Friday Art Smorgasbord - Summer's Over

Well, this is my last week of Summer, since I go back to school on Tuesday.  It's been one of the best Summers ever and thank the Lord for it.  However, I am ready to go back and work with my gifted and talented students.  They are truly a delightful group of children, so they make it worth my time and effort.  May God be my guiding light through my work with them during the school year.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Anyway, I finished my tag inspired by the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012 - August techniques last weekend.  I loved Tim's background, so I cut, embossed, painted and distressed it almost exactly as he did.  However, I substituted some of the tools, because I don't own the ones he used.  As I mentioned last week, I designed my own rose and leaf patterns, as well as painted the papers with which I made them.  Since I didn't have the silhouette stamp and frame either, I designed a paper locket with a hidden magnet closure.  I arranged a corsage with the roses for the outside and used my hand-cut daughters' childhood silhouettes inside.  Finally, I added a filigree earring drop for my topper, along with some vintage ribbon, pearls and a key.  I glued a gold ribbon trim along the bottom as a finishing touch.  I am also submitting this tag to Simon Says Stamp and Show - Favorite Technique and Paint Party Friday Week 23.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
I designed this second tag for my Tag Tuesday - Theatre and Cinema post, which was inspired by my dates to the movies with my 2 girls, as well as by Hispanic Actors and Actresses.  For more details about my inspiration and to see the amazing tags by my team members, click on the blog's link.  I used an actual popcorn box panel for this tag.  The glittered stars were store bought, but I glittered the slide mount.  The photographic collage was done digitally, printed, cut, and attached with glue and strips of Tim Holtz washi tape.  I used my Tim Holtz tiny attacher to staple the tickets.  I am also submitting this to the Order of the Opus Gluei Challenge #137 - Red Hot and to Inspire Me Monday - Week 32.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
This Twenty Minute Challenge art journal entry was inspired by Inspiration Avenue - Fairies and Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Animal Antics.  Gnomes are one of my favorite kind of fairytale characters, especially the ones illustrated by Rien Poortvliet.  I based this drawing on an illustration in his 1970's book.  It reminds me of Civilla D. Martin's hymn, "His Eye is On the Sparrow."  Just like the gnome is looking over the sparrow, the Lord's eye watches over us and all of his creation.  I did the drawing in 20 minutes, but added the title and the "Smash" date tape afterwards.

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday #167
Vintage Metal Boxes and Coke Crate for Punch Storage
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

My soul mate for life'
Precious favor from the Lord,
Lisa, my true love.
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
I am submitting this photograph of my wife to 52-Photo Project - Gallery 17 {A Moment of Life} and Word Art Wednesday - Challenge #41.  I took this photograph during a trip my wife and I took when we were dating to visit some friends in the Texas Hill Country.  It is one of my favorites, so I keep a copy of it framed in my studio.  According to Proverbs 18:22, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."  That is exactly what I realized during that trip.  Therefore, I also proposed during that trip and truly feel blessed to have her in my life ever since.  As a complement to my wife's photograph, I wrote the poem below it, which I'm submitting to Haiku Heights #157 - Soul.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Jenn had a true challenge for me at the Artist Playroom #22 - Make me laugh!  I love humor, but writing it does't always come easy to me.  Fortunately, Sunday Postcard - Travel and Three Muses - Invitation Mail Art helped me come up with an idea.  Neither my wife nor daughters know how to travel lightly, so it's always challenging to transport luggage when we travel, since I'm often the one in charge of this task.  The faux postcard that I illustrated is of me carrying all the luggage.  The invitational text reads, "Wish you were here... because I can't find the Bellboy!

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Last, but not least, I designed a Celtic Angel card inspired by the Take a Word Challenge - Wings and the Card Positioning Systems - Sketch #278.  I also used The Play Date Cafe Challenge #145 color story of burnt sienna, mustard, and slate, because it worked perfectly with my design.  I began with a Tim Holtz print for the background and cut the wings from metallic slate cardstock.  I drew the wings details with black micron pens and an slate Prismacolor pencil.  I used a circle punch to cut the face and illustrated it with the micron pens, as well as burnt sienna and mustard Prismacolor pencils.  The "believe" stamp is from a kit by Magnetic Poetry, and the mustard jewels are from an Art-C ephemera kit.  I love the ephemeral feel of this card.

