A Littlle Bit of Whimsy

I had fun doing these silly birds for a swap on Swap-bot.com. The interesting part of swapping there is that your creations go all over the world. I sent something to Mexico not long ago and I've also sent creations to Africa, South America, Australia, Canada and various European countries. None to Russia yet, still waiting.

Visual Journal Online Workshop Series - Strathmore Artist Papers

Visual Journal Online Workshop Series - Strathmore Artist Papers Check this out folks as this is a free workshop.

2010 Life Path Challenge

Here it is, the last week of October, the 10th month of the year 2010. It is amazing how quickly life passes. One day we are children in our parent's home and then we are adults with our own children. Then those children become parents and on and on the cycle goes. The question today is a good one to consider in light of how short life is on this planet.

HOW EASY IS IT FOR YOU TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE CAUSED YOU PAIN?

The lack of forgiveness we carry in our hearts is more damaging to us and those close to us, so whatever it is, I pray you examine it and let it go.

Kindness

I snapped this picture of the coffee my dear husband brought me one morning while I was waiting for him in the car. He happened to mention to the sweet lady at the shop he wanted a coffee for "his wife." Sometimes it's the little things in life that are precious.

TRAVELING ARTIST'S GUILD

As of the first of October I became involved in an art adventure called the "Traveling Artist's Guild." This will go on for one year and we will not only be creating art, but writing a story of our adventure. Anyone can play along, but the core group of 28 artists, myself included, will be posting our stories and work to the Traveling Artist's Guild blog. You may click on the title to visit the blog.

Susan Letham originated this idea. She is from England, but living in Germany now. We have artists involved from all over the world.

I see the creation of my story as an allegory of the Christian life and would so appreciate your prayers for me that I would be sensitive to His leading in the story and art. May all honor and glory go to Him that He be lifted up. http://travellingartistsguild.wordpress.com/

Traveling Artist's Guild

As part of the Traveling Artist's Guild we are to make some sort of traveling box or luggage to put our travel items in. Immediately this old vintage suitcase came to mind. Someone gave it to us almost 17 years ago as we were preparing to move to Ukraine. You can see how the hardware dates it. I wanted you to see it before I started decorating as it will look quite different soon.

2010 Life Path Challenge

As we speed through this life there are things we like and don't like about our lives. The truth is that we are better off to accept how it is and make the most of it. Those who have a habit of doing so are simply happier in life. Nonetheless, today's topic is one to look at and see if there is something we can do to create life as we would like to have it.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If you can't find anything to change, then you are a rare person and blessed beyond measure, for that means you are content. A great virtue to own in this world of turmoil. Thanks for those of you who have written in.

OWLS

I love birds as is demonstrated in the fact that I am doing an altered book in that theme. Now owls are very interesting critters and I know a lot of artsy folks are really into making them. I have been the blessed recipient of two such night creatures. The top one I received in a swap on Swap-bot.com and is called a dottee doll because of it's small size and beaded dangle at the bottom. The bottom one I just received from a friend, Sally Joy, in England. She is one of the most versatile crafty ladies I know. They are both so cute. Thought you'd enjoy seeing them.

Swap-Bot

If you've never heard of Swap-bot.com it is worth check out if you like to do crafts to trade around with folks from all over the world. It has been such a blessing in getting me to stretch in what I do. I've tried so many new fun things. Right now I'm also doing swaps like Kiwi's Blogger Follower Swap, Vintage crafts and Zentangles. So much fun. It gives me new experiences that I can use in my teaching here in Ukraine and that is very valuable to me. Above is an Artist Trading Card (ATC) done for a swap. If you are crafty, check it out.

2010 Life Path Challenge

I looked at my calendar today and saw there are only 11 weeks left of this challenge and the end of the year. Can you believe it? Where has 2010 gone? Life just moves too fast and soon we will be in a new year.

This weeks topic is one we've thought of before so I'm going to change it a bit.

IF YOU HAD TO EVACUATE YOUR HOME BECAUSE OF A NATURAL DISASTER, WHAT THREE THINGS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?

Ok, so everyone has thought of this to some extent and the obvious one is photographs, oh, and kids are not included. So beyond the kids and photos, what would it be? Those of you who are writing this challenge I really appreciate what you've shared with me. Some great stories. Have fun.

