Strokes of Magic

Journal creating!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 08:22:00 +0000

Was a cold day outside . . . I spent the day in, did some organizing. Not easy with the construction going on. *smile* I did work on my journal cover today. Did some experimenting with matte gel. Used it as a glue - I am going to play some with water color pencils on the cover too. Journals are a good place to to practice, and to try new things.

Americana is my paint of choice though I do try everything new when I can. I like to know what is new and improved, and what might work better than what I have now. I used some paint pens today, clippings that I save that inspire me, and some of my practice sheet. I cut out and save any of my practice painting that is pretty to use in collage and other art that I create.

Here is some pictures of the studio addition. If you want to see more feel free to look at my photo album.

I know the picture is dark but the lights cause too much glare in the images with them on. We start the inside walls next. It is getting closer to the finish!

Until Next Time,

Renee

Art Every Day Month! Here I go . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Here I go . . .

Art Everyday Month has begun. I started on the first with beginning to decorate the cover of a journal. My intention is to use the journal to create in every day. Beginning with the AEDM challenge and continuing with CED's monthly challenge. I create most everyday but have been horrible about blogging it. Thus the choice of entering the month challenge. I want to blog my creativity every day, even the days I journal in part or a full page. Below are some images of what I did yesterday. I will post today's images later on today.

The above image is of a mixed media visual journal by Strathmore. I love these journals, they come in two sizes (and other style papers). This is the smaller one. Mixed media paper is thicker and easier to experiment with the different forms of media to create with. The cover is the typical Strathmore yellow cover, so I painted it -front and back in a warm yellow color. I added some gesso before painting to give the cover some more strength. Sometimes I just glue the first page to the cover for strength. I may still do that later. That is the fun of free creating, I can change things anytime I want. LOL

The two images above are a mailbox I am painting. I am doing some experimenting with the greens in the folk art outdoor paint line, to find some good combos for leaves and frogs. I like the duller colors on the black more than the brighter colors. Color pops so much on black, that the brighter colors seem almost too bright. More work on it later today.

Work continues on the addition to the studio for teaching classes more comfortably. I am so excited about it. I will post some pictures soon. I always intend to post them, just not good at it.

Here I Go . . .

Until Next Time

Renee

Rock ON!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sun, 29 May 2011 10:01:00 +0000

Isn't this just lovely! I enjoy the simplicity, and beauty of such a natural earthy piece of art! This is from a wonderful blog called Cresendo owned by Jenny Doh . . .click here below and enjoy more from this wonderful blogger.

Materials: rock, craft wire, sheet music, Mod Podge, vintage white button.

Wildflowers & Whimsy: Skye Reve Fabrics Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:10:00 +0000

Wildflowers & Whimsy: Skye Reve Fabrics Giveaway

Please stop by Wildflowers and Whimsy to give this a try yourself! Also click on picture for Skye Reves to visit their shop! So many lovely fabrics to choose from!!

Reflections . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 09:17:00 +0000

Happy Easter Everyone!!

(This lovely image regards of the Graphics Fairy. For more images like this click on the image above.)

It has been a time around here for me lately. So much has happened the last months, weeks, days . . .

We have experience the loss of a mother much to early, a divorce of a family member that needed my strength, the loss of a great friend to cancer at much to young an age, the loss of my granddaughter - she was stillborn. This broke my daughters heart . . .It is so hard to know her heartache and not be able to make it better. Moms are supposed to make it better right??

Today is a day of reflection. A day to put aside the heartache, and stress that life brings and spend the day being thankful for all that we have. Not just for the things around us, but the blessing of being alive and having the opportunity to reach out and seek each other . . . help each other and be grateful for each other.

Thank you for being there, even though I have been gone from the blog . . .

Bless you all

Renee

Spring Fling Winners!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:43:00 +0000

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

11 8

Timestamp: 2011-04-04 10:30:15 UTC

Number 11 comment

Michele P. said...

new blog follower Michele P. and I am so looking forward to green grass, blooming flowers and the warmer weather! I can't believe tomorrow is April 1st and we're supposed to get 14 inches of snow here in Maine!!!

micaela6955 at msn dot com

Won the Windowsill Sitter

Number 8 comment

Jennifer Smith said...

