Friday Art Smorgasbord - Magical Moments

Greetings!  Although this was a short week due to Labor Day, it was very hectic due to evening meetings and various other commitments.  The few times I was able to spend in my studio were truly magical, hence the title of this post.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
My first piece is a tag I illustrated for Tag Tuesday - Circus, but was also inspired by the Artist Playroom #25 - Favorite Color and Crazy Amigo Challenge - Baby Card in Pink.  The circus is definitely a magical place with it's multiple colors, as well as the amazing performers and animal acts.  For this tag, I decided to illustrate my original character, Anel, in the debut of her animal circus act.  I love bright colors, but often use black as an accent color.  However, little Anel loves all shades of pink, especially magenta.  LOL!  You may read about the process of making the tag by clicking on the Tag Tuesday link, as well as peruse my talented artist team colleagues' work.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Another magical moment this week was when I worked on my tag inspired by the techniques of Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012 - September.  I like Steampunk art, but hadn't truly explored it until this week.  I created the background as per Tim's instructions.  Next, I glued a bride's print from the Dover Publications' Steampunk Sourcebook to a piece of vintage style add.  I distressed the edges and glued it to the tag.  Then, I added a strip of Tim Holtz newsprint tissue tape along the upper portion of the tag.  I also stapled a strip of Tim Holtz film strip along the right edge of the tag with a Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher.  The first embellishment I added was a rusty gear I found at a thrift store, on which I glued a brass crown.  Next, I painted a Tim Holtz grungeboard key using the same technique he used on a typewriter in his design, and glued it under the gear.  I felt the Song of Solomon 1:15, "How beautiful you are, my darling," was the perfect sentiment for this tag.  Therefore, I wrote it on a scrap of kraft card and stapled it to the tag.  As a finishing touch, I used a jump ring to add a Tim Holtz type charm, an old metal heart, and some vintage pearls I wired.  I tied them with a gray ribbon to the top, along with a small ball chain.  I am also submitting this tag to Simon Says Stamp and Show - Words, Collage Obsession - Gray, Inspiration Avenue - Wheels, and Word Art Wednesday - Challenge #44.  I'm also dedicating this tag to my lovely wife Lisa, hence the "L."

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
My third magical moment actually happened during my family's trip last Summer to the Big Bend region, here in Texas.  When we went horseback riding, we approached a corral where there was a mare with her filly.  The filly immediately came to us and peered through the gate for us to pet her.  My girls and I were thrilled, and of course I shot several photographs.  I relived the moment by using one of the photographs to do a watercolor sketch for my Twenty Minute Challenge post.  After the allotted time, I added the Smash date washi tape.  I also used a Spankpublishing sticky note to write the verse from Proverbs 21:31, "the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord."  I am also submitting this to Word Art Wednesday and Paint Party Friday Week 26 Year 2.

© Arnoldo L. Romero
Another magical moment in my family's life was when my oldest daughter was accepted into Texas A&M University about a year and a half ago.  We were so proud of her, especially her maternal grandfather who graduated from A&M when it only had a male military track.  I shot this photograph of the main entrance to the administrative building when I was there last month.  It's the same building where I shot the columns in my August 25th, 2012 post.  I cropped it to emphasize the height, but I was not able to enhance the shadows on the right side of the door to my liking.  Ugh!  I am submitting this shot to the 52 Photo Project Gallery 20 {Doorways} and to the Three Muses - School Days.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Last, but not least, I am submitting a photograph I shot of a vignette on one of my Studio bookshelves to What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #170.  I love the look of vintage items because they can magically transport me in spirit to another time and place.  I try to imagine who used them, where they lived, what kind of lives they lead, etcetera.  Vintage items truly create an inspirational environment for me to work on my art work.  Except for the brass spit cup, cigars, A&M mints, and the hand painted egg, I collected the flask and smoking collectibles at thrift shops and antique shows through out Texas.  By the way, I don't smoke, just like junking.  LOL!

I hope you enjoyed my magical moments Friday Art Smorgasbord, as much as I did putting it together.  Thank you for all your thoughtful and motivating comments last week, as well as for following my blog.  Blessings!

Comments

Ana K. said…
I totally love your tag….Right choice of colours and image is so beautiful…I believe your wife will be very happy!
Hugs from Slovenia
Diana Taylor said…
Hi Arnoldo - I'm visiting through Collage Obsession and I just LOVE your grey tag - it's very delicate and beautiful, and I love the vintage, steampunk feel to it - lovely little embellishments too.
Great tag for Tag Tuesday too - I've missed a few weeks but will be back on Tuesday - look forward to seeing you over there!
Best wishes, Diana
Tracey FK said…
It is like a snapshot into your life every week with your post... this one hasn't disappointed...xx
Terry said…
Thank you for sharing your fabulous Tag with the DT from Simon Says Stamp and Show, love the image and the background is just fabulous, Hugs and good luck, Terry xxxx
Paula (PEP) said…
Your staging of the artwork in the photographs delights me so much so thank you for the pleasure that brings. I might have mentioned it previously but it hits me afresh as I see your blog posts. I love all the detail in that doorway photograph but my absolute favourite is the Timmie Tag & your dedication of it to your wife. That is a really amazing piece.
Have a good weekend & love to all the family too.
Paula (PEP)
Maggie said…
Wonderful tags, journal pages, and magical moments! Have a great week!
Candy C said…
Arnoldo, your Tim style tag is amazing! Great job on the background. Isn't that fun? And your addition of the bride is really a nice touch. Love the other elements you've added as well. Very nice design. Thanks for sharing your lovely work with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy
Wendy Swenne said…
Wow, that tag is just stunning (i already saw the horse and commented on that site ;) ). Love it. But as usual: your art is just beautiful.

