Experimenting

Greetings!  Although I feel blessed being able to work with my gifted and talented students, I am looking forward to the Summer break.  God willing, I will be able to work on a couple of projects related to my art work that I have in mind which require much more time and focus than I currently have.  For now, I am content with experimenting with different styles and techniques.  Thank you, Lord!


In this first project, I experimented with some of the marker and background techniques in the Tim Hotz 12 Tags of 2013 - June.  The inspiration for my original tag design came from the concept of a woman being in "Vogue," which in my mind comes from having confidence in herself.  The latter may come from possessing strength, courage and wisdom.  I began by drawing a stylized portrait of a woman and loosely following Tim's classic marker techniques to color her.  However, I also incorporated some Prismacolor pencils.  Next, I used his background technique, which is a marvelous blend between opaque and translucent media.  Then, I proceeded to work on my composition, and decided to use my Tim Holtz hardware findings and mini stamp dies, as well as one of his salvage stickers.  I finished my dies using a gold dabber, as well as black and green embossing powders.  The lettering in the stamp was done using a black micron pen.  I am also submitting this piece to Tag Tuesday - Letter V and Paint Party Friday: Week 13, Year 3.


This next piece was inspired by Memorial Day, which is dedicated to commemorating all the inspiring men and women who died during military service to the United States of America.  Although this holiday takes place during the last Monday in May, these heroes should be remembered year round.  May God have them in His glory and bless the families who were left behind.  I got the initial idea for my experimenting from the Tim Holtz, May 24, 2013, blog post, where he played with his new eclectic elements fabrics.  I began by using Royal Coat decoupage finish to adhere denim to my tag base.  I trimmed and frayed the edges.  When it was dry, I did some machine stitching around 2 sides of the tag.  I proceeded to paint my grungeboard heart die cut using Tim's technique, but chose to hand stitch it to my tag.  I finished my tag background by re-punching the hole, adding an eyelet, and adding a fabric tie.  To embellish my tag, I used 3 patriotic fabric yo-yo's and a strip of fabric, as well as a Tim Holtz corner, a wire pin and a philosophy tag.  The sentiment was done using Magnetic Poetry word stamps.  I am submitting this piece to Tag Tuesday - Letter U for united, Simon Says Stamp and Show: Challenge "S" for states, and Word Art Wednesday: Challenge #83.


In this simple card above, I experimented with stamps and paper to create a collaged scene.  I began by stamping the Asian characters to the note card base and lightly adding some color with Prismacolor pencils.  Then, I stamped the Asian coin to simulate the sun, and colored it with Prismacolor pencils and a metallic pen.  I added a strip of hand painted paper to the bottom to simulate the body of water and made a simple origami sail boat to float on it.  I finished off the card by adding 3 daisies that were made with an EKSuccess punch, as well as edging the border with a distress ink pad.  I am submitting this card to Simon Says Stamp Challenge: MasculineCrazy Amigo Challenge - Distress InksJulia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 209Marcia's Show & Tell Saturday, and Alexandra's Sunday Sketches.


The project above was the most important project I worked on this week, since it is a card for my wife's birthday.  I made my card base by experimenting with a technique found at Boutique Magnolia.  Although it is in Brazilian, the author has enough pictures to lead you through the process or you may click the google translator icon if needed.  It is an extremely easy base to make and the decorating possibilities are endless.  I used prints from a DCWV garden party pad to cover my base, but please note that I attached the ribbon closure to the card prior to gluing the back panel.  To emboss the cake, I used an ATD brass template and highlighted it with some markers.  I used one of the Tim Holtz tattered flowers die to simulate leaves, and then added various mulberry flowers and glass beads to create the spray.  On the inside, I hand lettered my sentiment using a K&Company cardstock die-cut.  I also printed a photograph and 3 little personal sentiment note cards to enclose in the side pockets.  You can see how I added the finished card to the gift in the last frame.  I am submitting this piece to the Order of the Opus Gluei #158 - BirthdayTake a Word Challenge - OrangeOrange You Glad It's FridayManon's Paper Saturdays, and Mandarin Orange Monday #45.


