• Art - Blog - Creativity

    Roses are red….

    So far this month I wasn’t feeling the love for the color red. Maybe because from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s day we are swimming in it. Finally, yesterday after doing some cleaning and organizing in my art space, I was inspired to create with a whole bunch red.

    This is yet another loose leaf page that will go in my scrapbook journal.  I created on the back side of an ugly piece of scrapbook paper using two shades of red and a credit card to scrape it around.  Next I layered some German text from a Brothers Grimm fairy tale book. I find this ironic now as I’m totally obsessed with the TV show Grimm.

    I also used a new art supply…it’s plaster casting cloth. I sprayed it with color mists before lightly distressing the edges. I like the texture it adds although it is messy. The plaster likes to flake off if you manhandle it a little too much.

    I tried something new with rub-ons as well. I have a couple sheets of quotes that really don’t speak to me so I decided that using them as part of the background in a wildly random pattern would work quite nicely. I do love the effect and I’m not just throwing them out.

    The photograph is mine…taken at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum several years ago. They have a beautiful rose garden…it looks and smells heavenly.

    Linking up with Art Journal Journey for the tongue in cheek theme of Fifty Shades of Red.

    Art Journal Journey
  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    T Tuesday: catching up edition

    Gosh it’s been a while…11 days since I’ve posted anything. I guess should should give a little recap of what’s been happening around here.

    I missed last T stands for Tuesday because I wasn’t feeling well. I had some crumby virus that had me feeling wiped out so I decided to skip it to get more rest.  When I was feeling better I decided to go get a haircut and brighten up my blond a bit.  I got almost 7 inches cut off!! And it’s still below shoulder length! It was down past the middle of my back. I was feeling frumpy with dishwater blond hair. Now I have a fresh new (still low maintenance) cut and my blond is back, baby!

    I’ve been working on a couple of paintings…switching back and forth between them as I wait for things to dry or inspiration.

    Just a few works in progress. #artadd #cantstopcreating

    A photo posted by Halle Gustafson (@halleshobbies) on

    I’ve also been working on writing an article that will be published this summer. I was a bit surprised by the focus but am having fun with it. How’s that for a tease. I promise I’ll share more when the time comes but for now I just need to meet my deadline.

    Over the weekend we celebrated a birthday. J turned 17!!! I’m still a bit shell shocked from that. Just one more year of being a minor. Next year he’ll be able to vote, serve on a jury, register with selective service…yikes!!!!! More grey hairs. But for now we still just get to have fun as witnessed here as he tried out a new game.

    Yesterday we watched the Super Bowl and ate a bunch of greasy junk and had beers. Today it was back to gym and a green monster smoothie for me.  If I’m being completely honest..this was the first time at the gym in 2017 for me. I’ve been attempting to workout at home but I think attempting is the key word in that sentence. Time to renew my efforts.

    What are you doing today?

  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    Be proud of who you are

    Once again I’m sharing a piece inspired by strong women.

    be proud

    Being feminine has nothing to do with strength or weakness. If you enjoy pretty dresses and hats…wear them! Carry yourself with confidence.

    be proud

    I felt my well dressed girl belonged strolling along on a beautiful summer day . Some mop-up baby wipes in grassy green fit the bill. I layered torn pieces then topped it off with a bit of white fabric to act as a base or perhaps a sidewalk for her to be stepping onto.

    be proud

    Linking up again with Art Journal Journey.

    Art Journal Journey