





Crystal clear water.



Riches of nature.

THE STORY OF TWO WOLVES

While I don't particularly believe in Indian mythology, there is an excellent analogy in this story of the battle we all face daily inside of us between good and evil. Share it with your children. Which one are you feeding? Don't leave it to chance.

ART JOURNALING WITH SAMANTHA KIRA HARDING

CREATED TO CREATE

And that doesn't necessarily mean art.

FALL IN UKRAINE

This is what the trees looked like two weeks ago, but in that time we've lost all the leaves, we've had a hard freeze and this past weekend we had snow. Am I ready for snow? This is the season that makes me very happy for a warm house and pot that makes me hot tea or coffee.

COFFEE IN UKRAINE

Having a coffee date out with my sweetheart in Ukraine. They do it up pretty here and oh so tasty.

VINTAGE, THE REAL THING

My husband's Aunt Flo sent us this picture of his mom who passed away in 2001. It is such a lovely picture of a young girl. As I was rummaging through my box of frames in the garage I came across this gem I"d forgotten about. I'd gotten it from my dad years ago. I thought it was so perfect for the vintage picture. I just love how the two go together. Thanks Aunt Flo.

Crackle Art

ATC LEAVES UKRAINE

Sharing a little vintage ATC (artist trading card) I did not long ago and sent off in the mail as a swap with someone else. I love being able to send miniature pieces of art all around the world. And to receive them also. I have a growing collection of vintage style ATCs. The added benefit is that when I mail them I can also send a bit of encouragement to the recipient. I have been graced with such blessings in my life that I just want to share that around. Life is short and the world is tough so we really could all use a bit of encouragement. You never know the burdens another is carrying so approach everyone with a kindness of heart and a soft word. Treat everyone like he's carrying a great tragedy. Chances are he is, despite the happy face.

HOW TO CREATE A ZINE

Take a walk with me in my garden. This was shot in September. Now we've had many hard frosts so mostly the leaves are all on the ground. Nights are below freezing, days are in the 40's, sometimes close to 50(F) degrees, but that won't last long.






Sharing with you a heart I found in the garden. It was the inside of a fading rose and I thought it was so beautiful. I often notice as the roses start to fade and they lose their strength and their vibrancy, there still remains a beauty that catches the eye. I think that is how it should be in the Christian life. As we age, as we lose our youthful strength and energy, we have not the beauty we once had. Nonetheless,there should still remain a beauty from below the surface that catches people, that draws them to the Author of all beauty....a peace and a gentleness that shows we know Him and we are close to Him. I hope as I age, I will exhibit the beauty of the rose that shows others the love of our Creator. To Him be the glory.

Tim Coffey Video - Christmas Cards from Cardboard Box

I love how this guy recycles everything and saves me money.

ARTISTS IN BLOGLAND

This is an art journal page I've been working on for some time. These things go in stages of coming back to before one finally comes to a sense of completion. The story behind this page has to do with a trip to Israel we made in June. I saw so many of these ladies all covered up in 90 to 100 degree weather outside walking. It certainly was an experience of another culture. The eyes on the right page I drew in my travel journal while there. Click on the picture to enlarge for much more detail. The dried flowers are from Israel and the two cards are scenes from there.

This post is linked to "Artists in Blogland" so if you click on the title above you can go see lots more fine artistic endeavors by a variety of artists.

VINTAGE UKRAINE

Do we think of these rocks as vintage? We were in western Ukraine for a prayer retreat this past week led by my husband Jeff. We visited this lovely waterfall as one of our mini-excursions. The area is called the Carpathian Mountains, but I would liken them to foothills of say Arkansas. They are tall enough to ski, but not like the Rocky Mountains. It was beautiful with fall leaves of yellow, orange and even some red. We also got to experience our first snow storm of the season as we left the mountains on Saturday.




Vintage view looking down into a country village from a hilltop.



What a relic this was. The Ukrainians think nothing of this old motorcycle, but I thought it was so cool with it's sidecar revamped for hauling. The Ukrainians are the most practical and innovative people. I am often amazed.



This old bridge was rich with beautiful grain in the heavy boards and rusty framework.

You're going to love this technique and so very easy.

Kid's Klub in Bucha, Ukraine

For some months I've been talking to our Sunday School director about starting a Saturday kid's activity so we could bring in more children from our town who are not in church. We did our first Kid's Klub and had 13 children. It was a start and I know it will grow. We did songs and crafts, but starting next month we will also offer English classes so that will bring more out. You can see from these pictures we had a real range in age. Please be in prayer for this monthly children's ministry. My thanks to Marge Naperski who sent the lovely fish pictures for this project. The kids loved it. And send us your buttons and old jewelry for craft projects. Grateful for you, Coleen

"AUTUMN'S SONG"

I posted this picture not so long ago thinking I was finished with it. Then, after a little time I realized it needed something more. So here goes again. I"m linking this to Dawn Anthony's "Journal Journey." You can see her blog by clicking on the title above. She's an art journaler too and does a monthly challenge you might want to consider. Let me know what you think. Your encouragement blesses me so. Coleen

ALTERED DOMINOES

These are some altered dominoes I did not long ago. Not only that, but they are 1/2 size dominoes which makes them real small to work with. I've wanted to try them for a long time since my friend Shallale in Haiti sent me one she did. The lower one is covered with Diamond Glaze which gives it the deep embedded look. Becky sent me that. I used E-6000 glue provided by my friend Cindy. I am blessed with friends who are generous. And each time I try something new, it has the potential of turning into a project to do with the kids or ladies in Ukraine. Click on the the title to go visit Artists in Blogland.

