Patina Moon

A Peek Inside My Sketchbook

2012-01-29T18:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend I spent a little time in my studio relaxing, listening to music and playing in my

sketchbook.

It seems like I've spent more time with fiber arts lately so I wanted to get back into practicing

some faces and shading.

Getting symmetrical facial features is still quite a challenge for me.

I'm thinking I should just adapt to the style of Picasso and pretend it's supposed to be that way.

I want to add more to this face, and I'm thinking about scanning it, and adding different media like papers, paint, fabric. Any ideas?

My lotus flower sketch was inspired by the design on the inside of a Yogi tea box.

I enjoyed the process of sketching the flower then using shading to add dimension.

The color added here is with watercolor pencils. Since it's just sketchbook paper I decided not to add water.

This photo, even though dark I thought captured the warmth and light in my room last night.

Another reason I like it is because you can see how my Fetzer's white nose stands out even in low light.

He is such a sweetheart...he's "mama's boy"

I hope you've also enjoyed a relaxing weekend.

Becca

Crocheting with Lucy

2012-01-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a week it's been!

I'm ready for a little fun how about you?

Nothing like a goofy kitty to help you forget your troubles!

I usually have to wait until Lucy goes to sleep before I can get my crocheting out.

I walked into my studio this afternoon and she was on my desk already helping herself to some hemp yarn and crochet hooks.

Silly girl...

(I've never tried this iMovie stuff before, so I hope this works.)

Hope you have a fun and "goofy" weekend!

Becca

On My Mind...

2012-01-25T14:37:00.000-08:00

Rest In Peace

Aunt Betty...

I'll miss you,

Love,

"Becky"

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,

Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

~unknown~

A Creative Break from Life

2012-01-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

Doesn't it drive you crazy when you're so busy with life that you don't have time to get your

creative mojo

going?

I finally took the time to sit down and crochet a few hearts.

After all, tis the season!

I love how I'm so busy counting or talking in my head while I crochet to keep track of where I am that the stress of whatever else was going on diminishes.

These are just a few little fun mixed media pieces I created using my crocheted hearts.

The above hearts are made with perle cotton embroidery thread while these below are a bamboo blend of yarn.

The color is called "Ocean Spray"

Doesn't the name alone just take you away?

Lucy likes the soft bamboo yarn too.

This is another small piece, like a tag size, where I just cut out felt flowers and created a design with embroidery stitches.

Now that I've fed my creative spirit I feel so much better!

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead, and don't forget to take a break from life and do what you love to do!

Becca

Dear Friends

2012-01-18T17:21:00.000-08:00

Just dropping in for a quick hello and to let you know that I'm back from what seemed like a rather long week in Seattle.

I took this first photo from our hotel room the first night of our visit.

Pretty amazing to see sun, rain and snow all within one week!

My apologies to those of you that are tired of the winter weather and don't want to see snow, but

since I never grew up around snow, to experience it while we were in Seattle was kind of neat for me.

OK, now I'm in the Christmas spirit! LOL

Remember I told you in my last post about getting to meet a blogger friend?

Well, here's the photo! I'm a little late getting this posted, but couldn't wait to tell you how excited I was getting to meet Catherine of

Corner of Cats Mind

Catherine was visiting Las Vegas with her family recently so my friend Linda and I had a fun morning of coffee and chatting with Catherine. She's such a fun person, just like I imagined her to be!

I think if Catherine lived in Vegas, the three of us could find lots of trouble to get into!

Then, if meeting one blogger friend wasn't exciting enough, I got to meet another one during my recent visit to Seattle! Wow!

Judy of

Stitch Along with Me

and I have been following each other for a while now. She lives in the beautiful city of Bellevue, Washington not far from where I will be moving to in the spring!

Judy and her husband joined us for lunch one day and gave my husband and me some great tips for places to eat and things to do during our visit.

I have to say that moving to a new city is a little daunting for me, but now knowing I already have a friend there makes me feel more at ease. Besides that, I already have my first knitting lesson lined up with Judy when I settle in! :-)

So, one more photo of the snow OK?

(Texture by Kim Klassen)

I feel like I've been away for so long this time.

I'm looking forward to getting back in to my craft studio and doing something creative!

Oh yea, and more packing! :-)

See you soon,

Becca

A Sunset Ferry Ride

2012-01-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

Hello friends.

Today we arrived in Seattle...it's time to "start" looking for a place to live.

I wanted to share a few photos from our ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. It was a beautiful, clear day.

After boarding the ferry, we heard beautiful cello music resonating from the outdoor deck.

This young girl sat down and began to practice her cello.

I didn't want to disturb her, but I was so taken back by how she played. It was as if she was the only person on board...this girl and her cello.

I wish you could have heard her.

After rehearsing different pieces, she ended her practice session with

Bach's prelude Cello Suite No. 1

I was so moved by this, it brought me to tears.

I've always wanted to play the cello.

To hear this beautiful instrument while seeing the beauty before me that I will soon call "home"

was simply bliss!

I had an opportunity to meet a blog friend that was visiting Las Vegas last week!

Unfortunately, I don't have that photo with me, so I will post about it when I return. Some of you may have already seen it on her blog...if not, you'll just have to wait and see who it was!

I hope to get by for a visit with all of you soon.

Sending good wishes,

Becca

Hearts and Flowers

2012-01-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

I'm on a crochet kick again, and since the only thing I know how to crochet is a flower, you'll probably be seeing a lot of them!

Looking at the flower I wondered how difficult it would be to make a heart...after all, it looks like part of the flower right?

After a bit of searching on YouTube, I discovered that yes, it is basically the same stitches to create a heart.

I took this photo on my "hearts and flowers" succulent plant.

The plant usually has beautiful pink flowers, but this one is not at it's best right now, so I'm only showing you a part of it with my own hearts and flowers.

Of course, it's the hemp yarn that makes my heart go pitter patter.

Whatever type of hemp yarn or thread I can get my hands on is what I like to crochet with.

I found these beads at JoAnn's yesterday.

I bought them on sale and hope to make a "wrap bracelet" with them.

Have you seen those bracelets? I LOVE them!

So, hopefully I'll be able to add macramé to my minimal crochet skills!

Don't you just love a new, creative year?

What do you hope to learn how to make this year?

Becca

Journey

2011-12-31T22:56:00.000-08:00

"Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey."

"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it."

(Greg Anderson)

My word for 2012...

Journey

This new year brings about many new and exciting changes for me.

A move to a new city...something I have never done before.

I suppose for those of you that know the "real me" you might wonder why I didn't choose the word, stress. :-)

(journey just sounds much nicer doesn't it?)

