• Art - Blog - Creativity

    AJJ: Teal and Yellow

    July 4, 2025 - By 

    Todays page was inspired by the central “postcard” size image. I had the bit of leaves running up one side and the teal color. It got my mind working. As usual I began pulling out pieces that I thought might work on a page.

    I happened to have some cutoffs of scrapbook paper that I felt would coordinate really well. I cut a piece of scrap paper the appropriate size for the journal I am using to hold all of my loose leaf style journal pages. It happens to be the same one I used last year.

    I love working loose leaf style because then I am not limited by the book I am creating within. However, that can create a whole different challenge and spark more creative energy.

    I’ve always loved teal and yellow together so this Tim Holtz rose fit the bill. At this point, I added the lace down the edge and felt as if I was done. I even started taking photos for this post. Then as I looked at it more…something was missing.

    I brought the page to my sewing machine to add a bit more texture which I loved…and that inspired me to add the bit of fabric salvage and buttons. Finally, I was happy with my page.

    I hope you stop by Art Journal Journey and check out the other participants pages for my theme of Botanicals this month.

  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    AJJ: Waltz of the Flowers

    July 1, 2025 - By 

    I’m pleased to be asked to host Art Journal Journey for a fourth time.  It’s always easier for me to do a challenge during the summer months while school is out.

    Since its summertime here in Minnesota, that means I’ll be enjoying the great outdoors as much as possible. I love puttering in the garden, getting my hands dirty. I’m especially fond of flowers so I thought the perfect theme would be Botanicals. The theme is pretty broad…from beautiful vintage images to wonky sketches, stamped images to stickers…as long as it relates to plants, it’s fair game. Are you in?

    This first page in the series was inspired by the vintage sheet music I found in my stash. Then I started pulling items that I felt might work on a page. This is my general process when working with a theme.

    The vintage wallpaper strip piece set the color scheme…all that was left was to pull pieces that would coordinate.

    I knew I had printed one of my digital creations that would fit the bill. It was absolutely the perfect color.  I really love creating in Photoshop. That is for sure going on my summer list of things I want to do.

    After all the layers of paper I knew it needed just a little something more. This piece of tatted lace was exactly the right length. I love it when things work out like that.

    I hope you’ll play along with my challenge and post your link over at Art Journal Journey!

  • Around home - Blog - Outdoors

    T Tuesday: ladybug edition

    June 30, 2025 - By 

    Last week we figured out that the large tree that shades the deck was infested with aphids…ugh… I called around locally to see if anyone sold ladybugs which are a natural predator of the aphids. What better than to use nature to control nature instead of pesticides. Unfortunately I couldn’t find any place locally so I turned to the internet to order some.

    I ordered 1500 Ladybugs. I’ve linked them in case someone is interested.

    The instructions said to release them in stages…not all at once.

    I walked around the yard releasing some in various places to give enough space and feeding grounds to establish a colony.

    I’m pleased to be finding them around…I’ve even found larvae or pupa stage ladybugs which is very encouraging.

    My garden is full and I really don’t want pests chewing it up.

    I did have a mishap while out taking photos for this post. Such a bummer!!! This mug was given to me by a student that I spent hours online with as a part of distance learning while schools were in lockdown during the pandemic.

    It was a very fitting mug for that time. Oh well…life goes on…not going to cry over spilled coffee. 😉

    I’ll leave you with Marvin going on his supervised outings to sniff for bunnies and other friends that may have happened by.

    Today has me chipping away at a to-do list as usual. I got my 4 mile walk in this morning so that feels great!

    Stop back tomorrow…I’ve got a little surprise in the works.

    T stands for Tuesday
    What are you doing today?