Art Smorgasbord - My Creative Escapades

Being in the full swing of Summer, I've been very busy working around the house.  However, I always find time for my daily creative escapades.  They're so much fun!


The tag above was inspired by Tim Holtz's Americana Woodlands post, where he transformed his woodland trees.  I translated the concept into my original tag design.  I cut a tag from a K&Company Americana striped print using a die and then distressed it.  Next, I glued terminology tissue wrap to grungeboard and used a die to cut a pine tree.  I divided the tree into 3 diagonal stripes by distressing the opposite ends with red and blue.  I covered the foliage area with star dust stickles to add some texture.  Next, I hand lettered the text and sketched the miniature landscape on a scrap of cardstock, which I also distressed.  I stapled it to the tag and tied some baker's twine with a button to the bottom portion.  I attached the tree using foam dots, as well as a game piece and a bottle cap decorated with a circular USA Flag design.  I added some coordinating distressed ribbons as ties.  I am submitting this piece to Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge: StripesThree Muses Challenge - Numbers, and Diana Evans' 10 Minute Warm Up.


The patriotic assemblage above began with the free hand paper cut of the beach tents.  Since I won't get to sit at a sunny beach and read this Summer, I can at least reminisce about it - LOL!  When I saw Tim's Patriotic Rosette Ribbons, I decided to design one of my own to place in my assemblage.  However, I used a Martha Stewart scoring board and Fiskars pinking shears to make mine.  I did use the tissue tape and tinsel twine, but I combined it with K&Company Americana prints and did not do any stitching.  I cut the center piece with the mini bottle cap die - the glittered star was store bought.  Finally, I arranged the latter two pieces along with some old USA stamps to make the assemblage.  I am submitting this piece to Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything GoesCrazy Amigo Challenge: Sun, and Manon Visser's Paper Saturdays.



I designed the Church stained glass window tag above for my Tag Tuesday: Letter Y post this week.  My inspiration came from the phrase "young ones," which is sometimes used to refer to children.  The  drawing is based on Matthew 19:14, which reads  - Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  I used the same techniques as in the letter X tag that I made last week.  (By the way, this drawing and the one I used last week came from some doodles I did in my art journal back in 2001.)  I am also submitting this tag to Jennifer McLean's Artist's Playroom #63 - Go Doodle and Word Art Wednesday - Challenge #86.




Since I used Tim Holtz dies in the 3 previous projects, I decided to compose a photographic montage showing how I store them.  I stack two vintage bicycle baskets, a shallow one and a deep one, as you can see in the upper left hand shot.  The top tray has my repositionable magnetic dies, a small wire basket with embossing folders, and some of my Bigz dies.  (My family's new kitten jumped in the top basket when I was playing around with arrangements, so I took the picture in the upper right hand corner.  LOL!)  In the bottom basket I have the rest of my Bigz dies.  I am submitting this photograph to Julia Dunnit's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 212Jen Price's In The Studio, and Inspire Me Monday - Week 78.




The last three photographs are of other creative endeavors I've been working on.  The office supply collection is a photographic composition I did for 52 Photos Project: Gallery 10 {Neon Color}Maria Cochino's Orange You Glad It's Friday #44, and Lorik's Mandarin Orange Monday #48.  I had fun looking around my studio for items I could incorporate into the composition and then adjusting it digitally.  The grilled portabella mushrooms and onions is of one of the dishes I've made this summer.  I placed them in a bun with slices of swiss cheese, tomatoes, and avocado to make nutritious vegetarian burgers!  It brings me true happiness to cook for my family, but don't get to do it much during the school year.  I am submitting this photograph to Collage Obsession: YouSarah Evan's Inspire, and Take a Word Challenge - True Happiness.  Last, but not least, is a 14"x18" acrylic icon of "Joseph with the Child Jesus" that I'm currently writing.  I love the reflective and prayerful process of working on this type of pieces.  As an artist, the intricate highlights and shadows in their robes can be very engrossing too.  I am submitting this work in progress to Inspiration Avenue: Outfits for all OccasionsPaint Party Friday Week 16/Year 3, and Alexandra's Sunday Sketches.

I hope you enjoyed my creative escapades as much as I did.  I want to thank everyone who took the time to leave words of encouragement during my last two posts, as well as those who chose to follow me.  Blessings!

Comments

Tenia Nelson said…
Awesome creations!!!
Laura Sterckx said…
This is such a gorgeous tag! I love it! It is full of detail! The glitter looks very pretty and I love the design!

