A Summery Post

Due to some rains this Summer, we've had average temperatures of 85˚ Fahrenheit (29˚ Celsius) in Del Rio, Texas, so it's been a little more bearable than in past years.  Therefore, I've really enjoyed taking laps in the pool almost everyday, especially after walking my dogs.  With this in mind, I've prepared a Summery post today with projects to remind me of God's grace and care.

Swivel Card
Simon Monday Challenge - Ode to Sunshine
ATC's With Attitude #45 - Shape One Side
Word Art Wednesday - Challenge #91

Accordion Side Panel Card
Order of the Opus Gluei Challenge 162 - Beach
Collage Obsession - Summer
Simon Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Travel Journal Tag
Tag Tuesday - Travel
Try It On Tuesday: Collage With A Twist
Manon's Paper Saturdays

First of all, I have two Summery ATC sized cards and a travel journal tag for which I used K&Company paper goods.  I designed the swivel card and the accordion side panel card using a Martha Stewart scoring board, as well as the Tim Holtz mini-labels and a dimensional cutting pad.  The pad helped me create a bridge for the mechanisms to work.  For the travel journal tag I used the Tim Holtz Tiny Tabs & Tags die.  Other material I used to complete these 3 pieces include a calligraphy marker, a micron pen, Clearsnap ink pads, Tim Holtz tissue tape, a Martha Stewart star punch, an EK Success flourish perforator, a corner punch, a square punch, circle punch, a needle, thread, a glue stick, two sided tape, white cord, jute twine, scissors, a guillotine paper cutter, dimensional pads, and dimensional paint.

©Arnoldo L. Romero
Bella's 52 Photos Project: Gallery 15 {Fresh}
Jen's In the Studio
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #83

Next, I have a photograph of a blooming Hydrangea plant that I got for my wife a couple of months ago.  She loves to keep fresh flowers in the house, so I often get them for her.  I used to think they were always blue, but apparently they come in various colors including white, pink, and lavender.  The latter is affected by the soil and the flower's genetic make-up.  Hydrangeas bloom in late Spring and early Summer, so they're no longer blooming here in Del Rio, but the plant is doing well outside.  God willing it will bloom again next year.  I took the photograph with my iPhone, but cropped it and did some digital adjustments in iPhoto.

ABC Wednesday: C is for Child Jesus
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #217
Inspiration Avenue - Time
Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday - Week 21 Year 3
Maria's Orange You Glad It's Fiday #49
Artists in Blogland: Show & Tell Saturday
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches

Last, but not least, I have an icon of Joseph with the Child Jesus that I've been writing this Summer.  I am working on a canvas with acrylics, instead of the traditional wood panel and egg tempera method.  I can't afford the materials for the latter at this time.  You may find a photograph of the first phase in my June 26th post.  I hadn't worked on it for a while due to a trip out of town, home chores, and family affairs.  I thoroughly enjoy writing icons, but for me they take more physical, emotional and spiritual preparation than any other type of projects I work on.  That's why I usually only work on icons during the Summer, when I have time to prepare.  If everything goes well, I should be finished with this one next week.

I hope you enjoyed my Summery post.  By the way, thank you to everyone who took the time to leave a comment last week, as well as to everyone who chose to follow my blog.  May you be blessed this Summer in whatever you do and wherever you go.