No, really, this word is such a perfect reminder for me!

Moving to the Seattle area is something we've dreamed of for a few years now.

So, hang on Becca and enjoy the ride!

Did you choose a word for 2012?

I would love to hear about it.

I'm linking up over at
My Heart Art by Geri
Check out some other bloggers words for 2012!

Happy New Year!

2012

Becca

The Hand Embroidery Blues

2011-12-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

No, I really don't have "the blues."

I've just been doing free hand embroidery while listening to some jazzy/blues by

The Eddie Higgins Trio

(If you care to listen, this is their rendition of Black Coffee)

(note...you always have the option to click pause/stop on my sidebar)

So, back to the embroidery.

Lately, I've been inspired by lavender...again.

Our mild weather as of late has been ideal for my lavender container plant.

I also find so much inspiration on the internet!

If I get stuck for an idea I just "Google" whatever it is I'm looking for and there it is.

In these pieces I used the french knot, stem stitch and back stitch on linen fabric.

If I don't know how to do a certain stitch I can usually find a helpful video on YouTube.

I haven't decided what to do with these pieces yet.

Possibly a pillow?

The hydrangeas are rather small, so maybe I could incorporate them into a fabric tag or I might try a decorative cuff. What do you think?

Thanks for dropping by.

I hope you are rested from the Christmas holiday rush and ready for a New Year!

See you soon,

Becca

Celebrate the Season

2011-12-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

From my home to yours...

Wishing you peace, love, joy, and the many blessings this holiday season brings!

Merry Christmas!

Becca

The Relaxing Qualities of Hand Stitching & Tatting

2011-12-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

I still can't seem to find my "Christmas MoJo."

No worries though...all is well and I listen to my favorite holiday music as I pack and pack.

It's not as if I need to hurry...I'm just taking advantage of the time I have to "be prepared."

I'm finding the easiest solution to my moving/holiday stress is "stitching n' tatting."

I made this little burlap tag for a friend.

So simple, and easy.

Lucy doesn't play into the whole holiday or moving stress thing...

maybe I could learn a thing or two from her.

Or, maybe I just need one of those zen, peace collars with a

jingle bell.

:-)

Hope you are able to enjoy some stress free holiday activities!

Blessings,

Becca

Mixed Media Leaf Art

2011-12-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

During our last visit to the Seattle area, I picked up a few autumn leaves.

I carefully stuck them in between the pages of my Artful Blogging magazine and into my back pack hoping they would make the trip back home to Las Vegas.

(not knowing at the time that Seattle would be my new home I was worried I might not see this type of leaf for a very long time)

Believe it or not, the leaves made the trip home without any damage!

So, now what do I do with this Maple Leaf that is larger than my hand?

I decided to see if I could incorporate my leaf into a mixed media collage.

The substrate I used is a 9x12 piece of watercolor paper.

After coating the paper with Golden Matte Medium, I carefully placed the leaf and then applied another coat of matte medium over the top.

To add more texture and interest, I used some dried tea bags and random stamping.

Still, I felt like it needed something, so I added some simple embroidery stitches.

I am pretty pleased with the results and I have decided to call this piece,

A New Beginning

Now that we are moving up to the Great Northwest I won't have to worry about hoarding autumn leaves anymore!

Hum...I wonder if you can press a cactus in a book?

Thank you so much for visiting!

I know this isn't a holiday type post. I guess I'm a little distracted and overwhelmed with everything else going on, that I haven't been able to keep up!

I do though enjoy getting my "Christmas fix" by visiting all the lovely blogs out there with holiday eye candy.

Sending you warm wishes of peace, joy & love this holiday season!

Becca

Inspired by Nature's Colors

2011-12-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

Blues, purples, greens...

These are the colors that I tend to gravitate to the most.

I created another Mandala, only this time with very few colors.

As I created this mandala, I thought of the beautiful, hydrangeas I hope to grow in my new climate when we move to Washington.

So many varieties of hydrangeas just like there are so many varieties of mandalas.

I love the calmness this mandala brought while painting with my watercolors.

Do you have a color or colors that you are drawn to?

I'm linking up with

Paint Party Friday

be inspired...

Becca

Monday Musings

2011-12-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

Last Monday I celebrated a birthday. :-)

So, on the weekend I got together with my friend, Linda,

and she gave me a lovely gift!

This is the envelope it was in...so cool!

It was all tied up with a raffia ribbon.

I just love all of the collage and stitching she did!

Linda knows how much I LOVE fingerless gloves, so she crocheted this beautiful pair for me!

No, I don't play the piano with them on, I just thought it would be cute to model them this way since I posted the first photo of myself at the piano. :-)

Here's the color.

I like this color of yarn...I've always called it an "oatmeal" color.

Someday, maybe I'll get past just making crocheted flowers and learn to make these too.

Thank you Linda, I love them!

Then, on the weekend I was reading blogs and checked in with my friend Catherine over at

cornerofcatsmind.blogspot.com

and she showed a YouTube video of a cat playing with an iPad.

Well, not that I'm a crazy cat lady or anything, but I was on a mission to find that app.

(both "free" apps I downloaded)

This is Fetzer and he seemed to be pretty amused with it for a while.

My husband said it was more entertaining watching me laughing at it, than watching the cats with it.

Oh well, what can I say, I guess I'm easily entertained by kitty antics. :-)

And, now a Lucy update...

Sorry for the blur, but my iPhone was all I had at the moment when I tried to get a shot of Lucy in our Christmas tree.

"Lucy! You've got some splainin to do!"

I think these cuddly, fleece sleep pants she found on the bed says it all...

"Naughty"

or Nice?

What do you think?

Thank you for your sweet comments and wishes on my last post about our move.

We are so excited about this opportunity! I am so thankful too about the fact that we will have some time to pack and process it all because we won't be moving until the spring.

It's pretty windy and cold today, so I'm going to make some soup and enjoy a little stitching that I will share with you later.

Hope you're staying warm in your "neck of the woods"!

Becca

Seattle Bound

2011-12-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

A new journey begins...

Dear friends,

it is with great joy that I share with you some news...a dream come true.

We are moving to Seattle!

Many of you know that I have been wanting to leave the hot, dry, desert of Las Vegas,

(the only home I've ever known) and move to this Emerald City that I have fallen in love with over the last few years.

I would like to take this opportunity today to share with you some of my photography that represents this beautiful place.

"Good Night Seattle, we love you!"

Thank you for sharing this with me today. :-)

Becca

Fuchsia

2011-11-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

The Fuchsia plant.

Not exactly a November blossom.