As I mentioned at the opening of this post, I'm going back to school next week.  Therefore, my "Friday Art Smorgasbord" will be on a diet for a while.  However, God willing, it will be able to keep its nutritional value (or quality) - LOL!  As usual, you are invited to leave a comment and/or join my list of followers.  That truly motivates me.  Thank you for all your encouraging words on my last post.  Blessings!

Comments

Gloria j Zucaro said…
Hello, again, Arnoldo. I always enjoy seeing all the things you create every week. They are both inspirational and instructional! :)
Your APR entry is really cute, I love your attention to detail! Have a good week.
peggy gatto said…
I don't know where to begin!
your skill at different mediums and techniques is awesome. your phot is a true beauty!
Enjoyed my visit!!
Alicia C said…
such a wonderful array of things to see here as usual! love it!! prob my fave is the gnome and the sparrow , they seem to get along so well together!! best of luck in the coming semester!
Lynn Cohen said…
Always so much fun to come and see a wide variety of art here. the movie tickets and popcorn box tugged at my heart's memory from childhood and early adulthood when I went to movies FREQUENTLY!!! Now I can enjoy them at home and make my own popcorn.
Your wife is a true beauty. Lovely photo...love the drawing of you beneath it lugging all the luggage. No wonder she said yes!
HPPF>
Natasha said…
I adore the drawing of your gnome. Great penwork. I would also like the sparrow, if they didn't terrify me, and that one looks very lifelike! :)
Jennifer McLean said…
Not only did you make me smile and chuckle but I love the travel theme, I'm always so attracted to stamps and that ilk. Love it. Oh, and your gnome and sparrow are just precious.
Best,
Jenn
There's a lot of beautiful art in this blog post, Arnoldo. But I'm so glad that to you, the most beautiful is your help meet, Lisa, the one God has given you to grow old with and love forever. Now that's something to make you smile!
Blessings to you both,
Karen L
Word Art Wednesday
Netty said…
wow you have been so very busy making beautiful works of art. Everything is marvellous, especially love your idea of the cameo tag which opens, brill work. Happy PPF, Annette x
Heather said…
Hi Arnoldo, such a wonderful collection of stuning creations!!!
I love your Gnome and sparrow - such a delightful image and I love that Gnome - what a wonderful expression - jolly and caring!!!
hugs
Heather xx
Thanks so much for joining us with Simon Says Stamp challenge.
Absolutely stunning tag, what a beautiful touch with the silhouette and I love your own hand made roses and leaves. Your background is gorgeous. This is a beauty. Thanks so much for joining in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. Tracy x
Donna B. said…
Love your Celtic angel card! The wings are beautiful and I love how you drew her face in the circle! Thanks for playing again this week at The Play Date Cafe.
TwinkleToes2day said…
Another FAB smorgasbord of talent from you Arnoldo. The picture of your wife is beautiful and I love your APR picture wishing there was a bell boy, lol.
Have a wonderful weekend :0)
Candy C said…
Arnoldo...your work is always inspiring and beautiful. What a lovely picture of your wife! She is a very pretty lady. I really like the tags you've submitted for Simon Says Stamp and Show. The one for Tim's challenge as well is so pretty. I love your embossing and distressing. And those roses and leaves you've created on your own are simply beautiful. The tag you've made into a "locket" with the silhouettes of your daughters is such a great idea and a beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing your art with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy
Such wonderful creations! I love the bottle cap background. :)
Taluula said…
Welcome to the Three Muses, Arnoldo, your postcard to the Bellboy to carry your bags makes me smile. I love the refreshing simplicity and subdued colours of your card too. I hope you find to time to visit us again.

Ramesh Sood said…
I loved your Haiku and your love for your wife..it is so very heartening..

God bless..

