What to do with Mini Pastel Paintings

Magnetic Bookmarks available in my Etsy Store Click here to view the store

 

I've been in awe over the mini paintings I've seen on the web and wondered how these wonderful artists can paint something so beautiful on an area the size of a playing card.  I wanted to try it out for myself with the pastels.  I also wanted these tiny treasures to be useful in some way so I combined my love of books with my art and came up with magnetic bookmarks.  After I painted these tiny paintings, I laminated them along with some pretty scrapbook papers and then added a charm or made up some cute teeny tiny tassels.  I attached to large magnets on the inside to make sure they would stay in place.  I've kept one for myself and use it to mark my page in my planner, and it works out so great for marking my page and also to hold my bills for that month. Here's a peek at the inside-

I've listed each of these available magnetic bookmarks in my Etsy Store. They work great for books, Bibles and planners/organizers, and I've began another set with a different theme soon to be unveiled.

Painting to the Edge of the Paper

Lavender Breeze 12x12 Pastel available $125.00

I've been a busy bee these days planning new gardens for my yard - I'm so excited to get started! My dream is to have an awesome artists garden view from every window of my house, of course it will take a couple of years, I'm sure, but I've been researching plants to go into each sections being planned.  One of the plants at the top of my list is lavender.  Ohhhh the smell of lavender - how can you resist? And there are so many things that you can make with this plant that it also satisfies the crafter in me.  And so ..... I decided to make lavender the next subject for a painting.  I started with a Gamsol wash after applying some color.  I moved the brush in the direction that I wanted the different areas to flow.  I hang my paintings with tape tabs so that I can paint the entire paper and not have a border around the edges.  I first saw this technique on Karen Margulis's blog and though how engenious it was, and I've stuck with this method ever since.  Although sometimes you come across paper that really wants to roll up on you and you have no choice but to tape all the way around, but I like saving as much tape as I can - don't need the extra expense no matter how small it is.

Gamsol wash

 

I can't wait to share with you my finished garden spaces as I complete each one and also the wildlife I'm hoping to attract .  The weather is looking up for this weekend - time to get out and get to work - but with your busy schedules don't forget to stop and smell the flowers. Take in your beautiful surroundings.  

*Just a reminder 50% of all sales this month will be going towards helping a friend in need with hospital bills.

Helping Friends

Spring Symphony 12x18 Pastel available $185.00

I've been pulling my hair out lately with computer issues.  My desktop has officially been laid to rest and my husband has bought me a laptop to replace it.  I'm challenged when it comes to technology so I apologize in advance for the learning curves I'm about to encounter.

I was awestruck at the skies last week and ran for the camera - as if I don't already have thousands of photos of skies - but this one really caught my attention and also commemorates the rolling in of spring to me.  We've had some spectacular skies lately - some that really take your breath away so check back to see exactly what I'm talking about in future paintings.

After being a part of the Girl Scout organization for so long , the idea of helping those in need has become a second nature to me - and since out troop has grown up and most of our girls are in college now, I don't get quite as many opportunities to lend a hand as in the past.  I have a friend in need of help with some medical bills and wanted to lend a hand in any way that I could.  We've been friends for well over 30 years and I could never begin to scratch the surface of the many kindnesses that he has shown to others. I don't have much to offer but I do have my art.  I have no idea how this will turn out, but I have offered him monies made by sales in my Etsy store for the month of April.  If you've had your eye on something in the store, now would be the perfect time to purchase it. It will be helping someone close to my heart. Also, I will post new paintings as quick as I can get them painted. Thanks to all of you for all your love and support.