Thanks so much for playing along with us on WAW.
Have a blessed weekend.

Wendy
Currie Silver said…
BEautimous and refreshing Arnoldo!! Love the story BEhind your art. It is just delicious!!
Victoria said…
Hello Arnoldo..I always know I am going to see so much creative energy when I visit you. Love rour collectibles..I like junking too! Fabulous photo..yay..congrats to your daughter! I love the tag..it is very enchanting and elegant.so very beautiful...and circus art is fabulous!!
Wonderful post..magical!
Victoria
Visiting from APR
Teri said…
I so enjoy your posts! Such fantastic pieces to look at. Wow.
Barb Cady said…
What a lovely post! I especially love your take on Tim's tag! It's a beautiful sunny Autumn fay here in England, so am sat in my garden perusing my fav. blogs! Yours is inspirational. x
Marji said…
I love that circus tag! To be so proud of your Aggie - yes indeed! Its nice to see a masculine perspective with your bookshelf photo. Very nice. Happy PPF
Anonymous said…
Great post and great tag!
Karin said…
Beautiful pieces you made, i love the steampunk tag!!
Alice said…
you always have such interesting things in your post! i really love the second tag - i like the softness and the little hanging heart - it's really beautiful! and your horse sketch and verse are great! we have horses and i one of them looks very much like this one!
Unknown said…
You had a full week! I love your tags and how you make them "you." Congrats to your daughter. Mine just started her senior year at William & MAry. Where does the time go? Blessings to you, J
Adri Munhoz said…
Wow wonderful tag! Love it! Hugs
ANNE said…
Beautiful pieces, I really love the tag and the horse. The circus image is adorable!
I just want you to know that you've inspired me. Because of this post, I've decided to take a few photos of my "stuff" and post them on my blog. My house is filled with antiques, and I would love to share them, but it had never occurred to me that others love vintage, junk and antiques as much as I do. I get most of my antiques when I'm in Minnesota (hometown Duluth). They're so much cheaper there. For instance, the floral frog I sent you was only $3. That's super reasonable!

Anyway....rambling. Thank you for joining us again this week at Word Art Wednesday. I appreciate your participation so much, Arnoldo. It's always a blessing to my heart.

Karen L
Word Art Wednesday

Carolyn Dube said…
The tag is my favorite here- the way you've used the image of the woman- wow!!
Completely fantastic take on the Tim tag... I've got a couple of Dover books but didn't realise they did a Steampunk one, so now I'm off shopping again! Great post, and a happy belated WOYWW to you!
Alison x
#92
Gemiel said…
I was thoroughly filled by your smorgasboard this week. Your Tim H inspired tag is amazing as is all your other art!!! Your bookshelf photo took me back down memory lane to a time when I was a little girl and I was sitting with my grandfather and great uncle as thhe told stories. They were cigar and pipe smokers and had items much like the ones in your photo. Thanks for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday this week.
lorik said…
Magical moments - what a nice, positive thing to post about! Your horse has beautiful, soulful eyes! thank you for visiting")
Winnie said…
I love looking at Anel's adventures! She is an adorable creation. I love that circus tag! I love your tag for Tim's tags of 2012. I haven't tackled that one yet as it is very different than my norm. I love how you made it softer using that great image and the touching verse. My dad used to smoke a pipe and had one of those holders. I can still remember the smell of it. He stopped very early on thankfully, but seeing them brings to mind my childhood. Have a blessed week!
Joni Nickrent said…
Fun stuff! Love your magical moments!
Jennifer McLean said…
yep, totally agree with Tracey, a snapshot of your life in a blog post. The circus is totally cute. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Jenn
Anonymous said…
Hi Arnoldo -- Following you on Pinterest; hope you do the same with me so we can stay connected. I'm coming from S&T Sat and I'm the Neon Green & Pink Avatar this week. You've been busy. I love Steampunk but have yet to work with it. And your circus tag makes me smile and brings back sweet memories of cotton candy and clowns. Blessings Terri http://morningdewdrops.com
Natasha said…
Great post, love the sketch of the filly. Love the way you captured her eyes. :)
Molly said…
So interesting to read what's behind each piece. Thanks for sharing!
Katrin said…
Love your Steampunk art - looking forward to your next piece!
Ritu Dua said…
I am obssessed with vintage and so love all your amazing work!
Leovi said…
Maravillosas composiciones. La primera muy enternecedora. Saludos.
Kaylene said…
Great work, your art is always a delight. Cheers
Renee said…
I love your TH tag! So beautiful and romantic.
Darla said…
Enjoyed the post, so much to see. Your tag for APR is great. Congratulations to your daughter, sound like she is on a good path.