I took this photograph last Summer while visiting the Pacific Northwest.

It's the "color" of Fuchsia that got me thinking.

This is a Mandevilla plant.

It's in a container in my courtyard here in Las Vegas.

We have been having such beautiful, mild temperatures lately that this beauty is thriving!

Such a lovely fuchsia color to see this time of year.

Although, the Christmas tree is up it's hard to feel "Christmassy" just yet.

I think that's about to change though,

it's supposed to get cold and windy by tomorrow night.

I'm not sure how this Mandevilla will weather the cold, so I wanted to share it with you today.

I'm off now to spend some time outside enjoying the warm sun and color while it lasts.

Sending you warm, November sunshine and color for the rest of your week.

Becca

Mandala Art

2011-11-24T22:19:00.000-08:00

This is my first shot at a Mandala.

Willowing is generously offering a free Mandala Art class.

I haven't been able to get over there to watch all of the videos, and learn the "real" technique, but

I wanted to try a quick doodle anyway, so I did this using my watercolor pencils.

This was so fun and relaxing, that I will definitely get back there for more practice and tips!

Thanks for dropping by!

I am linking up my Mandala Art to
Paint Party Friday
Do head over and check out some of the other artists entries.
There is so much inspiration over there!

See you soon,
Becca

Sun Breaks in the Forecast

2011-11-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

Just another "sunny" November day in Seattle. :-)

No seriously, it really was a lovely, sunny day!

I love to visit here this time of year to get my "autumn color fix."

So, what do people do in Seattle when the sun is shining?

Well, a lot of people had the same idea as me...you go for a walk in the park.

This beautiful park is in Bellevue, Washington which is about 9 miles East of Seattle.

I started walking, surround by hues of gold, green, orange and red.

Park benches were everywhere.

The sun felt warm on my face.

Many of the benches had plaques.

I photographed this one because it was the year I was born.

The sound of running water all around the walking path.

It looked like the ducks were enjoying the sunny day as well.

Leaves everywhere!

I wanted to jump and kick my feet in these little piles, but decided the person that was trying to rake the leaves into these neat, little piles would not be very amused. :-)

For a second, the grass didn't even look real to me.

I had to take a closer look.

Very real, and it's not even a golf course!

Thank you for letting me share this sunny, November day with you.

See, it really doesn't rain ALL the time in Seattle. :-)

I'm also sharing my walk with Lisa Gordon's

Creative Exchange

do drop by and take a peek.

I will be enjoying a restful week at home in Las Vegas with my sweet hubby.

Hopefully I can get in to my art room and play a little too.

Wishing all of my friends in the US a Happy Thanksgiving, and a wonderful week to all!

Becca

The Art of A Rain Chain

2011-11-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

"Art"

is probably not the first word that comes to mind for most people when it rains.

If you have ever seen a Rain Chain

then maybe you'll understand why I think of it this way.

copper, metal, patina,

design, texture, beauty...

peaceful,

mesmerizing...

If you've read my blog for some time, you might remember, this "desert girl" is fascinated with

rain chains. :-)

I'm still traveling...Seattle...it's raining...

I'm sharing my Rain Chain Art this week at Lisa Gordon's

Creative Exchange

I have been reading and enjoying your comments.

When I'm back home, I will have more time to visit and get caught up with you.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Becca

"Hoot Owl"

2011-11-10T21:27:00.000-08:00

This week for

Paint Party Friday

I thought I'd show you my drawing of an owl, or as I would have called it when I was a child, a

"Hoot Owl."

I originally started to sketch an owl because I wanted to have a pattern to use for a little stuffed owl.

After using some of my watercolor pencils I wanted to blend, but with out water so I tried my Pan Pastels.

I thought the purples and the golden tones were kind of fun, and I really liked the

way the Pan Pastels blended my owl.

Maybe I should have put some little feet on my hoot owl, what do you think?

Thanks for dropping by to take a peek at my entry.

Please drop by PPF to see all the other fun and beautiful art!

Have a great weekend!

Becca

Stamp n Stitch

2011-11-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hello friends.

It's a lovely day outside today.

Cool of course, but sitting in the sunshine felt wonderful!

I wanted to enjoy this windless, sunshine today so I was trying to think of a project I could take outdoors that would be relaxing and easy.

Since I already had a small piece of muslin that I stamped on,

I simply added a bit of color with my watercolor pencils.

Then, only a few embroidery stitches with some autumn colors to add interest.

When it's one of those beautiful weather days and you don't want to be cooped up inside, but you feel like being creative, try a little

"Stamp n Stitch!"

I haven't decided what this will be yet.

Sometimes just a small piece is all you need for a little inspiration. :-)

I hope the sun is shining in your part of the world!

Becca

I Love "Lucy"

2011-11-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

A lot of you have asked about my new kitty, Lucy.

So, I thought I'd do a quick post to show you a few more photos and let you know everything seems to be working out for the best.

Lucy has discovered the BIG pillow under the fireplace.

It seems everyone (Fetzer and Shatzie) takes a turn here.

In the mornings when I get my coffee and try to do some blog surfing, either Shatzie or Lucy decide this is the warmest and best place for a nap.

Now, when I'm in my art room, all three kitties are comfortable hanging out together.

Each has a special place for a nap while the sound of the fountain outside and the lull of the Zen music on the player makes them sleepy.

Do you like the peace sign collar we picked out for her?

I'm sure she will continue to grow in to it, as it's a bit too big for her right now.

This has been a lazy, cozy Sunday for us.

I hope you are enjoying a peaceful Sunday too.

Becca

Zetti Style

2011-11-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

I've had a fun and eventful week!

In case you didn't read my last post, I have a new kitten, her name is Lucy.

Lucy seems to be settling in to her new home just fine now, and brother and sister are a little less freaked out.

This week for Paint Party Friday I thought I'd share my take on

Zetti Style

I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with artist

Teesha Moore

I have always been fascinated with her art and wanted to give it a shot.
This was really fun for me except when it came to the journaling.
I enjoy Teesha's journal pages with the tiny journaling, but since I'm not used to writing small anyway, next time I think I will try the larger lettering.

As you can see on the next page, I have another background already started for another Zetti style page.
I'm not sure when I will get to that. I am taking a new workshop with Sharon Tomlinson called
Faces in Collage
It starts tomorrow, so I can't wait to get started learning more from Sharon.
I hope to have something I've learned from her workshop to show next week.
Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comments about my Art Leaves last week.

Becca

Meet "Lucy"

2011-11-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm Lucy!

I was just adopted this past weekend.

I am 4 months old.

I love my new home and I've been playing and playing, then I take a nap.