In closing, I have a photograph of some tulips that I took for 52 Photos Project: Gallery 7 {Crimson}.  I actually took the photograph during Easter, but I did do some cropping and digital enhancing on iPhoto.  I'm also submitting this photo to Jen's In The Studio and Inspire Me Monday Week 75.  I hope you enjoy this photo, as well as all my other projects.  I would love to hear what you think, and will reciprocate with a comment on your blog.  Thank you for all your comments on my weekend's post, as well as for following my blog.  Blessings!

Comments

Candy C said…
Arnoldo...your tags are gorgeous. I love your Tim inspired June tag. Such wonderful colors and design. The Memorial Day tag is also very pretty with it's red, white and blue theme. Your Asian inspired card is also very pretty...love the sailboat. :) The card you made for your wife's birthday is so lovely. I will have to check out that link to see how it's constructed. Things like that fascinate me. Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show and Happy Birthday to your wife! <3 Candy
Melanie said…
Like the expiriments a lit. The first tag is vey beautiful. Like te face in it a lot. And the jeans tag is also very beautiful.
Have fun.
Liefs, Melanie
Oh wow ... Arnoldo you are very busy! what fab pieces! what fantastic outcoming of experiments!
Your students are lucky ones to have such a fab teacher!

blessings!
I hope you can play again with us over on Art Journal Journey this month...

would be fantatsic to have you with us again!

xxx from Austia

Susan
Anonymous said…
As always, your work is beautiful. You have been very busy!
Have a great day!
Nora
I love your posts when there is so much to see! All of your makes are wonderful! Love the June tag and your Memorial Day fabric tag is fabulous! Love the different elements on it, and the symbolism it portrays! Super! Thank you for sharing your letter S make with us this week here at Simon Says Stamp & Show!
Heather said…
Fabulous creagions Arnoldo, I love your first tag, a beautiful image, glorious colours and stunning details!! The card is created wonderfully, fabulous colouring and details!!