Darla
Christine said…
love your magical moments, wonderful smorgasbord this week!
Anne Manda said…
You are so creative and productive, your art is lovely! HPPF!
Sabina said…
All lovely, especially the zoo illustration and the one of the filly! How nice to hear that she was as sweet as she is beautiful.
Lynn Cohen said…
Always fun to come and see what you have been up to. Always so varied and interesting. Love the tag, seeing your art journal in action (horse)...thanks for sharing so much! Happy Sunday!
Your tags are wonderful but my fave is the circus one. Absolutely adore! :)
Anonymous said…
Arnoldo, what a lucky lady Lisa is! The tag is incredible! This is my favorite post yet! Blessings!
carol l mckenna said…
Great illustrations and wonderful creative eye ~ (A Creative Harbor)
Anna-Karin said…
This post is so wonderful, full of inspiration! I love your circus tag, I've read two books lately taken place in circuses, which made it extra fun to see your tag. Your Tim tag is gorgeous! It turned out so great, love all the different elements, especially the rusty gear with the crown. The horse watercolour sketch is beautiful and the memory as well.Thank you for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!
toni said…
I love your tag, its a really love take on the challenge. I get the feeling there's a lot of love in your household, so uplifting x
Annie said…
Hi arnoldo saw your tag on Tim's blog and I just love your take on it.....stunning. Really like your other inspirational posts too. TFS your newest follower Annie x
Stampsnob. said…
What a beautiful tag , you did a lovely job on this......Lis
Gloria j Zucaro said…
I am overwhelmed with inspiration when I see your art, Arnoldo. I have passed your blog address on to a few other friends who might enjoy it.
VonnyK said…
That tag is so cute and fits perfectly for APR. Your horse is so beautiful, the eye is enchanting. I love the peek into your world each week.
Von
Suzanne C said…
Beautiful projects. SOunds like a magical time in the craft room! Love the circus tag as it captures the essence of the big top! the tag is elegant and beautiful. The mare is lovely and what a beautiful way to capture a memory in your art! Glad you joined us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!
Neesie said…
What wonderful magical moments Arnoldo...I always think when we can spend some time in our creative space its a magical moment ;D
You always have wonderfully interesting posts and I always look forward to seeing what you've been up to.
Thank you for sharing. :D
Unknown said…
Hi I found your blog on Sunday Sketches. Wow you've gotten alot done for someone who had a hectic week. Glad to know that everything was clicking for you in the studio. That is certainly magical! wonderful! your work is so nice. I like your tags and sketches. Have a good week and hope you have even more time for creative work.
annie said…
Nice attentive work, as always!
Nancy said…
So happy that you shared your talent with us at Your Sunday Best Arnoldo and it's very nice to meet you. :)
Mary C. Nasser said…
Especially love your horse portrait combined with text!
Have always wanted to visit the Big Bend region, too!
Another prolific week for you! :)
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Your work is gorgeous!! Love the steampunk tag and your horse is amazing! ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/
I love your tag and composition.
mark gould said…
thanks for popping by, The steam punk tag is fab, great use of images and the tim technique. grungy elegance.
Ana K. said…
Hello Arnoldo!I would love to give you the "Child's shoe"-award for blogs, which are still young!
If you are interested in it, please, come around and have a closer look at the badge and the conditions.
Hugs,
Ana K.
minnemie said…
You are master of many styles!
Your smorgasbord is a feast for creative eyes! Your whimsical circus tag is fab, your take on Tims tag is indeed magical...I love every element, a wow for me, great filly drawing, and your junking shot in your creative space makes me bring up the smell of a pipe from my dad...love that smell! Inspirations abounds here!!!
Kate Yetter said…
Gorgeous tag! Love your chosen image. The theme is fabulous with your background.
stefanie stark said…
I love the first tag with the cute circus picture and I love as well the way you are describing your week. Last week you described the fruitful week and this week the magical week and this is so inspiring to find something similar for myself. It makes life much more magical :)
Many thanks for sharing!
Donna B. said…
Awesome tag Arnoldo!! I just clicked over here from your link on Tim Holtz blog. Congrats!!! I've been missing you at the PDC :)
Winnie said…
Yippee! I see you are one of the winners of the 2012 Tags! I loved it and am so glad you were chosen! I am so happy for you.
Congrats to you!!!! Your tag is amazingly gorgeous!!!!
Thank you, Donna. I'll try and participate in the PDCC again soon. Blessings!
Thank you, Winnie. I am truly humbled to have been chosen. Blessings!
barbarayaya62 said…
Congrats!!!! I love your TH tag , it's fantastic!
toni said…
Congratulations ! This is a very worthy winning tag , fabulous work x
Annie Claxton said…
Hey Arnoldo - great tag, just gorgeous and a lovely gesture for Lisa - congratulations on winning being picked! :o)
Unknown said…
I love your dreamy little horse! You captured the magical innocence in her eyes and I also adore all your gift tags :) Michelle