It's Still Easter!

According to the Gregorian/Christian calendar, which is used by Catholic and Protestant denominations, Easter Sunday is just the first day of Easter.  After a little research, I now understand that the celebration is officially over on Trinity Sunday.  Therefore, I felt it was appropriate to do an Easter tribute this week, since we are really only 4 days into it.


I started planning for my daughter's Easter baskets above a month ago, when I made a pair of Tim Holtz inspired flower broaches.  After the latter, I designed the cards using some EK success paper doll templates and DCWV prints.  To dress them, I traced various pieces, and modified some, to fit my design.  To do the background, I also used Tim Holtz tissue and a K&Company Stamp.  I finished my design by punching the corner design using a couple of EK Success punches.  As to the Easter egg ornaments, I used some scroll cut wooden forms.  I sponged the background using various acrylic paint colors.  When they were dry, I hand lettered the Bible verse from James 4:10, "The Lord shall raise you up."  I varnished and embellished them with a hand made Sculpey flower, a metallic number, Martha Stewart rhinestones, a mother of pearl cross, and various trim ties.  I arranged all the elements in the baskets along with some candy and ribbon ties.  I am submitting this project to Simon Says Stamp and Show - April 1 (A Very Strict Challenge)Pin & Tack: Challenge #8 Anything Goes, and Blog Dos Desafios #12 Vintage.


The photograph above is of my family's Easter Sunday celebrations.  Of course, we began the day by attending church, which includes the flowering of the cross.  My girls have been taking part in this tradition since we first moved to Del Rio 13 years ago.  Once we got home, the girls took care of dinner, and I set the table.  Did you notice the  rabbit napkin holders I made?  I got the head idea from Digs Digs, but I used teacups to simulate the rabbits' bodies.  Since I used some old wooden eggs, they were very easy to make.  By the way, I made the photo collages above using the "Strip Design app" on my iPhone, and matted them in orange because of its feeling of warmth.  I am submitting this last photo to 52 Photos Project: Gallery 50 {Tangerine}Orange You Glad It's Friday #32, and Mandarin Orange Monday #36.


I was challenged to do the art journal page above by my friend Jennifer McLean, during her Artist's Play Room #51 - Peacocks.  She apparently has fond memories of these animals.  I've been fascinated by their beauty, so I have a trio of their tail feathers sitting in a cup in my studio.  I used one of them as a model to illustrate it using Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens.  Next, I found this Bible verse which I thought completed my art journal page perfectly - don't you think so?  I used the same type of pen to do the hand lettering.  I am also submitting this art journal page to Art Journal Journey - Landscape Within Me and Sunday Sketches.


This next page was primarily inspired by Illustration Friday - Egg.  I began by designing the 3 eggs using various hand painted paper scraps that I had from previous projects.  I used a Fiskars Shape Cutters template system to cut the oval shapes.  However, the flower designs were all cut free hand.  I shaded the edges with an ink pad to give them a little dimension.  I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with the eggs, so I moved them around my page as I visualized various ideas.  When I found a photograph of a little girl holding a basket online, I knew I wanted to do a Twenty Minute Challenge micron pen sketch to complete my page.  It actually only took me about 15 minutes to do it - LOL!  I am also submitting this page to Inspiration Avenue - April and Inspire Me Monday - Week 66.


Last, but not least, I want to share this ATC size mixed media piece that I made of "The Lamb of God."  Jesus was the sacrificial lamb who served as the atonement for our sins.  Therefore, the lamb is truly the best symbol for this special celebration in the Christian calendar.  I began this page by using a watercolor washes and salt technique.  When it was dry, I did the drawing with a pencil first, and then traced it with micron pens.  I used oil pastels to highlight the drawing.  I did my lettering with the micron pen too, and then went over it with a Sharpie poster-paint marker.  I am submitting this piece to Crafting By Designs: It's All About Animals!Word Art Wednesday #74What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 200Paint Party Friday - Week 4/Year 3, and Sweet Saturdays Week 94.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my celebration of Easter through art.  Thank you for all your kind comments last week, and don't forget you are cordially invited to follow my blog if you are not already doing so.  Blessings!