Thanks so much for joining the Simon Says Stamp challenge
hugs
Heather xx
Lisabella Russo said…
Such beautiful works! Your tags are so amazing, I wouldn't be able to use them on a gift, I'd want to put them up on the wall... Lovely!
Lynne Wilson said…
That's my favourite way to see tulips. I always think they're so beautiful just as they're almost done. Very nice.
April said…
Your creations are beautiful. The tulips are truly gorgeous. Red is my favorite color. April #137
Winnie said…
My two sisters and one brother are all elementary school teachers and are in "count down mode" currently. I hope you do get some time to spend creating and sharing. Love your tags! She is so pretty! I love the Memorial Day one with the denim too. Hope your wife had a great birthday, and I am sure she loved getting the card you made with love and care! Enjoy the weekend!
Julia said…
Gorgeous creations, you work is always so inspiring.
Hugs,
Julia
Electra said…
Your wife is blessed to have such a talented artist as her hubby, Arnoldo. Thanks for sharing your lovely work with us at Opus Gluei again!
You've really got some amazing projects here, Arnoldo. My favorite is the denim tag, and of course, it's nice to see you using your floral frog. Thanks for sharing your awesome art in our challenge this week.
God bless you,
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Mary C. Nasser said…
Wonderful artwork again this week!
Wow!!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Chat Noir said…
Love the layers in your Birthday Card for our challenge, and your tags. I'm inspired to be more adventurous with finishes instead of being so carried away by paper!
Annette Allen said…
wow awesome projects.. very creative and fun.. thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a sweet comment.. Happy Crafting..
Anonymous said…
You always have so much going on.....and such a prolific display of different kinds of work. Love your Memorial day piece. xox
Faye said…
Thank you for sharing your beautiful art on PPF. I really "dig" that first tag, although each piece of your art has its own special feeling and beauty.
janice smith said…
Wonderful tag and card art! I love hearing the details of your process...very inspiring. Happy PPF! - janice
Linda Kunsman said…
You always have such fabulous art to share here Arnoldo. I especially love your Asian collage. It has reminded me that I have many beautiful Asian papers, stamps and coins I should be using too :)
Ida said…
Once again you have some wonderful art work here. Your tag is fabulous and I enjoyed seeing all your pieces.
maria said…
All are fabulous! I absolutely love the card and the markers.
More beautiful work. I'm just amazed. I especially LOVE your first tag with the little lady peeking out. :)
Anonymous said…
Thank you for sharing these gorgeous creations with us over at simon says stamp and show!!! - Ashli :)
GlorV1 said…
You are just so busy. Your work is awesome and do enjoy the time of work. Thank you for the awesome creations.
Valerie-Jael said…
Lovely work! Have a fun day, Valerie
Anne Manda said…
LOve your cards and tags, so rich and imaginative always! The Memorial day is my favorite, just awesome mix of colors and textures! <3
Lorraine said…
love all the tags..happy ppf
Leovi said…
Preciosos colores en esas flores, me gustan estas composiciones! Saludos cordiales!
manomij said…
Wow really lovely post yet again! Happy paper Saturdays :)
Bella Cirovic said…
I love the bookmark pieces you created! The tulips are just lovely. Thank you for sharing to {crimson}!
Wonderful use of mixed media, I love your tags. Thank you for sharing your process:0)
PaintingWrite said…
your tags and bookmarks are so detailed and beautifully created. I especially love the memorial day tag.
Jez said…
Every piece of artwork is lovely, and I am sure your wife was more than happy with your special card. My particular favourite was the little sail boat, I loved the simplicity of this.
Anonymous said…
Wonderful artwork! I really love it!
Cheers
Gabriele 58
sharon said…
Beautiful art work as usual, love the tags and hearing about your processes. Blessings.
Maria Medeiros said…
Arnoldo, absolutely gorgeous tags! Very meaningful and lovely! I love the photo too. Have a lovely weekend! God bless!
Giggles said…
You've been very busy and this is such a unique body of work. All different styles...wonderful!! Love the tulips too!! Hope you have a fantastic creative time off!!

Hugs Giggles
Unknown said…
Arnoldo,
Tags are so much fun. I must go watch some Tim Holtz videos to see if I can come up with anything remotely resembling your beautiful tags.
All your postings are truly inspiring.
Thank you for sharing this fabulous art with us. Your participation this week at WAW is greatly appreciated.
Abundant Blessings,
Carole Robb Bisson
Word Art Wednesday
Unknown said…
Arnoldo, you are so productive! I cannot imagine what more you'll be able to do once you have the summer off. Thanks for always telling us the how, what, when and where of your well thought out cards and paper art. It is so nice of you to share this. If you do this with your students too, they are in very good hands indeed! and speaking of lucky---how lucky your wife is to receive such beautiful handmade cards from you to celebrate the best moments of your lives! I love tulips! Thanks for sharing!
Lynn Cohen said…
I always enjoy the collection of things you create here! And the collection of things on the art pieces are another trip in itself!
Nicely done!!!
Christine said…
Lovely tags and cards! I especially love your tulip photo!
Zana said…
Love the card you made for your wife, very special, the crimson flowers are lovely too. Lots of work, one can only wait in pleasure to see what you will produce when you are on holiday!
VonnyK said…
Your artwork is beautiful, I especially like the asian inspired card. The most beautiful is the card for your wife, you can see the love in it. Such a gorgeous looking present too. Happy birthday to your wife.
Von #18
ASHISH BARDHAN said…
Amazing Piece of Work.
Meanwhile Check out my Work http://ashbeezone.wordpress.com/2013/06/09/the-life-of-an-engineering-dude/
Happy Sunday Sketches !!
Unknown said…
Loving the tags and cards, especially like the memorial one... :)
Jen Price said…
Wow! All of these are amazing! You should definitely come and link up your creativity to In The Studio. It's a perfect place for creatives like yourself.