My new mom says she can't get a decent photo of me.

I don't know why, I bet she's just not good at

"action" shots!

So, my new family is still getting used to me.

We're taking it kind of slow.

I run around and try to play, but my new brother and sister just stare at me, and sometimes they make a funny hissing sound.

I hope they get used to me one day...I just want to play!

Mom's been kind of distracted with me around, and I think she's behind on reading her favorite blogs too!

She says she's going to try to paint in her art journal tomorrow...

Oo, that'll be fun!!!

Mom says we'll see you soon!

Lucy

Art Leaves

2011-10-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

Autumn...

that time of year when I long to live somewhere with colorful leaves.

Since I can't make that move right now, I'll have to settle for making my own leaves.

I created my leaves with a mixture of paint, paper, and fabric.

I love to paint on fabric.

This project was small enough that I was able to just use scraps I had on hand.

In fact, some of the texture you see here is from coffee dyed dryer sheets.

If I didn't like the brightness of the paint or fabric I just applied part of the dryer sheet to tone it down.

Then, stitching randomly to add interest.

...and finally, some copper wire to hang my leaves.

I love how my Art Leaves turned out.

I might even consider putting them into my new Etsy Shop, but I'm still trying to figure all that out.

I'm joining my friends again at

Paint Party Friday

So many beautiful artists there, please check it out.

Also linking up with
Artists in Blogland
for
Show and Tell Saturday

Thank you so much for your visit and kind words here.

I enjoy reading your comments and sharing my love of art with you. :-)

Peace,

Becca

On Sketching and Color...

2011-10-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

Just a quick hello and to share what I've been working on in my sketchbook.

This sketch is just graphite pencil with a blending stump.

I've been trying to figure out why my graphite pencil sketches look more realistic, but when I use paints my faces look more whimsical.

Any thoughts?

I'm guessing it has something to do with learning to blend with paint.

I don't have a problem with whimsical at all, in fact I rather like it.

I just want to understand so I can learn to use different techniques.

These are some of my favorite watercolor pencils by

Caran d'Ache

Next, I'm going to try to see if I can "blend" with the watercolor pencils on sketchbook paper. I think the watercolor paper makes blending more difficult, but I'm just guessing.

Speaking of color...

This was our sky at dusk yesterday evening.

I love when it does this...it makes the whole atmosphere "pink."

Thanks for dropping by,

hope your week is going well!

Becca

Another Paint Party Friday!

2011-10-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Last week, time got away from me and I didn't get to attend

Paint Party Friday

I didn't want to miss out this week, so I spent some time with my journal and decided to show you this page.

This was a face that I was unhappy with so I just gessoed over the part I didn't like and added some collage, journaling and more paint!

I like the texture the gesso and papers added.

I still love to try and paint faces.

Here's a little peek at another journal page I'm working on using oil pastels and acrylic paint.

I'm already calling this

"When the Sun Goes Down in the Desert"

You'll know why when you see the finished piece.

Thanks for dropping by!

I do hope you'll stop by and see the works of some of the other artists at PPF!

Happy weekend my friends!

Becca

Butterflies and Flowers

2011-10-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

This weekend was busy and fun.

On Saturday, we attended a fall festival at a local school. There were pumpkins, food, a small petting zoo, and lots of "jumpy things for the kids."

It was 92 degrees F so I had on my flip flops and was drinking lemonade and looking for shade!

"OK Mother Nature, it's October! When can WE have some cooler weather?" LOL

In between the busyness I practiced my tatting.

Aren't the little butterflies cute?

Of course, more flowers...it's still all I know how to do!

This is the beginning of a larger piece.
I'm just reading the directions, trying not to get frustrated and plugging along!
We'll see what happens!

More butterflies for embellishments.

While I was out photographing my tatting I noticed my lavender was blooming again!
Everything is so confused with this 90 degree weather we've been having.
I just hope it blooms so I can gather it before it gets too cold.

Finally, crocheted flowers all in a row with shells in-between.

What did you do this past weekend?

I've been seeing lots of pretty photos out there of your beautiful autumn colors!
Oh how I envy you!
This is my FAVORITE time of year!

Blessings,
Becca

Mum's the Word

2011-10-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Now that our days are cooling off I can plant Chrysanthemums.

My mom always loved these "Autumn Beauties."

Hope you enjoy.

I also want to send a big

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

out to my "best friend forever,"

Linda

We started out our artful blogging journey around the same time and continue to share lots of good memories and fun times.

Sending birthday hugs to you my friend!

Becca

A Little of This & That

2011-10-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd start the week by popping in to say hello and to thank you for your kind and supportive comments on my last post about my fabric painted piece.

If you've been following me for a while, you will know that I can't seem to stick to one art medium for very long without wanting to play in another. :-)

Last night I picked up a piece of left over collage paper and started sketching.

Not sure where I'm going with this yet, but had fun using my watercolor pencils over the graphite.

With the coolness in the air that we are finally experiencing I am starting to get into the crochet and fiber mood.

I'm still working on my little hemp crocheted flowers so I don't forget how to make them.

I'm trying out different yarns and loved the colors in this yarn.
(note to self...next learn how to crochet a throw with these colors!)

For now, the little flowers are keeping me busy and can work as embellishments for little gifts.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

(for those of you that use Facebook, I've created a Patina Moon page and I would be thrilled if you wanted to drop by there too and say hello! Patina Moon Facebook Page)

Becca

Painting on Fabric

2011-10-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

Probably many of us can remember being a very young age and getting caught scribbling or painting on the walls.

Well, I must have been pretty young, I don't actually remember it, but my mom always teased me about it as I got older.

I do remember however, that I LOVED to "color" with my friend Kelly. We would spend hours with our coloring books and crayons.

I can see myself as a child, lying on the floor with my favorite coloring book, tongue sticking out, trying my hardest to
"stay within the lines."

With that said, I think I probably still stick my tongue out sometimes when I paint!
I painted this piece on fabric with acrylic paints. To add more character and another medium I sat down at my sewing machine and free-motioned stitched all the lines, only this time I just let it be messy and not worry about going outside the lines.
I kind of like that it's called "free-motion" stitching don't you?

I can tell this painting on fabric, then stitching over it is going to become habit forming.
It sure was fun!

I'm linking up again with
Paint Party Friday
Thanks for another great week of painting fun!
I also wanted to join in with the fun I've been seeing at
Artist's in Blogland
So much inspiration out there!

Happy Friday everyone!
I feel a bit behind reading blogs. I'm looking forward to some time this weekend to get caught up.
It's supposed to be beautiful weather here, so I'll be sitting outside doing a bit of blog hopping.
What are you doing this weekend?