Comments

what a wonderful easter post Arnoldo!
your traditional craftings with a touch of modern techniques are great and I enjoy looking on this very
good looking family dressed up for celebrating sunday in the church!
I can really see and feel the love between all members!

I enjoy also the wonderful page with the feather.. it´s really awesome!
Say thank you once again for
joining
ART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY

xxx Susi
Such a Beautiful Psalm, I really like it :0)
You created such thoughtful gifts and cards for your family and that is a super photo of you all together.
Happy WOYWW Heather #71
Deanna said…
Ooh I loved paper dolls when I was younger! My sister and I would play with them for hours
Candy C said…
Arnoldo...what a beautiful family! I love your Easter photograph. Your art journal page with the peacock feather is so pretty. I love the Bible verse and how you have tied it into the peacock feather image. Your art journal page with the colorful eggs is equally cool. Love the sketched drawing. I so wish that I could sketch like that! :) Thanks so much for sharing your art with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy
Oh seu trabalho é lindo, obrigada por participar do Blog dos Desafios!
Beautiful work!!!
Jez said…
Visiting from APR - I love all your images, but focusing on the APR 'peacock' challenge, I think your peacock feather with those lovely lines from the psalm make a perfect combination, and are so beautiful. Thank you.
Unknown said…
Arnaldo,
The Lamb of God. whenever I see you have posted my spirit get so excited to see what God has inspired you paint. It is so peaceful.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful artwork with us this week.
Carole Robb Bisson
Word Art Wednesday
The Blessing of the LORD be Upon You!

Francesca said…
What fabulous Easter themed journal pages you have created. hugs Francesca #41
Unknown said…
Your work is beautiful. I love that Psalm you used. #92
TwinkleToes2day said…
Lovely pictures indeed Arnoldo. You have a very beautiful family.
I'm here via the APR and I think your peacock feather is wonderful. :0) Mo
Adri Munhoz said…
Arnoldo, lovely Easter baskets! I loved them! thanks for be with us at Blog dos Desafios, hugs
PS: I'm waiting for your door sign :)
Winnie said…
What a fun journey through art and faith you shared. I love your cards and baskets for the girls,such a fun way to personalize them using the paper dolls! Suc a beautiful pic of your family! I had to smile as a kid I was TERRIFIED of peacocks, I would cry and they scared me with their "voice"..I think they are so beautiful now though. Your journal page is just lovely. One of my favorite animals are lambs, so your Lamb of God ATC was stunning and perfect for the holiday. Enjoy the week!
Karin said…
wow love all the projects you made, especially the peacock feather and The lamb of God!
Greetings Karin
505whimsygirl said…
What a lovely post! Your family is beautiful - I can see the love radiating from each of you.

The treats you made for your daughters are great.

Happy WOYWW
Kay (12)
Paula (PEP) said…
Your coupling of the verse from Psalm 91 with the peacock feather is a delight & thank you for reminding me of the Psalm. It's one I'm very fond of. I've also been fascinated by peacocks & last year discovered they were more pertinent to Christianity than I'd realised
http://pepcraftchallexp.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/immortal-imagery-iconography-alphatag.html.
Lovely seeing a photograph of you & your family too.
Paula (PEP)
It looks like you had a beautiful Easter with your dear family, Arnoldo. I love how you brought your artistic gifts into the Easter dinner to make it fun. I believe that's exactly how God wants us to rejoice - through the gifts He has given us. So nice to see a true man of God leading his family in the beauty of God's goodness, and sharing/celebrating His resurrection and life through the smallest of details. GOD IS SO GOOD, and I am blessed to know you!
Thanks again for sharing,
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Leovi said…
Maravilloso el dibujo de la pluma. Saludos.
Maria Medeiros said…
Absolutely beautiful!
Anonymous said…
What a lovely family.
peggy gatto said…
I loved seeing your beautiful art!!! Little gems!!!
sharon said…
Love all of this but my favourite is the ATC. Makes me think of being washed clean by Jesus.
maria said…
You have a beautiful family Arnoldo and the pics are amazing. I so love the napkin bunnies. I wish I knew how to do that.

