Spring Is On Its Way!
Here in Southwest Texas, the temperatures are slowly rising, birds are getting ready to nest, and flowers are starting to bloom, so Spring is definitely on its way! I've even been able to wear light sweaters, short sleeve shirts, and even shorts a couple of times. No sandals yet, but those will also be out of my closet soon enough. The latter changes have inspired me to create projects with a Spring theme. I hope you enjoy them!
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| Mockingbird Sampler Mixed Media Tag © Arnoldo L. Romero Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014 - March Denise, Roger and Leslie's ABC Wednesday - Joyful Sounding Bird Try it on Tuesday - Music |
First of all, I was ecstatic to see the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014 - March tag, because I love incorporating nature into my work. You may recall that my art journal pages in March and May of last year incorporated original hand paintings with similar components. I began my tag, using a similar spritzer and stenciling technique to Tim's on the background, except that I created my own stencil with a large border punch. I also added some tissue tape strips and a word band with the tiny attacher along the bottom border. Next, I stamped a bird on the upper left corner and enhanced it with markers to simulate a mockingbird, along with some rub-ons. Finally, I hand painted an original mockingbird egg and a feather on watercolor paper, fussy-cut them, and adhered them to the tag with foam circles. As a finishing touch, I wrapped some string around the bottom and tied a ribbon to the top.
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| Birthday Wishes Paper Crafting & Calligraphy © Arnoldo L. Romero 2014 Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Lucky Collage Obsession - Making Marks Julia's What's On your Workdesk? Wednesday #250 Rhedd and Rosie's Challenge #28 - Aged/Distressed Manon's Paper Saturdays |
My second project was a set of birthday cards for my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and my Church rector. Since the rainy season is about to start, I figured that using the Tim Holtz umbrella man die would make a great focal point. I began with a white card base and added a Fiskars filmstrip border punch strip along the spine with a tiny attacher. I created the background by piecing 5 different strips of a 6x6" birthday print pad and distressed the edges. For the name tags, I die cut tickets out of a birthday tile print, hand lettered the recipients' names, punched a star on the upper right hand corner, distressed it, and attached it to the card with foam squares. The cards are simple, but they have a very vintage and masculine feel, so I really like them.
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| Rolo Digitally Enhanced Photograph © Arnoldo L. Romero 2014 52 Photos Project #48 {A Present Someone Gave You} Maria's Orange You Glad It's Friday #82 Lorik's Mandarin Orange Monday #86 |
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| PPF's 3rd Blogoversary Quick Marker Sketch © Arnoldo L. Romero 2014 Lynn's Paper, Paint, Pencils & Pens - Kitchen Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday - Week 2, Year 4 Alexandra's Sunday Sketches |
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| In Memory of St. Patrick Quick Marker Sketch © Arnoldo L. Romero 2014 Lynn's Paper, Paint, Pencils & Pens - Gardens & Parks Craftitude: Challenge #60 - Add a Little Green Inspiration Avenue - Inner Child Art Take a Word Challenge - Green The Three Muses Challenge - Spring Karen's Word Art Wednesdays #124 Jenn's Artist's Playroom #98 Jen's In the Studio Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #116 |
Finally, I have a photograph of my cat Rolo and a couple of sketches from my art journal. You may recall my youngest daughter found Rolo as a kitten last summer in the middle of a busy intersection. My wife and I were apprehensive about keeping her at first, because we already had 3 dogs and pet maintenance is quite expensive. However, she's become an unexpected gift to our family. As to the two sketches, they were both done in marker and celebrate to important events during the past 5 days. The cupcake was in celebration of Paint Party Friday's 3rd Blogoversary and the leprechaun's home entrance was in celebration of St. Patrick's day. I like doing this kind of art work, because I find it very relaxing and it helps me sharpen my drawing skills.
In closing, I want to thank everyone for their heartfelt comments during my last post about my very versatile art style. They truly helped me bring light to my line of work. I'm not trying to liken myself with two of my favorite 20th century masters, but I'm definitely like Picasso and Matisse who enjoyed exploring different styles, medias and techniques. Personally, I feel it keeps my artwork fresh, avoids creative blocks, and allows me to express myself according to my moods. Thank you again and blessings!