Becca

The Autumn Hydrangea

2011-10-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Hydrangea is probably my most favorite flower.

I can't grow these in our dry, desert soil so whenever I am traveling and see them I love to photograph them.

As temperatures drop in Seattle, Washington and the summer weather starts turning to fall,

the hydrangea starts to show its colors of Autumn.

I can't resist a few macros to see the detail in the petals.

I love how the brown mixes with the blue,

and how the color of the hydrangea changes with the type of soil it's in.

Now, even as Autumn is upon us, the hydrangea continues to show it's beauty of the season.

It's cloudy, rainy and cool here in Las Vegas today.

A good day to stay home in your pajamas. :-)

Thank you for all of your lovely comments.

Becca

Heavenly Blue

2011-09-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and I'm in the mood for a party,

a Paint Party Friday that is!

I'm still having fun learning to draw and paint.

Since I take so many photographs I thought I would pick one and try to paint it.

This is a photo I took quite a while ago when I was able to grow these

Heavenly Blue Morning Glories from seeds in this desert soil!

I have tried since to grow these, and haven't had any luck.

So, if you can't grow them, paint them!

I started out sketching the basic shapes of the morning glories, then I started painting, trying to shade and add dimension as I went.

So, as you can see I'm not really finished with this yet. I still want to add more detail.

It's still pretty hot where I live, so I am also enjoying this cool color palette.

These Neocolor II water color crayons are a lot of fun, have you tried watercolor crayons yet?

I also enjoy the watercolor pencils too for detail.

I do hope you'll join us at the party.

Come on over to meet some of the other Paint Party Friday goers!

Becca

Butterflies

2011-09-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most of us have experienced "butterflies" at one time or another.

I had a case of the "butterflies" this past weekend.

I discovered the best way for me to soothe those butterflies, was to sketch them.

I sat in the cafe at a Barnes & Noble bookstore and started sketching.

I bought the small book of butterflies you see in the above photo, so I could have something to go by.

I still struggle with drawing something out of my head. I like to look at something and then put my own twist if I can. Maybe sketching from your head just comes with time.

This is just graphite pencils

When I got home, and I had my paints, I couldn't decide if I should add color or not. I wasn't sure how the graphite would work with watercolor.

I tried a test page in the back of my book, and decided it was fine. So, in the first photo I used watercolor pencils and a small amount of water.

I think color is good, however I'm kind of enjoying the raw sketch too. What do you like?

My "butterflies" are all gone now.

I'm glad I can look back in my sketch journal and see how I could turn that feeling into something more productive.

I've decided I like butterflies, I just prefer them in my sketchbook. :-)

Becca

(background music, Poor Butterfly by Oscar Peterson & Count Basie)

Inspired to Paint

2011-09-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

Birds.

I love watching the little birds flying around our yard, singing their songs.

One afternoon last week, (during our cloudy, cooler weather) I decided to take my supplies outside.
I was thrilled I even managed to sketch this little guy, and apply some light watercolor and shading. I was pretty happy with the results. Was it the wine? Maybe the candle and atmosphere that inspired me to paint?

Well, I don't know exactly, because the next time I got out my watercolor journal it wasn't the same. There's no consistency with my drawing/painting yet. My tennis game is the same way. I guess it just means more practice!

This was a little leaf tree I sketched last summer, while listening to the rain and watching this little tree get hit with raindrops before the sun came out.

I just now decided to add color.

Still, pretty elementary, but I enjoyed the experience.

Then, one late after noon when the autumn sunlight was perfect. I noticed my little "Charlie Brown Tree" had started changing colors. We don't see autumn colors like this much here, most everything is just green, then brown for winter. But, my little tree inspired me. I couldn't believe the colors I was seeing! No one else on my street has a little tree like this, it's weird that it landed in my yard.

I printed out my photo and got out my journal and paints and started to paint something that looked like my tree.

OK, not bad. I had fun mixing the colors to get all the greens, yellows oranges and reds that I saw here.

I have the tube watercolors, but I'm enjoying this little cheap pallet set for some reason now.

Oh, here's another color of autumn. My orange cats. This is Fetzer. I think he's inspired to take a nap.

What inspires you to get out your art supplies and play?

This is going to be one busy weekend, so no time in my art room. However, I should be able to stop by for quick visits here and there to see what you are up to.
I'm joining up this week with

Enjoy your weekend!

Becca

Weekend Happenings

2011-09-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Remember all of those tea bags I was saving?

If you don't remember that post, you can see it HERE

I bought the latest issue of Green Craft Magazine and there was an article by Kim Henkel on how to make these beautiful luminaries out of tea bags!

I already had all the supplies I needed to get started.

Some of the leaves you see here I purchased at a craft store, but the leaves I used in my luminaries are from the cape honeysuckle in my garden.

The lavender is also from my garden just picked last spring and waiting in wax paper for the perfect project!

After applying the fluid gel medium, I used inks and placed my botanical design.

Covered by another layer of tea bags and gel medium.

Add stitching after everything is dry.

Melt some beeswax and apply a small amount on the outside for a finish.

(Oo I LOVE that beeswax....hum, what next!)

Add a battery tea light, grab a glass of wine, turn on some jazz and enjoy!

Hope your weekend is a lovely one.

Living "green" and artfully,

Becca

My Latest Obsession

2011-09-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

Faces.

I've seen some really great faces out there, and let me tell you it's really stirred up my desire to learn this art.

I have looked at so many sites and there are a lot of great videos and classes to take, but I can't decide which one I want to take next.

Do you have a favorite?

It took me forever to do this sketch, (I need to buy another eraser) but I really like how it turned out. However, learning about paints and shading is another thing, and I was afraid to add paint here thinking I would "mess it up."

I don't always like to add lashes, but after seeing some videos on YouTube I thought I'd give it a try.

This second face I tried to just keep simple so I could practice with blending skin tones with acrylics.

I think I learned a few things during this painting process, so I'm eager to try again.

I still think I will add some collage to the background or hair, what do you think?

The great thing about a sketch book/art journal is it's a great place for me to practice.

If any of you have a favorite online class that helped you with faces, please let me know. I'd like to learn more about this art!

Hope your week is going well,

I've been enjoying the rainy days we've been having here.

I'm linking up with

Becca

Desert Storms

2011-09-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

We've been having some stormy weather the past couple of days with lots of lightning and thunder.

Most of the inclimate weather happened in the middle of the night, so I don't have photos. But I thought this would be an excellent time to show you my "drive by shots" just outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico this past summer.

