Haiku Bones - Peace

This weeks prompt at Haiku Bones is Peace.

Quietly sitting

dog in repose at my feet

softly singing wind

*************************************

Enthusiastic

gusts of  wind cheer

tentions rising

Animal Wednesday - Snowy Plover

As I sat watching tv, at least it was on, I did this with colored pencils.  It was a copy of a photograph that was in an Audubon Magazine.  I loved the scene of this little chick snuggling it Momma as she  still sat on some eggs. Marvelous photograph.

Artsy Soul Sisters Book

I am delighted as can be to have my Arty Soul Sisters Book back and completed.  I have bound the pages using waxed linen thread in a Stab-bound stitch.  I guess it really should say Drilled-bound stitch because I added some spacers between the pages to help protect the embelishments on  the pages.

After I put the spacers in between the pages I covered the ends so they aren't noticable.

This is the very first book of this nature I have ever participated in.  I can't thank Soul enough for inviting this novice to participate with such accomplished artists. It has been an honor to participate. I feel so blessed to have received such fine art from the participants. 

When you open my book the first page is my introduction to the project.  On the inside cover I put the names of all the participants and their blog names along with an artist they had mentioned to have given them inpsiration.  Then the front of my page is a watercolor with a haiku.

When you turn the page you will find the left side is the back of my page and the right side is the front of the page done by Studio Lolo.

I just can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone going along with my nature theme. Plus There are all kinds of surprises with each page. Like on the back of Lolo's page is a little sack with a post card to us all. It was such a delight to find.  On the right side you see the naturalistic look of a meadow with real dried flowers.  The page just draws you into the scene. This page is done by Suki.

The back of Suki's page (on the left) is full of love and lucious color.  The right side is Katie Jane's front page.  She chose to depict my garden which she knows I love and nuture.  This makes my flower box appear as I see it at its most beautiful state.

The back of her page (on the left) encourages me to "Find Happiness" and "Fill my world with flowers".

On the left is the most spirited page of Soulbrush who brought us all together. You can see that her creative spirit is so all encompassing.

The back of Soul's page states that it is Handmade from the Heart.  I can tell you it is a heart as big as can be imagined. I love her  touch of African art.  It made me realize that it was indeed from the heart.

On the right side is the front of Marianne's page. Marianne who is often whizzing around the world has painted several of the birds I would most like to see.  Her gentle touch is so evident here.

The back of Marianne' page (on the left) changes in mood and is so beautiful with this wonderful poem.

On the right Mim's spirit is sowing creative energy. 

When I looked at the back of Mim's page I was thrilled to see that I was the receipient of one of her trademark fish. No not one but a whole school of her fish.  This made me very happy.  On the left my

nature theme is carried through by Lynn.  Lynn captured the feel of a butterfly by felting fabric on this pretty paper. How is that possible?? I am telling you these artists are great.

Even the back of Lynn's page (on the right) is a tactile experience.  Then on the right is Caroline's page. Caroline lives in Malaysia and I think it gives her art a very light sense.  I love the way she incorporated the origami butterfly into the page. 

The last page is also the back of Caroline's page.  It is a sweet collage of the most interesting papers and images. 

As I close the pages of my book I can't tell you how heart warming it is to hold it in my hands and peruse each and every page so graciously made for me. Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you to all the artists that participated.

For those of you that would like to read more about the pages and possibly see better photos and explanations about the details  go to the Arty Soul Sisters Blog. Plus you will see all the other pages for the exchange. Or you can go to the artist's blog I have linked to each of them. You will not be disappointed at what you find there.

3 Dimensional Art

I have been reading a few different blogs that show their altered pages.  Most have some interesing three dimentional items on their pages. Plus reading how some people put together found objects.  I have boxes full of found objects. Most are rocks, shells and other items discarded in nature.  At least I find them while out observing nature. I can't resist bringing some things home.

I have been inspired to try one of these altered pages.  Or in this case it didn't end up as a page. I made a small collage of found items. 

Obviously not all items are found but nature was in my mind when I put them together.  The Frog is of course a Chinese (?) knot.  It isn't a real frog but it suits my sense of order. The piece of coral and a crab claw are real.

I put them in this black frame.  My only disappointment in it was that the blue paper bled through the red paper with the chinese writing.  I was going to send this to a friend but with the error of the bleeding I can't do that. I will keep it for myself as a lesson learned.  I am afraid that the crab claw is too delicate to take off the piece so I could place another piece of the red paper over the original. 

If any of you do this type of art would you tell me what kind of glue to use that would possibly not be so wet as to make the paper bleed? 

Art Hearts for Haiti

What with all the news coverage and the project Art Hearts for Haiti I can't seem to get this out of my mind.  I hope all that want to has or will contribute a heart to Laure's project.