DRAGONFLY BY FERNANDO ORTEGA

This is one of my new favorites. Inadvertantly directed to me by my pal Lindy. It is so cute you're going to love it too. You can find more of his music on YouTube. This guy is great. Where have I been?

LEARN TO DRAW AGAIN

Here's a very interesting letter I received today from Robert Genn of "Twice Weekly Letter (rgenn@saraphina.com). Just wanted to share it with you. He said I could. It's worth the 2 minutes.




Learning to draw again

September 27, 2011


Dear Coleen,

When I was a kid I was pretty good at drawing. By the time I got to art school some people thought I was a certified drawing genius. Trouble was, I solved all my problems with my drawing--to the detriment of composition, colour and other stuff that should have held my attention. Feeling I had to raise my standards, I decided to drop drawing altogether and try to build some other facilities. It was tough. For about six months I essentially disabled drawing and kicked my drawing board down the road.



To this day I seldom draw. I go right to the other stuff.



Psychoanalyst Dr. Norman Doidge's remarkable book, The Brain That Changes Itself is full of stories showing how the human brain can be rewired. Doidge is of the "neuroplasticity" school of brain science. He doesn't think, for example, that there is one part of the brain that masters drawing and keeps it there. Like a giant hard drive on a computer that's capable of filing stuff randomly, any part of the brain, including left and right hemispheres, can learn and unlearn.



In one story, after a devastating stroke a man was able to gradually regain the use of a paralyzed leg. During his recovery he had come to rely more and more on his good leg. It was part of his process to mentally disable the good leg so the bad leg could begin again.



Psychiatrists note that during the sticky business of lovers parting, it's necessary for them to "disable" the forsaken one in order to begin to love someone else. This doesn't mean trashing the other, but the old has to be properly archived before new love-data can be entered. It's thought that those who don't need to do this didn't love in the first place.



Disabled neural paths can be difficult to regenerate--particularly as you grow older. But it does happen, and it's no miracle. It takes character and focus. You can teach old dogs new tricks--and get them to relearn old tricks they've forgotten. Artists frequently report the loss of drawing ability when they neglect drawing for even short periods of time. Since my heady, distracted days in art school, I've noticed a decline in my drawing ability. Just another case of "use it or lose it"?



Best regards,


Robert



PS: "Neuroplasticity contributes to both the constrained and unconstrained aspects of our nature. It renders our brains not only more resourceful, but also more vulnerable to outside influences." (Norman Doidge)



Esoterica: Canadian painter John Newman suffered a stroke that caused Transverse Myelitus, permanently disabling the right side of his body. His right-handedness appeared to condemn him to no more painting. But with application and focus John was able to gain nearly similar dexterity with his left hand and has subsequently had lefty sell-out shows. FYI, we've put a selection of John Newman's left- and right-handed work at the top of the current clickback.



old dogs new tricks--and get them to relearn old tricks they've forgotten. Artists frequently report the loss of drawing ability when they neglect drawing for even short periods of time. Since my heady, distracted days in art school, I've noticed a decline in my drawing ability. Just another case of "use it or lose it"?

Tim Coffey Video - Faux Canvas

This is a great idea to get around paying for those expensive canvases or making them yourself, which is a lot of work.

A DAY IN THE STUDIO

I'd been on the internet yesterday and something caught my eye reminding me of a process I've done before, but not for a long time. So I started tearing up strips of tissue paper and gluing them down with thinned PVA. I painted the paper first and then the laid down strips to saturate them for good adhesion. The top page is just that, while the lower page has another layer of thin white napkins (this could be white tissue paper also). It too, is covered with another layering of glue. I like the lower as it gives a more muted look to the intense colors. They each can have their own uses. So now I"m ready with some pretty papers. You can do this using fabric as your base. See a tutorial at March 8th, 2010. Try it, lots of fun.




This is more paper I made embedding fern leaves in between paper and tissue. I've wanted to try this for some time. Living in the forest I am always drying leaves and flowers. I use them some in my art journal and in crafting with children. I like how it turned out. Now I have to see how I am led to use it.




This was the last thing I did yesterday and felt like it was a good place to stop. I was satisfied and happy with the days outcome. Well, actually I was pretty excited and gratified as to how this one turned out. The fish below was done yesterday too. It was a pretty prolific day.