When you're on the road and bored, try getting some shots out your side window of the lightning while traveling 80mph! LOL

I feel pretty lucky I even got this first shot. I think it looks pretty interesting.

The storms in the desert look so beautiful to me when the dark clouds build up like this.

These last two shots I just took about 6am this morning from our upstairs window.

The moon looked so beautiful going down in the west.

It's mostly clear right now, but we're supposed to get some more rain this afternoon. I'm hoping anyway, because we could sure use it here in the desert.

I'm linking to Lisa Gordon's

Creative Exchange today.

I hope you'll head over there to check out some of the other creative entries.

Becca

Remembering...

2011-09-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

09.11.01

A decade of healing...

Becca

"Potpourri"

2011-09-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends!

Today I share with you a "potpourri" of things.

First, let me thank Pamela from

French Buttons

She drew my name for her giveaway and I received a lovely parcel of goodies!

One of the gifts was this beautiful lavender potpourri.

Pamela's giveaway was for this sweet bracelet with an owl charm, I absolutely adore!

She also included a beautiful card and some lovely ribbon for crafting.

Thank you Pamela!

I've also been doodling a bit so I thought I'd give you a peek into my art journal.

After doodling and painting I hear my needle and thread calling so I work on some embroidery pieces for a while.

I think the colors of autumn are calling me.

I'm still having fun making little crocheted flowers and Shatzie always likes to participate.

Thank you for your encouraging comments on my last post. I didn't expect such an interest in the video, so if you didn't get it from me already by email, here is the YouTube link that helped me understand the 5 pedal crocheted flower.
VIDEO

Last but not least, I'd like to send a warm WELCOME out to my new followers I see, thank you!
It's always fun to meet new friends.

Hope everyone has a weekend filled with a
"potpourri" of things that you enjoy!

Becca

Flower Power

2011-09-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

Making little crocheted flowers have been on my "learning how to do" list for quite sometime.

I never learned to crochet when I was younger, so even though I have friends that can crochet beautifully, it was still difficult to have the time to get together and actually learn the skills it takes to master this art.

Sure, I could do a chain stitch, and I learned a double crochet, but that was it. I mean, what am I going to do with that? All the books out there would intimidate me with their abbreviations and symbols. Sc, YO, Dc Cl, !!! I would just get frustrated and think that since I didn't learn at a young age I would never get it.

Someday I would love to learn to make those big beautiful "throws" with all the fancy stitches, but for now, I just wanted to make something "useful" for me to use in my art.

I also wanted to use fibers that gave me a more "organic" looking flower.

I watched YouTube video after video, but they all seemed over my head, until I finally found one that didn't use crochet terms, but just "told" me what to do with the yarn.

I couldn't believe I did it! So, you know me...I had to get out my hemp thread because that's the kind of natural fiber I like to use. I wanted something different than the bright, poofy look.

I did use a wool yarn here, which I like the color very much...I always called this color an "oatmeal" kind of color. They are the more poofy type, but I still think I can work with them on projects.

I still wouldn't say I KNOW how to crochet, but learning to make these little flowers have certainly encouraged me to keep an open mind and persevere!

So, what did you discover or do this weekend?

Becca

(if you are interested, let me know & I will send you the link to the YouTube video that helped me!)

So Why DID the Chicken Cross the Road?

2011-09-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

Maybe she was on her way to start the long, holiday weekend with family and friends!

(This desert gal living in the city of Las Vegas doesn't get to see chickens running around all the time, so I hope you'll humor me with my chicken photos!)

For those of you celebrating, have a happy Labor Day, and a happy weekend to all!

Be back soon,

Becca

Wishful Thinking

2011-08-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of autumn,

wishing for cooler temperatures to arrive while

(Seattle)

staying indoors drinking iced coffee. :-)

What are you wishing for this weekend?

Sending thoughts and prayers out to those of you on the east coast affected by hurricane Irene.

Thank you for your sweet and encouraging comments on my latest artful journey into sketching.

Still practicing and having fun!

Becca

Art Journaling...Faces

2011-08-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to learn how to draw faces for SO long!

Those of you that paint, and draw have been inspiring me to try this for some time now.

This is my first attempt with water color crayons, colored pencils and acrylic.

I became a member of

Willowing & Artist Friends

Tam offers so many fun workshops, and this is where I discovered her

"free" Art, Heart & Healing workshop.

She shows you how to get started with a face.

I didn't have the flesh colors of watercolor crayons, so some of the color I used is just

colored pencil, and I found that harder to blend.

I still need more practice with the shading and noses, but felt pretty good about my first sketch.

I love suns with faces, so that is where I'm going with this.

I don't really feel finished with this yet, so who knows what it will turn into!

Once I get more comfortable I'm hoping to be able to print some of my work on to fabric

and add some stitching, what do you think?

Oh, and yes, I STILL need to practice tatting...I love that too! LOL

I have a difficult time sticking to one thing don't you?

Have a wonderful week,

Becca

Sights and Sounds of Nature

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

"Give your stress wings and let it fly away."

Carin Hartness

Still sharing photos from our trip to Asheville, NC.

Wishing you peace,

Becca

Hemp Tatted Flowers

2011-08-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Still practicing my tatting!

A very simple, double stitch with picots makes a pretty little flower.

Here, I am using "hemp beading thread."

I think I will use these for embellishments, or maybe to create a piece of jewelry, what do you think?

Here are some of my favorite natural looking beads that might work with my flowers.

The hemp is actually not the best thread to use for a large tatting project. For a beginner like myself, it's better to use a larger, thread made for tatting. I just couldn't help myself with wanting to use the hemp so I was thrilled to at least make a few of these little flowers with it.

The hemp and natural stone have always been my favorite combination.

Now that I have these little flowers down, maybe I'll go back to using the real tatting thread and learn to make one of those bigger tatting pieces.

Hope your weekend is a happy one!

Becca

Some Crafty Goodness

2011-08-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Here is a bit of creativity that I've been up to.

Remember the Christy Tomlinson She Art Workshop that I enjoyed so much?

Well, I found a book that had a little "different" type of girl, so I though I'd give it a try, because it's tests my drawing skills a bit.

Here you learn to practice drawing your girl on a grid and giving her some "attitude" with the way you draw her.

I still need lots of practice with this, but it was really fun!

After you draw the grid and sketch your girl, you copy it on to tracing paper so then you can position your tracing paper design over book paper, pattern paper, or designer papers of your choice and then cut it out.

Creating a background is your choice.

I used the sponge look here and the one above I just tore strips of different papers and collaged them to the canvas.

This one is a smaller canvas that I made for a friend.

She loves Happy Hour!