I LIke ur facebook page!

Won the set of two handmade cotton cloths

Congrats - Ladies!!!

This has been alot of fun!

I have enjoyed it so much, I will have another

giveaway next month!

Please check back, You could be the next winner!

Until Next Time,

Renee

Last Day of the Spring Fling!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 05:13:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Bree @ The Extra Ordinary Bree

Honeysuckle Pettiskirt

Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims

$20 Gift Certificate to Your Girlish Whims

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Until Next Time,

Renee

Spring Fling!! Almost done . . .better enter NOW!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 07:16:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Sena @ By the Bluegrass

Fabric bowl

Becca @ Barefoot on the Dashboard

$25 credit to Bare Feet on the Dash Designs

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Remember to enter yesterdays giveaway!

This is another item I am adding into my giveaway.

Set of two cotton dishcloths

Giveaway Rules

1. Leave a comment saying what you are looking forward to this spring??

2. Become a follower of this blog

For an extra entry:

1. Like my facebook page

(please leave a separate comment saying that you did)

Remember to enter yesterdays giveaway!

I will be posting additional giveaway items for each day until names get drawn on the Sunday.

Check back tomorrow and enter!

Until Next Time,

Renee

Spring Fling!! Day Twelve!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 06:40:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Susie @ Puddle Jumper Creations

Vintage Inspired Sunbonnet Sue Flour Sack Dish Towels

Renee @ Strokes of Magic

Handpainted Window Sill Sitter

It's my turn to share a giveaway with you!

Below is another picture of the same windowsill sitter.

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Giveaway Rules

1. Leave a comment saying what you are looking forward to this spring??

2. Become a follower of this blog

For an extra entry:

1. Like my facebook page

(please leave a separate comment saying that you did)

2. Leave a comment on Wildflower and Whimsy (hostess for the Spring Fling)
(please leave a comment saying that you did)

I will be posting additional giveaway items for each day until names get drawn on the Sunday.

Check back tomorrow and enter!

Until Next Time,

Renee

Spring Fling!! Day Eleven!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Kristina @ B Inspired Mama

$30 Gift Certificate to B. Inspired Vintage

Delina @ Dew This

Set of Decorative Tiles

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! Day Nine!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 07:22:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Jayna @ Rock N Regalia

Pretty Spring Necklace

Jamie @ Two Plus Jilly

Custom Appliqued Shirt

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! Day Ten!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 07:39:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Brooke @ Girl Boy Girl Inspired

Glass Pendant Necklace + a surprise

Ashley @ Ashley Creation

Loopy Bow

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! Day Eight!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 07:19:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

April @ Wildflowers & Whimsy

Sweet Bustle Back Spring Dress

Jen @ A Jennuine Life

Every Occasion Dress

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! Day Seven!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 07:19:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Bethany @ Sweet Bee Buzzings

Pretty Handmade Purse

Melanie @ Lucky 7 Designs

Gift Basket with 12 handmade items plus vintage earrings and lace

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! Day Six!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:18:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Nat Mac @ Nat Mac’s Knick Nac’s

Cleaning Apron and Box of Magic Erasers

Stephanie @ Luxe Boulevard

Lady Beachy Keen headband

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! Day Five!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Lauren @ The Simple Sussie

Bloom Necklace

Candace @ Sweet Nothings

Lovely Mustard Yellow Burlap Flower

Lelani @ To Sew With Love

Diaper & Wipes Case, Owl Plushie + An added surprise...

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! Day Four!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Joy @ Momma’s Kinda Crafty

Headband with interchangable crochet flowers

Jennifer @ My Mommy Can…

Spring Bouquet of Hair Accessories

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days!
Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! Day Three!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:08:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by

Anna @ Ask Anna

Chocolate & Salmon Vintage Inspired Necklace

Krista @ While He Was Napping

Apron

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! Day Two!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:04:00 +0000

Today's giveaways are hosted by Suze @ Time Well Spent & Shawna @ A Very Dandoislion Life.

