I know I’m not usually on top of the holidays - but, hey! I’m here.  Everyone’s here (no school).  I hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day and that we take a moment to remember those who have fought for us so we could maintain our freedom.  Freedom isn’t free - it requires constant vigilance and much responsibility by those who hold it (us!).  I hope we treasure it, are careful with it, and are not so eager to give it away into the hands of those who would mis-use it.   Stepping off soapbox now.

I’ve been experimenting a little with encaustics - just a few more small paintings.  I’ll post those soon.  In the meantime, here’s a little drawing I did for my niece: 

You can download a free pdf copy for printing here.  Yes, I know the proportions are a little off… I’m not worried about it… I just did this while on the phone with family last night, and I just did it for fun.  I thought it would be a fun thing to share - maybe you know a little girl one who might like to color it.  Feel free to print a copy.

That’s all for today.  Hope your weekend is fabulous!

A little creative goodie I wanted to pass along…I was looking for something simple, inexpensive, yet thoughtful and (hopefully) unique to give to the kids’ teachers this year.  All those hardworking teacher’s deserve a little something, don’t they?  The solution: tiny potted succulents, oatmeal pinstriped wrapping paper, ribbon, a bit of wire twisted into a card holder, and little card to top it off.  I think they turned out nicely, and I’m told that they were well received (yay!).

I already had the wire, wrapping paper, card stock and ribbon, so I really only spent about $2.50 for each plant.  Not to shabby, eh?

A couple of notes: I hand made each card with ink and watercolor pencil, but this could easily be done on the computer.  The kids signed their names inside.  If you make yours, be sure to use waterproof ink so the watercolor doesn’t smudge it.  I put a dot of hot glue under the ribbons to keep them on, as they wanted to slip off.   Oh, and make sure the pots are not wet when you wrap them with the paper.  I modified this to my liking from this version (here).

Creativity Question (sort of): Are you kind to yourself?  Do you ever treat yourself to something fun?  Just because?

I don’t always allow myself this, but sometimes, I like to get lost in the fabric store, craft store or home improvement store for a few hours - and just daydream a little bit.  I guess it doesn’t take much for me to classify it as “fun”, haha.  Hmm… maybe I need to work on a “Fun things to treat myself to occasionally” list.

Ok - I waited because I wanted the “next” post to be on the new site.  Not ready yet.  But soon, very soon. And I will definitely post sooner the next time.

So, in few words plus quite a few photos, here’s a mish-mesh of what I’ve been doing the last month or two:

The little birds are going in some “thank you” cards.  They are cut out of randomly painted watercolor paper, and tied with a gold string.  The photo quality is bad, my apologies - and this is why I do not like using the flash.

Two quite small encaustic paintings, 5″x5″. “cosmos” and “Rosy”.  I am playing around with different techniques.  I bought 12 of the 5×5 wood panels, so there will be more coming. Yay!  Viva encaustic!

These sweet nests were for Easter, of course.  I wanted something “chocolate” that my allergy boy could eat.  These were made from non-dairy chocolate chips. You just melt & mix with the chow mein noodles, shape, put in the jellybeans, and then let them cool.  Easy.  Kids love them.

I caught this patch of fog and snapped a quick photo before it went away.  You’re probably tired of the same view of my backyard by now.  But, I like how the fog looks in the photo, nonetheless.

A few other things… a big big “Thank You” to my dear friend Tangie, and to ALL of those who made it possible for me to travel to Salt Lake City to attend the opening of the art show.  It was so very nice to be able to attend in person.  I don’t know if an artist could ask for more than wonderful, supportive friends and family.  Thank you. Everyone.

A design I made from some of Tangie’s digital scrapbooking products (photo by me).  You can get her products here.
{background: “Yippe-ki-yay”, Tangie Baxter & SherrieJD {collab}
Orange paper: “Orchard Lane”, Tangie Baxter
“Wise Guys” (digital stamp), Tangie Baxter
Typefaces: Century Gothic, Century Schoolbook (large “B”)}

Last, but definitely NOT least - I finally finished the website I’ve been working so hard on.  I’m pleased with they way it turned out.  The products are great, and I loved working with another mom.  Check it out!

No creativity question this time - isn’t this post long enough?

Happy creating until next time!