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend.

Art Hearts For Haiti

Laure at Painted Thoughts Blog is doing a project for the Haitians in need.  It is so simple yet will be helpful. Please go here to her blog for thorough instructions. 

My contribution is below...

Haiku Bones - Incandescent

This week's prompt at Haiku Bones is Incandescent.  This word always means the bright light from a bulb. I had difficulty with it until I started thinking about it as ideas and creativity.  Like the cartoon characters used to do. Aha!

Incandescent

Inspiration search

light shining through a blanket

the fog is lifted

Not incandescent

ideas swirling around

mercury beads

For more haiku stop by Haiku Bones.

Animal Wednesday - Western Tananger

This Western Tananger was eyeballing a fly it was about to have for dinner. Happy Animal Wednesday.

ABC ATCs - Thank Yous

The first round of ABC ATCs have landed here at Greenbow.  I was so excited when I opened the envelope within the envelope from Cat. As you can see it was the most appropriate envelope to receive from Cat. These darling green eyes looking directly at me.

Within the catty envelope was Cat's "A".  A yummy apple.  Thanks so much for the A Cat and the inspiration to make some fun envelopes for my ATC exchanges.

Today I received another great ATC.  "B" from Mim.  I was hopping with excitement when I saw the outside of the ATC.

When I looked at the front all tied up I couldn't hardly wait to open it. It was like receiving a gift package all tied up with beautiful ribbon.

Inside was some positive inspiration. You can believe me, I believe... Thanks so much Mim. It is great.

Cactus Monday

Happy Cactus Monday to all of you Cacuteers.  This is one of the Cactus that is in a pot that sets upon my desk.  It is sort of leaning into the light. It also has a slight bulge at the bottom right side. I don't know if that is a pup trying to emerge. We will just have to wait and see.

Haiku Bones - Trembling

This is my journal page after watching some of the news coverage of the earthquake in Haiti. It is so heartbreaking to see. I am afraid it will all get worse before it gets better.

The prompt for Haiku Bones was trembling.  I thought this was so apt after seeing the situation in Haiti. For more haiku go here. I am sure there are many more uplifting haikus to read there.

Noone was prepared
trembling hearts ache eternally
dreadful aftershocks

Everyone cried out
even those that wanted to help
trembling hands grasp

Under the brilliant sun
the earth stood trembling
hearts still quivering

Animal Wednesday - YE's Octopus

I have been in one of those moods lately.  Can't put a finger on it but I have been artfully busy even though I haven't been posting much.  I took this down time to straighten my work area.  As you can see it was quite cluttered.  I felt I needed a fresh start to the new year.  I wanted to get a small shelf in place to relieve my work area.  I need all of this stuff within grabbing distance. 

I think this little shelf is going to do the job.  I feel like I am all tidy and it is easier to work.

I also cleared most of the "stuff" off of my bulletin board.  I just can't wait to have new inspiration up.

While clearing the desk I discovered some of the beautiful winter/christmasy cards that will fit the bill.

The above group I have already posted about here.  The card below was sent by Lynn. Her sewing is always such a inspiration to me.

The little characters below came from Yoon See.  She is such a talent.  Always such a young fresh look at the world, striving to be positive and most creative.  Looking at her world with lights in her eyes.

Could these litle creatures be considered Animals? They appear to be octopus to me.  I want to wish you all a Happy Animal Wednesday.

Haiku Bones - Electrifying

We are supposed to have lots of snow tonight.  I find the air electrified.  I hope to be able to sleep. The prompt on this week at Haiku Bones is Electrifying.

Sun shining on snow

tiny mirrors reflecting

electrifying

Charges of sun rays

rosy red cheeds of children
electrifying

Sleds plummeting

snow spewing, bonfire warming

electrifying

To read more haiku go to Haiku Bones here.

Animal Wednesday - Crows

This Animal Wedensday I had to show you one of the images that stuck in my mind from our Christmas Bird Count Saturday.  It was a flock of crows that were happily scarfing up on a rack of ribs.  It must have been a coyote or some other smaller creature that didn't quite make it across the road.  Happily its death was not in vain. It kept this flock of crows fed and hard telling how many other animals during this awful cold spell we are going through here.

Blooming Tuesday - Tea Chest

I received this interesting little bamboo chest full of different types of tea for Christmas. I just love the chest and the tea inside is delicious.  Just think of the different types of flowers that went into making the tea.  Happy Blooming Tuesday to everyone.

Cactus Monday - Zentangle

I would like for you to take a close look here.  Do you see the Cactus here?.... No?  You get to be right. I knew I couldn't fool my eagle-eyed artist friends that can pick out the most minute details and illustrate them.  I don't have a cactus to share with you today. I do want to wish you a Happy Cactus Monday anyway.