Thanks for joining the Simon Says Stamp Challenge!
Laura
Jackie said…
Your God bless America tag is just lovely I love it
How cool is your storage of those bicycle baskets What a lovely useful Ideato do with those baskets great !!!!
Jackie 29
Melanie said…
I realy like the handcut beachtents tag a lot. It is very summer like. The other tags are great to. I like your style.
Have a great day.
Liefs, Melanie
Taluula said…
A good selection of artwork, Arnoldo.
Paula (PEP) said…
Your new household member seems to approve of your studio & artwork! Delightful.
It's the last piece that grabs my attention - your doves with the flowers & the classic iconography jsut somehow touch & 'connect' - I'm about to embark upon learning how to use acrylics with Valerie Sjodin's journalling course so this is fascinating to see.
Paula (PEP)
Leovi said…
Exquisitos diseños! Saludos.
What a great selection of awesome and unique creations.
Wish you a blessed weekend,
greetings Anja
Kaylene said…
You have been busy, great work. Cheers
Darla said…
I like the fact that you referred to your sketchbook doodles to create the piece you entered at APR.

Darla
Candy C said…
Good morning Arnoldo! I LOVE your vintage bicycle baskets! Those are the coolest! That said, I also want to say that I love the art you've made for this post. Those first two patriotic pieces are awesome! I would have never thought to use Tim's tall pine in conjunction with a patriotic theme...but it works! And it's amazing! :) I also love your rosette on the second one. It has such a vintage look to it. The little beach huts are cute, too. All of the stars and stripes on those two pieces are wonderful! Your Tag Tuesday piece using the letter "Y" is lovely as well. Beautiful art! Thanks for sharing it with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy
Candace said…
lovely artwork I especially like the second one.

Thanks for sharing and have a great week

Candace #43
Deann said…
Lovely hands on artwork Arnoldo so much detail so well done. What do you do with the art you create you are so prolific...beautiful work!
Tiffany said…
As always, fabulous work & so much to see!

I love how you store your supplies & it's so funny that your kitten jumped in the basket. Ha ha ha.
I might also try your grilled portabella burger.
Thanks for the inspiration, Arnoldo!
Sarah Leonard said…
Cooking for loved ones is very special isn't it?

I love your art work too - it's gorgeous.

Thanks for linking up!

Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity
Marit said…
Patriotic tags indeed, but I love them! Those baskets are a great idea for storage - gotta find myself some on a fleamarket or something! Have a creative week! Happy ~ belated ~ woyww and a hug from Holland. Marit #91
Stephanie said…
What fantastic tags!! I especially like the first one. That tree looks great with the sentiment. Thanks so much for joining us at Word Art Wednesday.
Hi Arnoldo, love your patriotic pieces, the tag is fabulous, love how,you have used the tree and added a patriotic touch, clever idea. The bottle cap is a lovely touch and adds wonderful dimension. The sentiment is perfect for,your patriotic piece. Thanks so much for,joining in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. Tracy x
Alice said…
as always, beautiful work! i'd love to be able to see what's going on inside your brain when you are making these wonderful creations of yours :)
Unknown said…
Love your work. I too am a big fan Nature inspired Art. (though I am not all that great at drawing any of it) I homeschool my youngest and Nature studies are a huge part of her studies. Are you ok with people pinning your work?? You have some great stuff. BTW, I'd love to come for dinner sometime.. LOL Those veggie burgers sound delicious!!! Have a great wknd.
(((HUGS)))
Kim
WOYWW #145
Meihsia Liu said…
Wow.. you always create so many fun and fantastic projects. Love your beautiful artworks. Thank you so much for sharing. :)
Carolyn Dube said…
Your patriotic pieces really called to me! Happy PPF!
sharon said…
Love your art this week, that green in Joseph's coat is awesome.
Anne Manda said…
Love your patriotic pieces, really cool Americana - the bottle cap! and that red,white and blue combination is just so right! The icon is very beautiful and thoughtful. Veggie burgers are inspiring! :)
Valerie-Jael said…
Lots of wonderful stuff this week! Valerie
ANNETTE HUSBAND said…
G'day Arnoldo
Just dropping by late for WOYWW...I'm always late! This is the first time I have come to your blog and I am so glad I did. Love love all your art!! Your tags are awesome but I really don't think you need to be looking at MrT for inspiration LOL
hugs
Annette In Oz #23
Once again, you've created several great pieces of art; my favorite being the first (patriotic) tag. I'm LOVING the great textures and glitter on the tree, the bottle cap and the wooden element. Just great pieces here, Arnoldo. Your art continues to bless me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your talent in our challenges. May God bless you and your family this week in a special way, and always know how very grateful I am that the Lord has allowed us to meet and be blessed by one another's art.
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Giggles said…
Wonderful array of creativity here! Stunning patriotic salute with your art pieces!!Have a great 4th of July!!

