Saturday Art Smorgasbord - This and That

Greetings!  In addition to the regular day-to-day chores, there is always this and that to get done during the Holiday season.  Christmas shopping, baking, and wrapping are just the beginning.  However, somehow I managed to squeeze in sometime to work on my own "this and that" in my studio to help me relax.  Praise the Lord!

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
One of the pieces I worked on in my studio was the 5x7" peaceful watercolor scene of a snowman and a cardinal looking at the Christmas Star.  I actually started this piece a couple of years ago and was going to use it on printed greeting cards, but I ran out of time.  (I may still do that latter.)  I hadn't really thought about it much, until Carolyn Saxby asked our team at Tag Tuesday to use a "Winter Landscape" as inspiration.  I dug it out of a portfolio, finished it, scanned it, matted it digitally, and made a postcard (4x6") size print to use as my tag base.  I used strips of a Christmas card stock print by DCWV and red satin ribbon to trim it.  Then, I added a die-cut flower as an embellishment.  The sentiment, "tried and true," is from a K&Company set.  I used it as a reminder of our Savior's unconditional love for us.  I formed a tag shape by rounding the top corners, punching a hole in the center, and adding a ribbon tie.  I am also submitting these pieces to Paint Party Friday, Artists in Blogland, Illustration Friday, Sunday Sketches, Inspiration Avenue: Peace, Simon Says Stamp: Snowflakes, and Craft Artwork: Christmas Postcard

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Two other projects I worked on were these tags I designed inspired by the techniques of Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2012 - December.  These are the last two of a series of twelve which started in February.  I painted the bases of both tags according to Tim's instructions, but I distressed the edges too.  Then, I cut mats out of two of his prints to create my focal points.  For the Christmas tag, I stamped a vintage Santa image on watercolor paper and illuminated it according to his instructions regarding the snowman in his design.  I attached it to my mat, along with one of Tim's Plaquettes.  I used some letter charms I had to spell the word "Joy," and attached them over a strip of Tim's musical washi tape.  I stapled a strip of tinsel under the latter with Tim's Mini Attacher, and enhanced it with some miniature silver pine cones.  As a finishing touch, I added a distressed "Ho, Ho" tag with one of Tim's Gem Clips, as well as a strip of red gingham ribbon.  For my New Year's tag design, I used the same techniques Tim used on his poinsettia and scroll, to make my star and scroll.  (I love the versatility of techniques you can use on Tim's Grunge Board!)  Then, I distressed a copy of an engineering diagram to create a band for the bottom portion of my tag.  I embellished the tag with a vintage watch face, an old ticket stub, and gold cording, as well as Tim's Word Bands and Philosophy Tags.  I am also submitting the first one to Word Art Wednesday #57 - Anything Goes and Crazy Amigo Challenge - Surprise, as well as the second one to The Play Date Cafe PDCC 160 - Mountaintop, Icy Blue, and Snowflake.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Finally, I worked on editing some of the photographs I shot during the week.  The first photograph is of  a Red Winter Rose Poinsettia that my wife and I found at a local nursery.  Apparently, some California growers took the traditional Mexican "Noche Buena" or "Poinsettia," and genetically engineered this new species.  Although the traditional species is still my favorite, I do like this new variety.  The second photograph is a still life I created featuring a copy of Sharon Wagner's first book she's illustrated.  I won it during a drawing she had, and will be reading it to my Sunday School students this season.  It is a lovely book!  The third photograph is one I took during a Radney Foster concert my wife and I attended yesterday evening.  Radney is a Del Rio, Texas' native, and the son of two of my wife's and my best friends.  Radney has written hits for Keith Urban ("I'm In," "Raining on a Sunday"), Sara Evans ("A Real Fine Place to Start"), the Dixie Chicks ("Godspeed," "Never Say Die"), and Gary Allan ("Half of My Mistakes"), as well as his own hits, such as "Just Call Me Lonesome" and "Texas in 1880."  It was an amazing show!  I am submitting these photographs to 52 Photos Project: Gallery 33 {Morning::Evening}, A Rural Journal, Hood Photo Blog: OYGIF #16, and Mandarin Orange Monday #22.

Well, this concludes my post of "This and That."  Thank you for the heart warming comments on last week's post.  Blessings!

Comments

What a great Christmas tag, Arnoldo! I always enjoy your art and your blog posts so much. Thanks for sharing with us again this week at Word Art Wednesday. Hope you're enjoying your Decemer and that you're almost ready for Christmas. It's hard to believe how soon it will be here.
Blessings,
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
A said…
Arnoldo, pięknie u Ciebie :)) wszystkiego dobrego życzę!!
Great job on the Tim Holtz tags.
Christine said…
Lovely snowman tag!