RS:)
You certainly are busy with your art, submitting to so many challenges, very impressive. Love your tags with the clever additions.
Such amazing, beautiful work and lovely tribute to your lovely wife!! Love your interpretation of the Tim tag. So creative to place the silhuettes into a "locket"!! Praying for you and your students as you prepare to return to the classroom. ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/
carol l mckenna said…
Divine creations ~ you are blessed with a wonderful wife and artistic talent and a teacher as well ~ (A Creative Harbor)
Carolyn Dube said…
So many great pieces here! Your cinema tag is my favorite- love all the elements you incorporated!
Electra said…
I love coming here-your invitation is such fun and the popcorn tag is so unique. Your art never fails to make me smile! Thanks for joining us again at Opus Gluei!!
bellefrogworks said…
Just like being at a smorgasbord - my appetite grows looking at all your fabulous appetizers for my eyes. Also - no weight gain! Beautiful tags and I love the gnome sketch. That is a lovely photo of your wife. I am keeping all teachers and students (especially my little grandson) in prayer as school starts - for a successful year of skill and relationship building!
Lea said…
Beautiful creativity flowing here... your haiku radiates such love...
Winnie said…
Such lovely work as always. The love for your wife is so apparent and touching. The picture you are submitting is so lovely. What a special memories of your proposal day. Love your tag for Tim's 2012 tag. Lovely flowers and love that you used your daughter's silloutte. Your Gnome is fab. I have a New York Met Gnome in my garden! All the best as you start your new school year. The children are very lucky to have you as their teacher, and I know, they will teach you things as well.
Melissa Bove said…
Everything you make Arnoldo is a true work of art! Love everything!! You are truly an inspiration and a wonderful person! And you have a beautiful wife too!! :-)

Thank you so much for joining us this week at the Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog!

hugs...
Melissa
Cheryl said…
Your stamina amazes me. Where do you get the energy to do all these creative things in one week? The TH tag is awesome. I love the story about your wife's photograph.
Sandra said…
Thank you for your sweet comment over at my blog!
Love this long blog post with all kinds of different things in it! And I love your 12 tags of 2012 August tag. It's fabulous that it opens like a locket! Stunning job! Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. Hugs, Sandra
Marji said…
Your tags are so fun. I really can't get over how much you do in a week. I'm glad to hear that going back to school doesn't mean that you won't be participating - just on a diet. Love that. Happy PPF
Patrice said…
so much inspiration in one post, Arnoldo - Love that theatre tag and your devotion to your wife...she's one lucky lady! I hope you'll link up at 52 Card Pickup again this week!

http://www.oldbackporch.com/2012/08/52-card-pickup-week-33.html
To find--and to be found by--one's soul mate is a blessing indeed!

Helpless Soul

I am absolutely amazed at all the art you created with your multiple challenges. You are an inspiration.
GlorV1 said…
Hi Arnoldo. I love all your work and what you did with the pieces. Really great. What a kind and gentle man you are and thank you for introducing us to your beautiful wife. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and health. I really like that tag with the popcorn, tee hee. Thanks. Happy PPF!
Mary C. Nasser said…
What a wonderful art smorgasbord!!
Best wishes as you begin teaching art again!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Neesie said…
Oh Arnoldo I hope you never meet my hubby because when I read your entry for APR I burst out laughing...I have never EVER travelled light according to my husband, even when I really try ;D
It's always great to see what you've been creating over the week. The gnome and sparrow is brilliant.
Lovely photo of your wife too.
Have a wonderful weekend whatever you have planned...enjoy! :D
Neesie (APR #9)
annie said…
Loved your take on the 52 Photos theme!
Good gracious me...you're a busy man! ALL wonderful art here!
Anne Manda said…
Really nice works, the gnome and the sparrow has really beautiful and delicate linework! Wonderful, polished tags!
Lou Anne Hazel said…
I'm so glad you included the gnomes in the fairy challenge. Thanks for participating this week.
Great collection of work! I can't decide which I like best. The popcorn is great! Nice variety of artwork. And the soulmate comment is very touching.
Lessandra said…
Nice to meet you Arnaldo. Thank you for visiting my blog. You are a Very busy artist with a multitude of talent! I look forward to seeing what you are up to in the future. Have a blessed weekend.
Maggie said…
Hi Arnoldo, I'm always enchanted by all you've accomplished in a week! I do especially love the gnome and sparrow, it's a wonderful drawing!
And also the beautiful tribute to your wife. Enjoy the school year. Your students are very lucky!
rebecca said…
your smorgasbord is a pleasureful abundance of creativity and love. your students are surely to be inspired every day! thanks also for joining haiku my heart at recuerda mi corazon. your heart for life is a blessing.
Leovi said…
Excelentes composiciones, me gusta mucho la de las maletas. Saludos.
Karen Smithey said…
You get so much done during the week! Hope the school year gets off to a great start!
Tertia said…
You have so many fantastic things on your blog I don't know where to start, so I will just say they are all fabulous!
Happy very belated WOYWW and YAY me, I made it all the way from number one to you!! (even if it did take me till Saturday evening LOL)
Tertia #116
Kaylene said…
You have been busy, I am commenting on the photograph of your wife, such a lovely lady. Cheers
Anna-Karin said…
I really enjoy looking at these posts of yours every week to see all the great things you have made. Such a fun idea to place the silhouettes inside an opening on the August tag! And I love the gnome and bird drawing, wonderful. All the other pieces are so great too.