I'm also taking a class at our local JoAnn's.

It's a Tatting class.

Have you seen this art before?

I know it's been around for years, but I was never around anyone that did this, so I thought it might be fun to learn.

This book is helpful and comes with a DVD, but I found that the one on one in the classroom is a better way for me to learn.

It's only 2 classes, but at least it's given me a start.

There are also lots of videos on YouTube that's helpful once you get the basics down.

So, here you go, I'm talking basics, but I was proud at what I've learned so far, so maybe with a little practice I can do something that's on the cover of that book. LOL!

Hope your week is going well.

I'm having a better week.

Sometimes the stressful part is that part leading up to a decision...

once you decide what's best and make that decision it's easier to move forward don't you think?

I'm moving forward now. All is well.

See you soon,

Becca

The Art of Dancing in the Rain

2011-08-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends...

Even though it's only been a week, it feels like an eternity since I've been here to share with you.

In my last post I mentioned that I hoped to be showing you some "creativeness" that I've been up to, and while I did manage to get a collage done that I will show you soon, this last work week has been a real "doozy."

So instead, while I am on the mend this weekend from my week of turmoil, decisions and change I thought I'd rather share with you

"the rain."

If you've been following me for a while, you will know how much I love the rain.

During our visit to North Carolina I got to experience a downpour of sweet, refreshing, wash away all your stress...rain.

The photos I took of my dear niece and nephew depict the playfulness of my soul.

I will be by this weekend to catch up with you all.

Thank you always for your sweet words and friendship.

I feel lucky to have this creative outlet to soothe my restless soul.

Becca

Days of Summer

2011-07-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

Now that my summer holiday is coming to a close, it's time for me to get back into that

"work mode."

But before I do, I have a few more days to savor and I look forward to some creative time.

I've been "itching" to do some sewing, painting and collage this weekend.

Does this happen to you when you've been away for awhile?

I'd also like to send a big THANK YOU to all of my followers, your comments mean a lot to me and I always look forward to reading your messages and visiting with you.

Hope you're enjoying your Days of Summer wherever you might be.

Becca

Family

2011-07-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Spending time with family...

An 80th Birthday...

Morning walks...

Late night talks...

Hearing the rain in the distant trees minutes before it arrives...

Picking flowers for Grandpa...

Remembering how to play "Go Fish"...

Memories to last a lifetime...

Still 2000 miles from home.

Thank you for your comments,

I have enjoyed reading them while I'm away.

I'm still trying to get around to visiting all of you!

Wishing you a happy week.

Becca

Where I Create...

2011-07-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome Bloggers!

My art room is actually our guest room that I've managed to fill every extra nook and cranny with inspiration and my art.

Here to greet you are my two studio cats,

Shatzie and Fetzer.

Hurry and grab a seat before Fetzer beats you to it!

Along this side of the wall I've managed to squeeze in 2 computer desks and a lot of my stuff.

As you can see, my "workspace" is small, so I try to stick to smaller projects.

The only problem is, I like to "dabble" in a bit of every media, therefore it's easy to run out of space.

So, what I try to do is utilize my small space by storing my supplies in plastic bins in my closet.

I am so lucky to have a MIL that when she visits she doesn't mind hanging her clothes on a hook on the door. :-)

I am always on the look out for interesting containers to store art supplies that are "out in the open."

Some of my favorites are vintage tins, and Ball jars.

Vintage spools are among some of my most favorite things.

One of my favorite pieces is this "antique looking" library card catalogue file.

I have longed for the real thing, but found this one at Target and it was so much more affordable than an antique.

Here's another option for "vintage."

I loved the look of the vintage locker baskets, but with the shipping costs it was always so expensive to buy on line, so with a little paint, stain, and help from a blogging friend, I created "the look" with out the cost!

Right now, they hold some of my favorite Somerset Studio magazines and my most used fibers,

lace, burlap, and muslin.

One of the most important things I love about my studio is where I get my inspiration.

A photo of my husband, or creative gifts from friends are everywhere, so I am surrounded with love and art.

I am usually never alone in my art room.
This is Fetzer's spot when he is bird watching.

Or just napping...

...and here's Shatzie,
she just likes to be near me.

The afternoons in my studio provide some beautiful, warm light,
perfect for photos, creating art, or just taking a little snooze,

to the faint sound of the wind chimes.

Thank you so much for visiting,
I do hope you'll drop by again sometime!

Thank you Karen for another fun party!

Hope to see everyone there!

Becca

A Day at the Market

2011-07-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

Pike Place Market

Seattle, Wa

This is such a fun place to visit in Seattle.
I love the hustle and bustle of the market on a beautiful day.

So many colorful flowers year around!

We don't have this kind of farmers market where I live.
I still say that if I lived in Seattle I would be at the market every weekend buying flowers
and fresh seafood.

It's also a coffee drinkers paradise.

Even saw some veggies I've never heard of...

...loved the lights in the wine bottles...

The market after hours...

...birds looking for left overs...

...until the next day at the market.

Do you have a farmers market where you live?
I'd like to hear!

Hope you are having a nice weekend.
I'm off to do some cleaning and laundry with a little bit of
"creating" in between!

Becca

Inspired by Nature

2011-07-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends...

I'm back from our visit to the Pacific Northwest.

Oh, how I am missing that beautiful weather they have up there in the summertime!

Here in Las Vegas it was 111 degrees fahrenheit yesterday. Ugh!!

But, rather than bore you with my whining about the heat here, I thought I'd share with you some of my memories and photographs of a place we got to stay for a couple of days.

Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort

in Leavenworth, Washington.

While my hubby was busy during the day in conference meetings, (don't worry, he still got lots of breaks, good food, and of course these woods as a view. :-)

I went on photo walks, sketched in my journal, and read, but sometimes I would just sit quietly, enjoying the beauty that surrounded me.

I was entertained by the many birds and squirrels here.

Wait, listen...it's a pine cone falling from a tree.

The sun breaks through the clouds...

Art hangs from the trees.

Even from indoors, things like this would catch my eye.

the sound of water...

translucent leaves in sunlight...

Isn't it funny how all of your thoughts of stress and work disappear when you are simply letting nature inspire you?

Thank you for "re-visiting" this place with me. :-)

I do hope you'll come back soon because I still want to show you the

"Organic Garden."

Wishing all of my friends in the USA a safe and happy Independence Day!

Becca

Flower Conservatory

2011-06-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying my time in Seattle so much.

Cooler temperatures, greenery, and beautiful flowers are just a few of the wonderful things here!

The following photos are from our visit to the Flower Conservatory at Volunteer Park.