Hugs Giggles
Wonderful mix of artwork and photos!
Unknown said…
wonderful art this week - especially the patriotic piece with the beach tents. Wow! Happy PPF!
Netty said…
I love all of your original projects Arnoldo, thank you for sharing, enjoy the weekend. Happy PPF, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
Christine said…
lovely work Arnold, Happy July 4th! Love your patriotic tag.
stefanie stark said…
I love the "Creative-Escapades-title" of your post! It sounds like an adventure! Your patriotic artwork looks fantastic and I love the mushroom between the onions! Looks so yummy! My favourite is your picture of Joseph and the child.
Anonymous said…
Fantastic patriotic pieces. I am humming God Bless America right now.....Happy PPF xox
Ivy said…
Oh I just love your God Bless America tag. Fabulous! HPPF!
Linda Kunsman said…
fab art projects again Arnoldo. Love your patriotic tags and the lovely stained glass window tag.And I'm all for veggie burgers :) Happy weekend!
Faye said…
Visiting your blog is like a visit to the museum with so much variety and gorgeous art,, I love all the patriotic ephemera especially the hand made rosette. Your tag is beautiful too. I enjoyed seeing all the things you are working on and how you store your dies.
Maria Medeiros said…
Gosh I don't know where to start! I will start with the wonderful patriotic pieces are so wonderful! I wish Canadians were patriotic. I feel we don't have enough patriotism here in Canada. Honestly it makes me sad. Everyone just concentrates so much on their own culture which is fine but not enough about Canada, not enough flags. This weekend it's Canada Day so I'm going to try to be more patriotic and put a flag up.
I adore the tag with the children. Truly beautiful!! How wonderful with the recycled baskets!! I have a thing for boxes...I'm a box hoarder. Lol
What's on your desk is absolutely wonderful! The colors are beautiful! Oh gosh you've also made me hungry with the burger. I too love to cook for my family.

Your last piece is absolutely beautiful! You've been so creatively busy! Very wonderful blog post! Thank you for your visit to my blog and your wonderful comment. Have a lovely weekend!
Lou Anne Hazel said…
Arnoldo, as usual you have a wonderful array of artwork to share. I'm so glad you joined our challenge at Inspiration Avenue.
minnemie said…
I DO enjoy your creative escapades! The first one with the 3D looking tree is my favorite, apart from the portabella mushroom recipe - yum! Going to make that soon over here,
Lorraine said…
that burger looks delicious my son would love that..wishing you and your family a happy 4th of July celebrations and some cool art happy ppf
GlorV1 said…
Hi Arnolfo. Hope you enjoyed the barbecue. Looked good. Excellent tags with so much dedication. You always do a great job.:)
Sewing Mom said…
Very impressive! I don' t craft with paper, but love seeing that creative medium!
Winnie said…
Had fun visiting you today (as always!). I love your Tim Holtz tag! I haven't started mine yet this month! Nothing like last moment! Your tree idea is fab and so unique! Your St. Joseph piece is so pretty and full of spirit. I am trying to convince hubby to let me get a kitten (I had a cat for many years before we were married) but so far he isn't budging. I had to chuckle at the fun mischief yours got into. Have a great week ahead and a glorious 4th!
I love the tags you made, they are perfect for your 4th July celebrations. Your BBQ looks delicious!
Barb King said…
Lovely American tag with a great vintage look. What a clever storage solution- the wire baskets, I will have to look for those at yard sales! Barb Thanks for dropping by my blog.
Alicia C said…
I love your 3 D pieces! Very nice and elegant holiday themes
Anonymous said…
. . . I am in awe of your Joseph with baby Jesus painting. This is absolutely gorgeous and reminds me of the relief sculpture portraits that lined the ceiling of my childhood church.
manomij said…
I really love the colour combination of the top creations they make me feel all nostalgic! Happy paper Saturdays. Hugs Manon
peggy gatto said…
you are busy!!!
I love the tags and the stained glass!!
Okay seriously...you had me at the tree! Fabulous design piece! This tag is Americana perfection! I love the bottle cap too...you've inspired me for sure! Love your other striped patriotic one as well, your organization tips, and your journal work...gorgeous! Thanks for showing us your stripes this week here at Simon Says Stamp & Show!
Maggie said…
You always have such a fun collection of projects for the week! I love your tags, so creative. And the bicycle basket storage, a great idea.
bellefrogworks said…
Arnoldo - I always enjoy your smorgasbords! Love the tags and the grilled portobello looked delicious! Have a blessed week!
Ritu Dua said…
All your designs and patriotic pieces speak aloud of your creative sense and you are a constant source of inspiration to all :)
Anonymous said…
Perfect neon! OH, and that grilled portabella? I can just smell those onions!
Electra said…
Spectacular pieces, all, Arnoldo!
Debbie said…
as always a wonderful collection of art and photos. happy SS!
love seeing all your creativeness, arnoldo! the tag with the red, white and blue tree... love it!! such a neat idea to use those baskets for storage! and a gorgeous piece of joseph with Jesus. stunning!
Jen Price said…
Such a creative way to store things! Love those vintage bicycle baskets.
Really inspiring to see all the projects you have going on! I especially like the patriotic tags. Wonderful art!
Marlena M. said…
Lovely work~thoughtful and well designed. Your neon photo touches the 80's chick in me. ;) You've delighted my eyes AND awakened my hunger. I may have an early dinner this eve...
Ida said…
Wonderful array of art pieces.
Your paper collection is so colorful. I like your vintage storage baskets too and I must say those mushrooms and onions look delicious.
Prairie Jill said…
Great collection of neon office supplies for 52 Photos Project!
These are wonderful tags. I love the details in them. One of my favourite touches is the little bottle cap with the flag in it.
Have a great week!
Jo Ann said…
Arnoldo, your projects are always great. Such a variety. I especially love the tag with the wonderful bright colors. Thanks for blessing us with your wonderful artwork this week at Word Art Wednesday. Hugs and blessings!