Thank for sharing with us on Simon Says Stamp and Show!
toni said…
Hi Arnoldo, lots of lovely work to look at here, I like the way you have constructed you August Tag with the opening cameo. So lovely to use silouhettes ofyour daughters makes it more meaningful. Gorgeous flower spray as well. Thankyou for leaving me such a nice comment on my blog. x
~amy~ said…
awesome projects! thanks for playing with us at The Play Date Cafe!
Alicia said…
All the variety of work you have here is inspiring! So glad to see your beautiful work at The Play Date Cafe, keep 'em coming!
Marlena M. said…
Wonderful projects here~I esp. love the beautiful tribute to your wife~lovely pic! Your popcorn box project is so much fun and your drawn silhouettes are gorgeous. Hope school goes smoothly for you! Blessings~
Gemiel said…
Another fabulous smorgasboard!!! The haiku is a lovely tribute to your beautiful wife. She is blessed to have such a loving husband. Glad to hear that the smorgasboard is just going on a diet. I was afraid that we might have to go on a fast after school starts. LOL Have a great shcool year. Thanks so much for blessing us at Word Art Wednesday this week.
Julia Dunnit said…
How wonderful to read of your devotion to Lisa. Really like the tag and the vignette that your punch storage and tins make..how very atmospheric!
Belo trabalho...Espectacular....
Cumprimentos
Lynn said…
I love the last card, its background and the wings! Thanks for playing along with us at The Play Date Cafe!
Deena said…
loving that popcorn tag! the other projects on this post are great too! thanks for joining in the Opus Gluei red hot challenge this week!
Please know that I haven't forgotten you, my friend. I have been up to my eyeballs in LIFE STUFF, and just haven't gotten to the post office.
Please bear with me.
Blessings,
Karen
Karin said…
wow what a beautiful pieces of art you made, love the poem/haiku you made for your wife!
L. McG.-E. said…
What a lot of wonderful creations.
Kristen H said…
Love how you refer to your wife! I consider my husband to be a precious gift just the same! Glad you have been given such treasure!
Your popcorn creation is awesome (as is everything else here today!)
I love all the movie stars on the piece.
You do great work.

Have a wonderfully Blessed day!
Willy said…
wow this is beautiful, I love the humor on your pieces of work!!
Holy cow...when you get busy, you get busy! These are all amazing! You are very talented! Love your take on Tim's tag, your photography, the movie theme, your humor! Thank you as well for the comment!!!! You have a new follower!
Anonymous said…
So much to look at and enjoy! You soul mate is beautiful!
We are so enjoying having your tags at Tag Tuesday. Just thought I'd take some time to let you know :o)

Very best wishes
Rosemary said…
Oh Arnoldo, you always take my breath away with your creations. You are a truly inspired individual and embody what I think of when I hear the word artist. It is just in your blood.

Your work is amazing, your students are lucky to have you as their guide and I'm sure you have inspired more than a few to be artists themselves. I love the tag with the silhouettes, that is amazing and I like it better than Tim's. And your Opus Gluei submission is exquisite; love the images of the stars, the glittered stars, popcorn box, well, all of it. LOL

Thank you for sharing this creativity with us, I so enjoy seeing it.