Thanks for joining us at OYGIF.
peggy aplSEEDS said…
happy Easter,Arnoldo! you have a beautiful family!
wow, you've been so busy with all your projects. i love how you even made soemthing for your Easter dinner table setting! happy PPF and thanks for sharing!
hugs,
peggy aplSEEDS
Netty said…
Great to see your smashing artwork and photographs Arnoldo. Enjoy the weekend. Happy PPF, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
Maelchen said…
Such an inspiring contribution to Art Journal Journey, dear Arnoldo. I am happy I found you there so that I can merit from your meaningful work.
Thanks for sharing!
Manu
Lorraine said…
great drawings and lovely photo too
Anonymous said…
Beautiful work Arnoldo. Thanks for the history lesson about Easter too. xox
Nordljus said…
What a beautiful variety of artworks!
Victoria said…
Wow Arnoldo..whenever I visit there are so many of your beautiful creations I love and adore and wish to comment on. Beautiful family picture..yes love your rabbit napkins! I am super drawn to the eggs and young girl holding basket..so pretty..and love your cards..totally dazzling..and the art and quote of the feathers touches me deeply! You are awesome! Easter Blessings
Victoria
PaintingWrite said…
So much art and craft in one post! I hope you enjoy/enjoyed your Easter celebrations - it certainly got your creative juices flowing - I love the piece inspired by illustration Friday - the egg best - it's wonderful!
Beautiful work, Arnoldo! It's always a pleasure visiting here and seeing what you are creating.
Abela said…
Very nice family and very good jobs. Saludos
GlorV1 said…
What a beautiful family you have Arnoldo. You all look radiant. So many wonderful creations and all fantastic. You are so creative. Thank you for sharing.
Paper rainbow said…
Beautiful Journal pages.
Alicia C said…
What wonderful pieces! If I had to pick one, I love the feathers with the typographical treatment

Faye said…
Arnoldo, I may not get around to all the entrants this week to PPF but I did want to comment on your most excellent post. Yes indeed, Easter has just begun. I enjoyed reading about the Easter items you had made and seeing all the beautiful art. I was going to say the eggs and the girl were my favorite and then I scrolled down to the Lamb. How very wonderful. I live near a sheep farm and always start looking for the lambs in February. Last year one was born in late January. This year all seemed to be here in February. Very beautiful ATC sized art.
Anne Manda said…
What a wonderful Easter celebration! Beautiful cards and brooches, creative mix of mediums!
Solange Barreto said…
Olá Romero, obrigada por sua linda participação no Blog dos Desafios, fiquei feliz, Boa sorte.
Lmkazmierczak said…
Loved reading through your blog...love your teacup bunny results and you have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing. My Orange: http://lmkazmierczak.blogspot.com/2013/03/twice.html
~*~Patty S said…
Hello from Art Journal Journey's challenge blog ... your post is full of wonderful original artwork
TFS
oxo
Dianne said…
A terrific idea to observe the Easter season for an extended time! Love all your little celebrations that you've posted here. happy PPF!
Currie Silver said…
so so very lovely this entire post, Arnoldo. love the photo of your family and the peacock feather journal page is exquisite!!
Unknown said…
Isn't it funny how we tend to forget Easter is a whole season? I had to look up Flowering of the Cross. What a great tradition, I guess we don't do that here because sometimes we get massive snowstorms on Easter!! Great projects as always!
Lynn Cohen said…
Always meaningful lovely art here and today it includes your beautiful family. Thanks for sharing them with us this way!
Giggles said…
Beautiful photo of your family at Easter!! Load of loving work hear... all so lovely!!