http://cmlk79.blogspot.ca/2012/12/paint-party-friday-tequila.html
carol l mckenna said…
Lots of rich creativity here ~ wonderful variety ~ favorite is the snow man ~ delightful work ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^ ~ artmusedog and Carol ^_^
sharon said…
Love your tags great to hear how they are made, happy ppf.
Diane ~ said…
I'm so glad i read your post! What a terrific idea - Christmas Tags!! Yours are amazing! i have yet to buy any cards, but i have plenty of blank tags awaiting decoration! thanks so much for participating in the challenge! :)
Leovi said…
Maravillosas estampas navideñas, me gusta esos colores. Saludos.
Anonymous said…
I love the little snowman--yay! So festive. Also, those tags are lovely.
Tracey FK said…
That is a busy week'
s worth considering how hectic it is at this time of the year... that poinsettia looks interesting.. all the jacarandas in our street have lost their flowers but the poinsettias have taken over so we have swapped the purple carpet for red... it is one of the joys of living in a street lines with old trees... so happy to be back visiting... have missed my smorgasbord hits ...have a wonderful week...xx
shelly said…
thank you for visiting my blog :) i love your tags and art style.
Deanna said…
Beautiful tags! I love the snowman and cardinal, looks so peaceful. Happy Sunday!
ASHISH BARDHAN said…
Lovely X-mas Post, with an awesome art ..
Take a look into mine ..
http://ashbeezone.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/the-megadeth-graffiti-art/
Happy Holidays
Virtual Boy said…
Beautiful work on all of these! That snowman card and Santa tag are adorable~
I should get started on making x-mas cards too... @_@

//Virtual Boy
Ritu Dua said…
Your tags are amazing ...festivities plus creativity = MAGIC
Wendy Swenne said…
First of all: sorry for not being around lately. Just been mental weeks.

What a great art you made this week!!! Just love your snowman image. You should let them be printed and sending them as christmascards. Just stunning.

And your tags are so beautiful too.

Thanks so much for sharing your art with us on WAW.

Have a blessed day.

Wendy
Your this and that art totally made me smile this early morning. Alot going on over here in my world, good and bad, and your post and artwork really lifted my spirit this morning. Thank you. Hugs :)

PS Congrats on signing up to SS first! ;)
Victoria said…
Wow..what a beautiful post..gorgeous art and love the poinsetta too..! Your creations are magnificent..I love the "ticket'..so beautiful and wonderful energy to all of your pieces! The concert looks fabulous..great photos!
Blessings o the season!
Happy SS!
Victoria
Sabina said…
Love the card! The image of the snowman is somehow cute and peaceful at the same time.
WrightStuff said…
What a jolly snowman!! He's top!
Karin said…
wow, gorgeous christmas tags!
Ileana said…
I can see your Christmas-themed tags turning into Christmas cards as well. So beautifully done...that Santa could not be jollier and I love the large JOY you used! Very festive and fun. Enjoy the season!
Gemiel said…
Arnoldo, I love your watercolor canvas. It will make a gorgeous christmas card. All your tags are stunning as well. Great photos too. Have you done any scrapbooking?? :):) Glad that God allowed you some time in your studio this week. We are always blessed at Word Art Wednesday by your art. Blessings to you!
Maggie said…
I love your festive tags! And the very interesting new poinsettia. Happy holidays!
lorik said…
What a colourful and festive display! And a beautiful shot of the new poinsettia plant. Thank you for taking part in Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Rodney Foster was one of my favorites in high school...wore out my Texas in 1880 CASSETTE...lol! Nice to see him still play. Love the poinsettias...gorgeous! All varieties are magical to me! Your Tim tags ROCK...love the mirror on yours! The colors and background are so vibrant! Very festive today!!!
stefanie stark said…
The snowman is so cute!!! And I also like your notes very much!
Winnie said…
Love your tags! The way you did the snowscape on the first one is amazing. Your tags for Tim Holtz tags are wonderful. Love the use of the star! I have never seen that breed of pointsettia and love the look of the petals. Have a great week ahead!
Sharon Wagner said…
Thanks for the shout out Arnoldo! I'm so glad the book will be read at your Sunday School. And your Christmas projects are heartwarming.
Netty said…
Terrific post and love your painting for Paint Party Friday. Annette G
http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
Linnea said…
Those are lovely tags. You're very artistic! How fun! Enjoy the holidays and thanks for stopping by at my orange post.
Lou Anne Hazel said…
You do such nice work. I love the tag! Wishing you peace and prosperity in the new year.
Anonymous said…
You are such an inspiration! Happy Holidays!
Lynn Cohen said…
Cute snowman and fun other pieces too! Happy holidays!
Fantastic artwork! I just love your festive cards and tags :)
Heather said…
So many beautiful creations Arnoldo, what a wonderful sentiment 'live the life you imagined' and the details are stunning!!!

hugs
Heather xx
Thanks so much for joining us with Simon Says Stamp challenge.
Chubskulit Rose said…
I love those personalized decor!

Visiting a little late from Mandarin Orange Monday.

My Orange
Hope you can still visit and leave me a comment. Thanks.
Carola Bartz said…
I love all the beautiful art here on your blog. What a great discovery!
Unknown said…
loving your snowman and your tags are just fantastic. Stopping by late from PPF!
Bella Cirovic said…
Wonderful photos and art! Thank you for sharing.
Your tags are simply amazing and love the watercolor painting. Have a lovely Christmas with your sweet family!! ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/