Such beauty here, I just had to share it with you!

Peace, tranquility and love,

Becca

Art Play

2011-06-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

I'm still going crazy for watercolor.

I signed up to take Martha Leaver's

Color Drop Flower Workshop

It's really been fun and she has some great videos to share!

I still feel like I need lots of practice making these cute little flowers, but no matter what, I find it very relaxing to work with this medium.

Then...I caught the Zentangle bug!

Have you tried this?

Sure, it's doodling, but there is so much information about it on line, it's addicting!

So, here's some Color Drop Flower workshop stuff.

Well, there ya have it!

My friend Corrine from

"Dosfishes"

couldn't have said it any better in her latest post...

"fine art no, but art play yes!

We're heading up to Seattle for a little break from our triple digit heat here in Las Vegas.

I know my blogging buddies that live up there don't want to hear this, but I really wouldn't have minded seeing a bit of rain, but it's supposed to be absolutely beautiful with highs in the 70's.

Summertime in Seattle is beautiful if you've never been there.

I have my watercolor journal and travel paints packed along with my MacBook and camera, so I'm ready for some fun!

Hope your having a great week, and I'll be around to catch up with you all soon!

Becca

Tea in the Garden

2011-06-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Since I had the day off today, I thought I'd join the ladies over at Kimmie's blog

Art in Red Wagons

for

Tea on Tuesday

One of the plants I have in a container in my "small" garden courtyard is a

Lily of the Nile

(agapanthus africanus)

This time of year when the temperatures are "hot" is when this

garden beauty thrives.

I love it's tolerance to the heat, because while I struggle to keep some of my other

plants happy, the Lily of the Nile blossoms!

Strange looking buds,

but the color is magnificent!

Soft purple flowers open up on long stems.

One of these days, I won't be lazy, and I'll get out my tripod for better macro shots.

Even the slightest breeze will move these towering beauties.

Thank you for visiting and chatting with me over tea on this Tuesday.

Wishing you a happy rest of the week!

Becca

Creating Art with Tea Bags

2011-06-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

As summer approaches and the sunshine is plentiful here in the

desert southwest, I drink a lot of this...

Making sun tea here only takes a short time.

I've been using 6 regular size tea bags for the above container.

(I like a pretty strong flavor)

You can add sugar or not, I enjoy it with a little mint leaves & lemon and

sometimes an added sweetener.

I started having so many tea bags and I've seen my friend Kimmie

create art with them, so I thought I'd give it a try!

I just let the bags completely dry,

remove the tag & staple then open them up carefully and empty the tea.

Open the bags at the seam line and this is what you have,

beautifully tea stained papers for collage, sewing, etc.

Here, I used old dictionary book paper to create my flower design on water color paper.

I painted the flowers with watercolors.

Collaged torn tea bags onto the background, then stitched around

each flower for dimension.

This book mark I made using watercolors, stitching and a

tea bag as a backing.

I was inspired by my friend Linda

she recently posted about the beautiful lilacs growing in her garden.

On this piece I only used watercolor.

Here, I was inspired by another blog friend, Pamela

she had lilacs she cut from her garden and placed them

in a beautiful vase.

I don't think lilacs grow very well in the desert, so I decided to just try to "paint" them.

Thank you for all the beautiful inspiration out there!

Once again, I feel like I am getting behind in visiting all of you lovelies!

I'm glad it's finally the weekend and I'll have a couple of days to myself to enjoy.

So, I'll be by for a visit soon, and I'll bring the sun tea OK?

Becca

The Garden at Dusk

2011-06-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

In the cool of a garden

when evening draws in

Serenity waits where the shadows begin.

In the fragrance of dusk and the murmur of clover

The cares that we carry pass peacefully over.

Flowers in the fullness shed blessing about

and the turmoil of living fades quietly out.

Hope glimmers through with the evening star

And anxieties shrink to the size that they are.

(poetry by Joyce Grenfell)

I found this metal bird cage a local antique shop.

It's rather large and heavy, so I wasn't sure where to put it so for now, I have it in my courtyard.

I placed the metal patina bell chime inside.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend!

Becca

The Creative Exchange & more Art Journaling

2011-05-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

This week I wanted to participate in

Lisa Gordon's

The Creative Exchange

This is my newly planted

"Julia Child" rose

A "buttery" yellow is fitting for her don't you think?

That reminds me, I was going to bake cookies today!

Other creativeness this weekend included working in my art journal.

Transfers using gel medium and beer labels.

Ok, while cooling off in the spa this weekend drinking one of these, I started to peel the label off.

Smashed a couple of the caps too.

Reversed the image in Photoshop then applied gel medium, put the image face down on the journal, then let it completely dry before applying water and rubbing the back to remove the paper revealing the image, fun!

Another page I was working on is about hydrangeas.

Neocolor wax pastels, watercolors & acrylic paint.

A fun & relaxing weekend indeed,

how was yours?

Becca

Creative Time

2011-05-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

I'm taking another on line workshop from

Christy Tomlinson

This time it's an Art Journaling Workshop called

She Had Three Hearts

Christy has already given us so many fun ideas for texture, color, transfers, and it's only the first week!

Here's one of my pages so far.

I used watercolor pencils, Neocolor Wax Pastels, acrylic paints & transfers.

I'm not sure I'm finished with this page, in fact I haven't added my journaling yet,

but so far it's been so much fun creating!

(top moon face from the Graphics Fairy)

This is just an 8X10 mixed media collage canvas I started a couple of weeks ago.

I'm not really too happy with the results here, but for me it's been more about the adventure and

learning to apply different medias to canvas.

I've decided to call this

Crescent Moon at Dusk

Finally, this was the last She Art Girl I completed a while back from Christy's last Workshop.

I made this one for a friend that really adores Vintage Trailers.

Well friends, the weekend is finally upon us!

I feel like I haven't had much time lately to just read blogs, so I'm looking forward to a long holiday weekend to get caught up with all of you!

Thank you for dropping by!

I'll be around for a visit soon.

Becca

Calm

2011-05-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

There is absolutely no reason for being rushed

along with the rush.

Everybody should be free to go slow.

(Robert Frost)

enjoying a peaceful Sunday...

drinking tea...

reading books shared by a friend...

taking a little cat nap...

just wanted to drop in and say hello...

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Becca

Coral Pink and Green

2011-05-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

AMARYLLIS

A splash of color for your Wednesday.

Enjoying my morning cuppa joe outside...

listening to the mocking birds sing...

wearing my favorite sweatshirt...

Mother Nature is giving us a break from our usual desert May heat.

How is your week going?

Becca