By the way, that is a photo of my almost 88 year old dad in case you were wondering and yes, they did do photos back in 1923. Can you imagine?

Some Local Color

2010 Life Path Challenge

As of my writing this today we have 83 days remaining until Christmas and 59 days until Hanukkah. It is hard for me to believe that we started this challenge almost a year ago and it soon will be over. If you are new here then look at the art in the header. There are also people writing this challenge. No obligations or sign ups, just play along if you'd like and upload your art to the Flickr account by clicking on the header to go to Flickr. So here's what we are writing or creating on this week:

THE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS I MOST LOOK FORWARD TO.....

I guess this is a good time of year to consider this idea and why. Where do your traditions come from? Remember, let your heart show in what you create. Someday it may really speak to someone.

Garden

Despite the cold we still have roses in the garden. No freeze yet so the leaves are just barely beginning to turn. It's this time of year when we must relish the fading shades of summer for soon they will be gone. It's this time of year when I pick more of the flowers and bring them inside since I'm not out in the yard as much. My garden work now consists of cutting back many things in preparation for the coming snows that will deeply cover everything. It is so amazing to me how the summer flies.

Journal Pages

Just sharing a bit of the fun from my art journal. Some are drawings and some are zentangles. And soon, very soon, I'll be back to tell you about an exciting journey I'm getting ready to go on. Some of you might want to come a long so pack your bags.

2010 Life Path Challenge

Today's topic brings up the issue of mothers. For some this is a very pleasant thought and for others not so pleasant. Either way there are things we did with our mothers just like with our fathers so here's a chance to document those things and to think about them in regard to your own family.

THINGS I ALWAYS DID WITH MY MOM WHEN I WAS LITTLE...

May this be a tribute to your mother and a legacy for your children by example. Don't forget to add your art work to the group Flickr page by clicking on the banner above. It will take you right there. Enjoy.

Old Church

A few weeks ago we traveled to Romania. On the return trip into Ukraine we stopped by to visit a couple missionaries in Oleksyntsi. This is an old church in the town. It was fun to explore and photograph.

Check out this Altered Scrapbook

Altered Book This was done by a friend of mine in California, Debi Devitt. She used an old book. Just click on the title to go to her link and then explore around Making Mini-Books.com.

A Bit of Fall Color from the Garden

2010 Life Path Challenge

One of the things that has come out of doing this weekly challenge is that it has been like a marker to me. Each week I am amazed at how fast they come back around. Such is our lives, they pass so quickly, in the blink of an eye. Another good reason to be documenting our lives with things like this challenge. We are making a legacy to leave for our children. They will know some of the more intimate aspects of our lives and how we felt and lived. Whether you are doing art or writing, be sure to express your emotions so others will know who you are inside.

THINGS I ALWAYS DID WITH MY DAD WHEN I WAS SMALL.....

May your week be blessed, Coleen

On the Way to Romania

Romania is a country to the south and slightly west of Ukraine. We took a trip there a couple weeks ago to meet my sister and her husband who flew in from California. These are some of the sights we saw along the way as we drove to meet them. It is a lovely country and we enjoyed time in their mountains. I'll post more in the future.

2010 Life Path Challenge

Some of us are better at expressing our emotions than others. Some of has have varying ways of expressing our emotions. That's what today's theme is about. Do it in art or do it in paper. Keep it private or share it.

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY ARE...

Enjoy, Coleen, see you next week.

A Find in Romania

While traveling in the eastern European country of Romania Jeff and I stopped in a mall to stretch our legs. I found this inside and was so amazed by it's beauty. It was part of a flower shop. The bottom picture is a detail. Unfortunately the mall was a bit dark so the photo doesn't do it justice, but I thought you'd enjoy seeing it anyway. Truly an amazing work of art.

Vintage Fun

I just wanted to show you a sampling of fun and beautiful pictures sent to me by my friend Lindy in America. It is so interesting to work with these old bits of history, memories of a time long ago when life was simpler. Maybe that is why the vintage style is so popular. There is a nostalgia for many things of the past as our world races away into an uncertain future. Thank you Lindy for sharing these with me.