In closing, I want to thank everyone for their heartfelt comments during my last post about my very versatile art style. They truly helped me bring light to my line of work. I'm not trying to liken myself with two of my favorite 20th century masters, but I'm definitely like Picasso and Matisse who enjoyed exploring different styles, medias and techniques. Personally, I feel it keeps my artwork fresh, avoids creative blocks, and allows me to express myself according to my moods. Thank you again and blessings!
Cards for men are hard to make, but being a man might give you the edge. Thoughtful, at least.
ReplyDeleteI'm in Kansas and we are expecting snow overnight. So don't tell me spring is on the way (grin).
Rolo is a very elegant beauty. Don't let Bleubeard hear that, though, or he might get jealous. Happy WOYWW from #2.
I need to draw more...perhaps I will do it in my journal. My cat Marmalade, moved himself in...we were not in the market for a cat, but boy is he the centre of our lives now! #29
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational work here Arnoldo, I love your take on TH March tag, thank you for joining in with your fab "Umbrella Man" cards, good luck, Zoe DT Rhedd and Rosie's xxx
ReplyDeleteGreat works of art this week Arnoldo - love your bird tag and sketches. Have a great week, Cheers RobynO#38
ReplyDeleteWonderful work here Arnoldo! Thanks for playing along with us at TIOT! Valerie
ReplyDeleteYou are very creative. Carver, ABC Wed. Team
ReplyDeleteI sat just looking at your first tag - I love the dimension in the egg & feather plus the whole amalgam of imagery - you can just imagine the bird singing too with your addition of the musical element.
ReplyDeleteYour set of birthday cards are terrific with umbrella man as the focal point & the way that the film strip adds weight to the whole.
Rolo is beautiful - how amazing that you acquired a cat with 3 dogs.
I'm glad you can hone your drawing skills whilst relaxing - it's so important to have creative time for oneself.
Do take care.
Paula (PEP)
Love the feather! I always enjoy see what people put in their journals, just lovely. Thanks for playing with us at TIOT.
ReplyDeleteHugz, Z
you are very creative! and making cards are usually not for men.. ha ha but with the talents you have, what could be impossible?
ReplyDeleteBing
http://warmstonesite.com
Your nature-inspired tag is beautiful, I love the striking elements you've put together - they work so nicely and make me feel like pulling out paper and inks and playing around to create! Your sketches are fantastic, I really enjoy your St. Patrick page. Rolo looks perfectly at home, I love cats so there must always be room for just one to make the home cozy and warm. Glad I stopped over, I enjoy getting inspired to create when I come by for a quick look at your creations!
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot to say how much I liked your masculine cards - you used vintage elements but also some color and that's a fresh surprise, so often male cards are kept monochromatic and this is fresh and lively!
ReplyDeleteA lovely nod to Spring, Arnoldo!
ReplyDeleteGreat work love the bird tags an d your journal pages all and so diverse ..happy woyww and thanks for visiting Andrea#8
ReplyDeleteCan't get warm soon enough for me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative hand you have. To be able to create such wonderful works. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNelle 53 xx
Lots of fab projects here Arnoldo, but my favourite has to be the first tag which is so beautiful. Annette x
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tag, really well executed. Thank you so much for joining us on the TIOT challenge, hugs Bee
ReplyDeleteYour wonderful tags are always fantastic Arnoldo!
ReplyDelete(I specially thank you for the translator, it's really much appreciated, and a lot of english-speaking person don't think it necessary... :)
Loving your tags and the cat is gorgeous. Happy crafting, Angela #33
ReplyDeleteLovely tags there ... and Rolo looks as though he knows when he is in a good place.
ReplyDeletehave a good week
Bishopsmate #60
Great work this week Arnoldo, The spring like tags are so sweet. My goodness I do love Rolo,I have a cat who looks very similar, how comforting to hear that now Rolo has such a loving home.
ReplyDeletebeautiful tag!!!
ReplyDeleteas always, everything is FAB... but i secretly love the spring tag most, just b/c it's been a very VERY long winter here in the northeast! (no sign of shorts or sandals AT ALL yet, either, lol!) :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear a mockingbird sing - "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a novel studied at the 10th grade level and I just love the story.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
I keep jumping from thing to thing too.. Love your man with umbrella card that is just perfect for a man.. The tag is lovely with the bird and your details..
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW #23
Sandy :)
I am enjoying all of your artwork so much! I like to do lots of different things as well! I'm so glad you are finding so many nice people to give you such great feedback on your creative endeavors!