Hugs Giggles
Thanks for the info on Easter...I need to look that up too! Love your Easter pins...WOW! Great designs and coloration! Love the verse too! Your family photo is wonderful! Thank you for sharing with our anything goes challenge this week at Simon Says Stamp & Show...no joke!!!
Sandra said…
Gorgeous projects in this post! Wonderful picture of your family! The journal page with the peacock feather is really special! Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. Hugs, Sandra
Ritu Dua said…
Wow what a splendid post...love your rabbit napkins...the cards are superb ...the family picture is great...but my favorite is the peacock feather!
Lindo trabalho. Obrigada pela participação no Blog dos Desafios.
beijos
Barb Cady said…
Beautiful post as ever Arnoldo, lovely family photograph and full of inspiring art work. Love the flowering of the cross, I must remember that one next year! Easter peace and blessings to you and your lovely family. X
bellefrogworks said…
Arnoldo you are an amazing artist and an amazing man. I love that you made those wonderful Easter baskets for your big girls! What a loving and tender thing to do. Actually loved everything - the peacock feather and lettering is fabulous. I especially love the lamb of God. What a busy and artfully productive week you've had. HPPF
Unknown said…
Wow there are some lovely things to see on this beautiful post Loving the psalm quote with the peacock feather. HPPF Dxx
Elizabeth said…
Lovely post and a pleasure to read. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Elizabeth #95
Lou Anne Hazel said…
I'm always in awe of the many projects you complete. They're a lovely tribute to Easter. The line drawing of the little girl with the flowery egg inserts is a wonderful image for the Inspiration Avenue April challenge.
Linda Kunsman said…
I want an Easter basket from you Arnoldo! :) How very special they are. Love your beautiful family card. Your peacock feather sketching is gorgeous along with the perfect verse to match it.Always a joy to visit here. have a great weekend!
Barbara B. said…
What fabulous Easter themed journal pages you have created. It's so wonderful!
LG Barbara
Birgitta said…
Wonderful post! Wonderful projects!
Zosia said…
You have a lovely family and it would be a pleasure to have a meal at a table set up so nicely. Love the rabbit ears - they add a bit of whimsy and fun.
Gemiel said…
Arnoldo, your daughters are truly blessed to have a father takes the time to make such beautiful handmade works of art for their Easter baskets. Thanks for sharing your Easter Sunday with us through your photos. What a lovely famly you have. Blessings!
Wonderful sketches and BEAUTIFUL family. :)
manomij said…
I am not sure if that comment I just wrote but if it did you will have two :)
You can still add all this gorgeous art to Paper Saturdays. New and old posts are welcome! We will be there for a while so take your time.
I loved all you made here some gorgeous stuff to look at! You are very talented and I am glad I have come to meet you :)
ManonX
Anna-Karin said…
Wonderful post! Beautiful Easter projects and family photo. The Easter baskets look wonderful, I bet they loved them. Thank you for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!
Your art is amazing...but I sure did enjoy seeing your families photo on Easter♥
lorik said…
A great post! So much to see and admire. Always interesting to see a variety of media and approaches. I hope you had a lovely Easter:)
Thank you for sharing on Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Bella Cirovic said…
There is so much tangerine throughout your post ~ and I enjoyed each & every piece.
You have a lovely family. I hope your Easter was nice.
Lisabella Russo said…
How delightful your post is! I love your art and the joy you take in celebrating Easter. Your work is so beautiful...
PiaRom said…
the egg one is my favorite! Love the strong colores beneath the gorgeous sketch ♥ Conny
http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de
Neesie said…
Well there's late and then there's ridiculously late and you guessed it!
I've been travelling once again, so haven't had much time for visiting but I'm so glad I've been able to stop by your blog today.
You have such a beautiful family Arnaldo. The peacock is stunning and the psalm just beautiful.
Have a great week whatever you have planned :D