Vintage Post Card

Not long ago I posted about a lost post card. This is what I did to replace it. This card is now on it's way to the Netherlands...in an envelope this time. I love the old photos and this is a fun one with twin boys. If you have any old photos you'd like to share with me by email I'd love to have more to work with. You can email me here: coleenfranks@gmail.com

Nature's Marvels

This lovely is from my back yard. I just always think these ferns are so interesting and beautiful. They also reproduce like crazy and I have to thin them every year. They like shade, but I also have them in the sun and they do well except for long dry periods. Just another example of God's imagination.

Blog Award

This little lovely was given to me by Roz at "Vintage Treasures." Just click on the title to go see her beautiful blog. If you like vintage at all, she has some of the prettiest work. Thank you Roz for this lovely award. I'm passing it on.

Lost in the Ether

This is a photo of a post card I sent to Francis in the Netherlands. Now, you'd think from Ukraine the Netherlands wouldn't be too hard a distance to travel, but alas, after a month Francis has not received it, so this one is for you Francis so you can see what I made. The next one will be entirely different as these were original images. Sometimes things just get lost (or swiped). Oh well!

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)

Just sharing a little pretty I did not long ago. There are few rules to doing ATCs, but one of the them is that they are 2 1/2 x 3 12 inches and another is that they are always traded and never sold. So this one went off in the mail as a trade. My consolation when I send off art work is that I keep a photo.

One of my Favorite Pictures

I love being a missionary. I love living in Eastern Europe. I love working with the people and teaching them scrap booking and paper crafts, but oh do I miss America sometimes. And why you ask? No, it's not the culture, though I do miss the library and coffee at Barnes and Nobel. What I miss most of all is my two daughters and three grand babies. Above is Julia and Jordan. Not shown is their little brother Tripp. Someday, Lord willing, we may be back there to live, but for now it is just visiting now and then.

A Garden Pretty

The last of the day-lilies. Thought you might enjoy it's beauty. Fall leaves some things behind, but brings other things of beauty.

2010 Life Path Challenge

Ever notice how fast the weeks come around, how fast the month passes and soon the year? If you are a crafter, it's already time to be thinking about what to make for Christmas presents and get going. When making such things we think about those we love and how we'd like to honor them with our gift. So today's posting has to do with that.

WRITE ABOUT SOMEONE YOU DEARLY LOVE.

This could even end up being part of a Christmas present you give them. Or if you are crafting your way through this challenge...do something dedicated and expressive of your love for that person. What better gift to give someone we love than an expression of our love for them and their benefit in our lives. Have fun with it. Coleen

GIVEAWAY

CLICK ON THE TITLE ABOVE TO GO TO A LOVELY BLOG AND SEE THE "FREE STUFF GIVEAWAY." YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FREE BOOK ON BEADING. AND YOU'LL ENJOY WHAT SHE DOES THERE. VERY CREATIVE.

Blog Award with a Cherry on Top

Just received this from a sweet friend in the U.K. You really need to go over and see her blog cuz it is just beautiful. If you like vintage style, she's the one to pattern after. Just click on the post title and it will take you right there. Tell her I said hi while you're there.

THE RULES FOR THIS AWARD ARE:-
1: THANK THE PERSON WHO GAVE IT TO YOU-THANKS Maisie Sparrow, you're a gem.
2:POST IT WITH PRIDE ON YOUR BLOG- This done and I am honored to receive it.
3: LIST 3 THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURSELF. Oh dear is right Roz, let's see....
1) I love that God made me one of his children...a joy and a hope for me.
2) I am grateful that I am a missioary and I love Ukraine (17th year).
3) I am glad for the ministry God has given me.
4: POST A PIC YOU LOVE - Ok, I'll have to look around. Do that in the next post.
5: TAG 5 PEOPLE FOR THIS AWARD.
1) Cassandra at http://www.theglitteredlily.blogspot.com/
2) Kelly at http://kellysartjournaling.blogspot.com/
more later...

Such a Blessing

I have been so blessed to have time this week to lead the ladies of our church in creating crafts during their widows camp. In the top photo you will see it is the Ukrainian tradition to stand while praying so as to give reverence to the Lord. They also cover their heads with scarves. It was a great time for all, but especially for me to be able to play with them in this way.