JO ANN
http://jatterburycreations.blogspot.com
Anna-Karin said…
Gorgeous projects in this post! Love the bicycle basket storage! How clever. The woodlands tags is gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing with us at SImon Says Stamp and Show!
April said…
You are just so creative and so often. I find I get blocked. Those mushrooms look so good. And the office supplies are very colorful. Cute kitty. :-) Just love the scene with Jesus and the small children. The pastels are so bright and cheerful. As always you do wonderful inspiring work. :-)
April #138
maria said…
Beautiful as usual Arnoldo. The portabello mushroom made my mouth water. Thanks for sharing on OYGIF.
Liz said…
It's amazing how you can turn such simple materials into beautiful works of art. Love your work! Have a fabulous week!

Liz (mlc)
Liz (yacb)
I hope you know by now how amazed and blessed I am by your art. I stopped by today to say hello, and to let you know that I have made a blog post this evening that mentions you. I was so flattered and humbled by what you did, and I wanted to properly thank you.
Have a blessed week!
Karen

http://karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com/2013/07/mini-paper-bag-pocket-revisted.html

Hi Arnoldo, So many wonderful projects to see in this post, it is hard to know where to begin with the oohs and aahs as all are absolutely fantastic. I must say though, I am very taken with your hand lettering and landscape sketch. At first I didn't realize it was hand done, and have to say you have an exceptional talent my friend.
:) Chris / CS Designs

PS. love the bottle cap too.
lorik said…
Great collection of images - but my favourite is your MoM entry - such a bright and interesting composition of simple, every day objects. Thank you for sharing on Mandarin Orange Monday:)
SAMARA said…
What beautiful pieces Arnoldo - and from the picture (which never do food justice unless they are staged - and plastic half the time lol) your family is blessed to have you as their summer cook and for you to find it such a joy to give them this gift!!! I love your rendition of your Counties Flag. I love how non traditional it is while keeping the lovliness and boldness of its significance. Your other pieces are wonderful (as is your stash - envy - oh no sin!) The tags are fun. It is wonderful to come to your blog and see descriptions of all your work. One can tell a school captures you. You are a born teacher as for as this one person's opinion! Blessings from this Rev. Lovies, Samara
PiaRom said…
wonderful share of images this week and I especially love the first tag! Stunning ♥ Conny
http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de
Laura Turner said…
I haven't seen a Z tag post for you on Tag Tuesday, so I decided to hop over and see what you've been up to. Love your creative escapades--esp. your patriotic tag and your bicycle basket storage! I host an Inspired Sunday blog party, so feel free to link up anytime you'd like--www.sundayview.blogspot.com. Hope you've had a good week. Your comments on my tags always encourage me. Blessings to you!

Laura
Gemiel said…
Arnoldo, I've missed your smorgasboard while I was away from blogland and couldn't wait to catch up. As always, you didn't disappoint. I really enjoy your creative adventures and those portabella burgers sound so yummy. Blessings!
Hi Arnoldo! You've got lots of neat things to see int his post. Love the Americana creations at the top of the post, the stained glass tag featuring Jesus and the little children, and your yummy food. :)

It's nice that you make time every day to photograph what's going on in your life. Have a beautiful summer!