ReplyDeleteWishing you continuing creativity,
Betty
Your artwork is always versatile and beautiful. It might have similarities to other artists, but it is all yours. :-) April #18
ReplyDeleteAwesome set of projects Arnoldo! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!
ReplyDeleteAll very creative and I am pleased the weather is getting warmer for you.
ReplyDeleteLove Chrissie x
Very nice work as always. Love the spring tag. ( and love spring too ;) )
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day.
Liefs, Melanie
Great sketching, and LOVE your tag take! The images scream Spring! Happy happy day to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Arnoldo, Great tags, love them both.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us at TioT
Avril
lovely work on the cards. You have a wonderful style. Happy Springtime to you !
ReplyDeleteYour art is always amazing, and this is just AWESOME! You continually amaze me, and I thank you SO MUCH for sharing in our challenge this week. I enjoy visiting your blog so much, and always appreciate your fellowship as well.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know that the challenge this week at Classy Cards 'N Such www.classycardsnsuch.blogspot.com is a birds/butterflies challenge and they don't have many entries if you want to check it out. Just an idea. Of course, don't forget about us (I don't EVER want to lose you as a regular at WAW - you and your art are SUCH a blessing to me).
Have a blessed week in the Lord, and may He shine His face on you and your family.
Hugs,
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Some of these I've seen, some new to me, all awesome! HPPF!
ReplyDeleteArnoldo...your Mockingbird Sampler tag is gorgeous! I love everything about it! Your masculine cards area also beautifully done. Love your umbrella man and the filmstrip to the left. Very striking! And your sketching ... beautiful! Thanks for the sweet comment you left on my blog as well. Your thoughts are always appreciated! <3 Candy
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful projects.
ReplyDeleteUna verdadera preciosidad! Esas composiciones son una gran obra de arte!
ReplyDeleteA lot to enjoy here, as usual! That cupcake looks.. wow... like I want to lick it! Excellent drawing.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear Spring has sprung there in TX. I can't wait for it here, it is a bit warmer,but still scraping ice in the morning on my car. Soon! My Birkenstocks are calling me. Your TH tag is fab love the bird and feather, and your leprechaun house is so charming with the toadstools and door, I love it!
ReplyDeleteArnoldo I always so enjoy beeing here with you and your lovely art! Your Tag is soo beautiful with the feather and the egg! and then the yummy cake :) What a great idea to celebrate the PPF-Birthday :) xox ♥ Conny
ReplyDeletePiaroms Art Journaling
Happy Spring Arnoldo. Love all you work. Your mockingbird is awesome. Wonderful weekend to you.
ReplyDeleteYet again Arnoldo a visit here is so inspiring. I absolutely LOVE your mockingbird tag!! The masculine birthday cards are wonderful too-I have a hard time doing masculine cards. Happy Spring!
ReplyDeleteI love the diversity of your paintings, Arnoldo. The tag is wonderful and the The rain man art looks like so much fun to do.
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring to you...wonderful selection.... love the spring feel to this post...even with the umbrella! Still Love that cupcake it's terrific! Keep finding yourself artistically...your versatility is admirable!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Hi Arnoldo,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful collection of art, love the mockingbird tag very much.
Your pussy cat is gorgeous and so nice to make him a part of your family ~^..^~…..
And thanks for enlightening me on Matisse and Picasso's different styles, medias and techniques they loved to delve in, something I too like very much to do and really can't help doing : )
Annabelle ~m..m~
Love that Irish prayers and the beautiful sketch to go with it!
ReplyDeleteYour work have the feeling of good will and love, I especially enjoyed that Dad-card, it had such a beautiful color world and composition.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work this week, spring is inspiring isn't it? Love the PPF cupcake!
ReplyDeleteWow.. all your projects are so beautiful. I especially love the set of birthday cards. The stamping and filmstrip border are fabulous. Thank you so much for sharing with us Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. :)
ReplyDeleteI have admired your cupcake and leprechaun before, but it's nice to see them again. My favourite today is the mockingbird tag with all its interesting detail.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about always trying something new - I too like to challenge myself to experiment and try new materials and techniques.
Thank you as always for your kind comments on my posts.
I like the birds and spring one!
ReplyDeleteAnd how kind of you to make little cards for your father-in-law, brother-in-law and the church rector. They must feel very special to have a handmade card from you.
I love your drawings too.
It's always inspiring to see your artwork.