http://jeremynjenprice.blogspot.com/2013/06/in-studio-bed-candy.html
Elisa said…
awesome tags arnoldo! I especially like the card with the Asian characters. Lovely tulips!
Paula (PEP) said…
I remain astounded by the amount of artwork you create whilst in employment. Not just that but the variety of techniques that you use in your creations. The tulip photograph is especially lovely with the colours. I hope your wife has a lovely birthday.
Paula (PEP)
SandeeNC said…
Love all your projects and the picture of the tulips! Waving hi from the hills of North Carolina ♥
Jenni C's said…
i love the stories behind your tags, and how you approach your work.The card you did for your wife's birthday is really special. Thanks for popping past my blog...blessings
Unknown said…
oh what great tags and stories!!! wonderful work!!!
Tam Hess said…
You always have so many wonderful things so share! My favorite piece is the simple but BEAUTIFUL Asian card. That boat is adorable. It is such a peaceful card....
Joni Nickrent said…
Awesome tags and cards. Colorful and creative!
Ginny said…
I am amazed at the variety of work you include each week. Each piece is different and special. I love knowing the stories behind the inspiration.

I worked with gifted and talented students for many years. I did all types of things in education but this was my favorite position. I know you inspire your students with all of your ideas.
Tammie Lee said…
so lovely to see all your artful creations!
Patrice said…
Love that Memorial Day tag, Arnoldo!
Barb Cady said…
I really thought I had already commented on this post Arnoldo! Sorry I must be losing my marbles! This is a fabulous eclectic post, I especially love your wife's card, your tag Tuesday tim tag and your lovely tulip photograph. Your pupils are lucky to have you to inspire them, but enjoy your break from teaching. Best wishes, barb.
Cath Sheard said…
Love your work, and the TH inspired tag looks great. Hope you enjoy your non-student time when you get to it.
Annemor said…
Like the tags. Have a fun week.
Mormor

http://www.starbear.no/mormor/2013/06/10/mandarin-orange-monday-45/
PiaRom said…
Love the first tag it is gorgeous! The colors and the dimension really speaks to me ♥ Conny
http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de
denthe said…
Lots of beautiful work this week. And I love those tulips ....
Anna-Karin said…
Beautiful tags! Love your interpretation of Tims June tag. Fabulous post!
Stephanie said…
What beautiful artwork!! Your attention to detail is fantastic! I agree our military soldiers/heros should be honored every day not just one day per year. Thanks so much for joining us at Word Art Wednesday.
Sim said…
I love your tags Arnoldo.
Keep on searching! :)
Lmkazmierczak said…
Inspiring blog again♫ Welcome to summer break! My Mandarin Orange effort: http://lauriekazmierczak.com/shes-a-lady/
pauline said…
Arnoldo... i love that you make art that reaches across the miles and touches all cultures, all races, all languages. You are a busy man! Very beautiful tags. I also love that you dare to experiment with different techniques. BRAVO to you! Hugs from Canada... xox
Jo Ann said…
These are pretty creations. Loving the vintage effect on your cards a lot! Thanks for blessing us with your art and hope you join us again for another inspiring Challenge at Word Art Wednesday. God bless!

JO ANN
http://jatterburycreations.blogspot.com
Martha said…
After discovering your blog, the two fabulous tags on this post, caught my eye...since I really enjoy making tags & tag-cards! Love all the wonderful details.

All your creations are simply beautiful! I'm sure your wife loved receiving the card you made for her.
Visiting from Artists in Blogland--beautiful tags and cards! I really enjoy the layering techniques you used and the flowers are beautiful! Wonderful projects as always!
Julia said…
Wow, so many amazing pieces of art. Just love all your experiments, great job and so inspiring. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent.
Hugs,
Julia