Time Well Spent is giving away:

An adorable tutu & bows

A Very Dandoislion Life is giving away:

Lovely Handmade Hair Accessories

Remember each giveaway is only open for three days! Make sure you check back tomorrow for more fabulous giveaways!

Spring Fling!! It's Here!!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Spring Fling is Here!!

Below is our first set of lovely treasures for you to Win!

Please stop by these lovely ladies blogs and ENTER!!

Leighann @ A Crafty Southern Chick

Rosette Earrings & Necklace

Amy @ Increasingly Domestic

Rice Neck Heating Pad and a Burt's Bees Polka-Dot Perfect Mani-Pedi kit

This is the Butterfly window sill sitter that will be part of my give away!

Be sure to stop by to enter my giveaway! Each day I will post the next set of treasures for you to enter to win!

Until Next Time,

Renee

Crazy Days!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 07:13:00 +0000

Been so busy this week! Wanted to stop by and share a few pictures of what I have been up to with you . . .

This is the eggs that I had started earlier . . .I have them all painted. Next I am going to decorate each egg, then paint the metal basket they are in.

When ever I sit and watch T.V. I like to crochet. This is a flower, and hat the I made . . .I will offer some of these for the giveaway drawing.

I painted some sample boards for the upcoming classes. I like to show everyone what to do from the beginning to the end of a painting project. Everyone seems to like it better. Helps the students learn so they can paint projects on their own too.

Thought I would add a picture of my helpers. LOL Working hard aren't they.

Am heading off to a painting class . . .I like to go to relax, and learn techniques I don't know. I have been really looking forward to the class. Mum is going with me so we should have alot of fun.

Until Next Time
Renee

Another Productive Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

MMMM . . . Sunshine!

Another day of sunshine and warm weather (well, warm for us anyway!) - seems when signs of spring appear, I feel more productive. Are you that way too?? Do you struggle with the winter Blahs and don't get as much done as you would like to - or should?

It was so nice to see the snow melting, I just had to share a few pictures of yard.

I did alot of painting today. I worked on some canvas' - prepping them for painting next week.

I am also painting some paper mache' eggs, to fill a basket (I will be painting that soon too) for Easter. I have a hard time waiting for paint to dry and always work on two or three projects at a time. Most always one of the other projects is prepping . . . prepping isn't as much fun but has to be done too!

(Eggs in progress!)

OMG!!! Check out the weather change . . . just went to let the pups out and this is what we saw. You can't tell from the picture but it is blasting snow right now. Wish I was a better at taking pictures of the snow so you could see how fast it is coming down. Gotta love this area!

Time to attend to the family!

Until Next Time,
Renee

Spring Fling coming soon to your corner of the world!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 06:34:00 +0000

I have something special for you today . . .

a view of one of my hand made items that will be offered in

The Spring Fling Giveaway

March 20 - April 2

14 days of Fabulous Giveaways

28 Fabulous treasures!

I will be having additional items on my giveaway day so make sure

and stop by for your chance to win!

I will be offering some fun tutorials for you during this time frame.

Stop in and say HI!

As some added fun, stop by Tatertots and Jello and

read April from Wildflowers and Whimsy

guest "tutorial"! I am sure you will enjoy it!

Until Next Time,

Renee

Hard At Work!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:35:00 +0000

HI All,

You will notice some changing around here! I am creating my own blog backgrounds for the first time. *smile* I love My Style Backgrounds ! Mikelle is one of the nicest people and helps when troubles arise. If for some reason I can't get my coding right. I will happily use My Style Backgrounds again! Enjoy the inspirational picture!

Until Next Time
Renee

Lovely Give away! Enjoy!

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:28:00 +0000

ANOTHER WONDERFUL GIVEAWAY!!!!

Betsy, over at her lovely blog
My Salvaged Treasures
is having a giveaway celebrating her200 followers!

Take a look around her blog!