New collages in the works - Sneak Peek...

Hoping to have this one and two others in this series finished this weekend...

the brown novel is from 1891 - that is so amazing to me!

Sparrow and Feathers Watercolors and words...

2013 is my year to dabble with watercolors...here are some "playtimes" - using my favorite little birds and working on feathers...

Sweet Sparrow - Watercolors on coffee splattered paper.

Checking how they look together...

blue feather + Psalm 91:4 card

Frame size is 5 x 7 inches

This feather is painted on coffee painted and splattered paper

The edges are torn and it is in the same style 5 x 7 inch frame

I'm still playing with "do I want to try realistic" vs. feathers with a doodled quality...for the feathers I have been enjoying letting the colors flow together and mix, creating their own effect...I am happy with how the little sparrow turned out...I am ready to go and paint different poses for this little fellow.  Watercolor nests sound good to, don't you think?  And there are so many good scriptures to include!  They'll be in the etsy shop later today!

Linking up with the new Sneak Peek Party at IBelieveInLove - and now called "In The Studio"

Something new in the etsy shop...

I'm so excited - this is a photo I DID take!  I might be getting the hang of good photography {with minimal help from photoshop}...

Fiber Art Bird's Nest and Paper Weight - Desk Accessory or Home Decor

An artisan fiber bird nest and coordinating paper weight are ready to add beautiful functionality to your computer, on your desk top, on a book shelf, or near your favorite chair.

The nest, assembled by hand using reclaimed materials, has a delicate 3 inch diameter and 1 inch deep interior which can hold a favorite treasure or remain empty as its many textures and colors are a feast for the eyes. A coordinating riverstone paperweight with a tree hand drawn with acrylic ink and sealed for longevity, holds your important papers in place or can be a simple reminder to think about the peacefulness found in nature. The riverstones vary in size and shape, but are usually about 3 inches by 2 inches.

Each nest is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Rocks are initialed and numbered on the bottom.

Discovering Genesis in Chinoiserie Mixed Media Style - Sneak Peek Friday

 My piece for the character "To Create"

Chinoiserie is a French word meaning "in the Chinese Style" - (more information here)

I find I am really attracted to this style, perhaps because I would love to decorate my Victorian home in authentic style, and this was popular in Victorian Europe...also because the "mix", much like "mixed media" really appeals to my artistic nature {smiling}...

The full piece:

 I really like the quote by Henry Ward Beecher - and as I was working on the quote, this is what the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Creation, was weaving in my mind:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)  By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God...(Hebrews 1:11 ESV)  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been

made. (Romans 1:20)

And we are made in His image...

So sweet, that the quote really reflects that God is evident in His Creation - and we are the crown of the Creation...

 
I made this postcard to help explain the development of the character:

This little postcard to explain the character's significance will accompany each print...

Sharing with Jennifer and other creatives at Studio JRU

Birds images - Sneak Peek Friday

Bird and Lyre Book Plate

I've been looking at bird images online this week, and quotes about birds.

Vintage Counting Birds

I love the counting birds above.

Bird and Lyre Book Plate - Library of Poetry and Song

These are all copyright free and most are from The Graphics Fairy.

Sweet Sparrow

I still feel like the little sparrow in Psalm 84, making her nest at the altar, 

in the place of finding sanctuary and 

contemplation.

Bird and Branches silhoutte

Vintage floral and bird banner

Joining with Jennifer and other creatives at:

Unveiling "Finding Sanctuary" an E-class

Watercolor dove in window

I discovered one wonderful aspect of painting with water colors this week that really has me eager to do more...when I get interrupted, I can just walk away without worrying my paint will dry up...I have loved my watercolor experiments of late {smiles}...

I've had birds and nests and eggs on my mind lately - 

as the Lord has had me "contemplating" on the word 

Sanctuary...

and the idea of "Finding Sanctuary"  ...

He has been patiently encouraging me and nudging me forward...

I am so amazed at all the different ways 

He has brought verses through my email inbox 

(you know how you can read the "same old verse" and all of a sudden it is rhema?)

And He knew which images I would be drawn to when reading favorite blogs...

2 Timothy 2:2

Zechariah 2:10 (on an image with a nest)

Psalm 84:3 - the one that always says "sanctuary" to me!

and so many more as I have asked "Is this really you?"

And so this week, with that inner witness so strong my heart was pounding and His promise that He rejoices to see the work begin, I committed to reveal - tho' all the little ducks aren't in a row quite yet and I am feeling very small (which means it is all up to God).  All of that being said, a quiet excitement is growing...I am on this journey too, and I cannot wait to share it with you (and those of you who join!).

Feel free to grab the button from my sidebar and click HERE for more information about the class

Joining with Jennifer and other creatives at Sneak Peek Fridays

Sparrow practice...

 

All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word:
freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.

-Sir Winston Churchill

My single words:
fullness.  simplicity.  stretching.  joy.  stillness.  sanctuary.  shelter.  peace.  contentment.

Working on painting birds without sketching first,

enjoying my 36 days with the Lord,

Him calling together the thoughts taking wing,

them migrating to His voice...

Linking with Emily at :




Joining with Jennifer and other creatives...