Arnoldo, what a stunning array of Spring images. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteInspiring....always come away with some new idea after my visit...Thanks! http://lauriekazmierczak.com/flower-shower/
ReplyDeleteI always love reading and looking at your Blog, this one really raises the spirit! Glad your weather is changing. We had Spring last week and now it has returned to winter! No sandalls for me for a while! I love your take on tim's tag, you have made sure your have done it Arnolodo style! (Sorry missed commenting on last post, mr blogger has been playing games with me but I think it's back ok now!)Barb x
ReplyDeleteExcelente trabalho....
ReplyDeleteCumprimentos
Great and creative work!!
ReplyDeleteSmiles, Saskia :)
Hi Arnold! So much so see and love today. I especially like that cupcake. It's so charming.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday Sketches!
Tam
Wonderful creativity on your post ~ divine ~ of course Rolo is so endearing and steals the show ~ xxx
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you ~
artmusedog and carol
Arnoldo..what a beautiful image of your cat... very soft and luscious with all those shiny surfaces...comforting. I love your cup cake card too..
ReplyDeleteSorry my linky list went all wrong...it was my fault too. I thought I was so clever getting MoM done last Wednesday ( I knew I had a big weekend coming up" but obviously made big mistakes with the linky list. I hope everyone finds your pics easily. I have fixed it , just now.
Thanks for being part of Mandarin Orange Monday. I always enjoy seeing your work and reading your comments:)
Your tags and cards always looks wonderful! Especially like the layout on the birthday card, and Rolo looks so sweet!
ReplyDeleteAlways so many great things to see when I visit your blog. Today I am particularly taken by the Memory of St Patrick. It is absolutely lovely.
ReplyDeletegreat tags and great collection! yum cupcake! Say, I'm going to be in your neck of the woods first week of April - San Antonio, TX, for an art show. Should be interesting! I've never been
ReplyDeleteGreat selection of works. My favorite is the fabulous first tag.
ReplyDeleteLate straggler from WOYWW.
ReplyDeleteLove this - another one here who likes trying different things. i keep wishing I could settle to one thing and master it but then 'oooh' something else takes my fancy and I try that instead :)
Your kitty looks so much like my sisters old cat - how we miss her.
Carmen x #80
Gorgeous post! The March tag is so pretty!! And those cards are great too. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog!
ReplyDeleteI so very much enjoy your artwork! You're versatile and creative and what you create fits the niche of what you're going for so elegantly! I especially like the first one and the photo of your kitty is so sweet too. Wonderful cards as well, men can be difficult to design for and yours are great!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I enjoyed it very much to see your wonderful tags! Your ideas are magnificent! The spring tag spreads so much joy and also the umbrella man looks dreamlike. And I like your cat and the sweet little cake and of course the quote with the magic door. You have been very busy and successful!
ReplyDeleteoh ow - I'm speechless - the trailer is amazing!! I love it so much <3
ReplyDeleteYour sketches are great - I can draw unfortunately not very good but I admire it so much all those who can.
Your cat is cute and looks very contented - I have three dogs - for a cat it would be here by the road too dangerous. I wish you have a nice week, Greetings, Dagmar
Love your Mockingbird card, I really miss hearing them from my youth in Texas, along with seeing the cardinals. I like your Irish prayer card too.
ReplyDeleteThoose sketches are wonderful and I would love to see more of them! Happy Paper Saturdays! Manon :)
ReplyDeleteRolo is gorgeous! Love these cards and especially the cupcake and crow ones. And we're feeling the warmer days here too. wishing you a good week!
ReplyDeletelove your work this week, it's so versatile and creative!
ReplyDeleteArnoldo it's been so long since I visited you but as previous your post is an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThe cards are perfect. I really like that umbrella man but I'm hoping I won't need an umbrella for quick some time. Spring has just arrived here ;D
Rolo looks adorable. No wonder he's worked his way into your family ^..^
Your cupcake makes me want to bake so cupcakes it is!
Thank you for sharing your creativity.
What a gift to your family and Rolo to become a part of your family. Thank you for sharing to the gallery.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy my journeys through your artworks. I love the tag you created for our Take a Word Challenge. It's exquisite. Wasn't sure where to post the comment but here it is anyway.
ReplyDeleteMore beautiful work from you, Arnoldo, all of this. You have been busy in spite of all your other commitments!
ReplyDelete