I'm Back Home!
After almost 2 weeks of being on the road all over Texas with my family, I'm back home - thank you, Lord! During the trip, we picked up my oldest daughter at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport when she returned from Spain; we participated in several family celebrations; we did some shopping; we did lots of walking; and we registered my youngest daughter at Texas A&M University. Although we had a marvelous time, I was truly exhausted during the second week. Therefore, I had a difficult time getting much artwork done. I was not able to write any posts in my blog either, so please accept my apologies.
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| USA's Uncle Sam Mixed Media with Tim Holtz Products Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014 - July Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Start From Scratch! Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Let's Be Clear |
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| Japan's Samurai Acrylic Paint, Micron Pens, Origami Paper & More Tag Tuesday - Japan Rhedd's Creative Spirit - July Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #267 |
As some of you may be aware of, I've been designing an original "Soldiers Around the World" tag series, in which I've used the Tim Holtz Toy Soldier die as my base. To make the current two soldiers in the series, I altered the various die pieces; re-purposed some of them; created new pieces; and/or illustrated them accordingly before assembling each of the soldiers. The USA tag's background was inspired by the techniques of the Tim Holtz July tag, and the Japan tag's background features an original illustration I did of a Japanese dragon.
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| Birthday Cards Paper & Plastic Scrap Piecing Keep It Simple! #44 Take A Bow |
Several family members and friends of mine had birthday celebrations lately, hence the cards above. I designed the feminine set using Freshly Made Sketches #139, which I really liked, but hadn't had an opportunity to use. I made variations on each of the cards to make them a little more unique. As to the ATC, I designed it during my trip, so I had limited art supplies. Fortunately, I had colorful Smash products, which were the perfect accent for my miniature original portrait. Using a paperclip, I attached the ATC to a gift card which had a complementary print.
Last, but not least, I have a photograph I took during a walk with my wife a couple of days ago, when we were in College Station. It's of a small creek in a field close to my oldest daughter's apartment. I felt the photograph complemented the scripture which was featured at Word Art Wednesday a couple of weeks ago beautifully. The lettering was designed by Diane Nobel, their graphic artist. I think it would make a great print to use in cards.
I hope you've enjoyed my humble artistic offerings for this week. I want to thank everyone who took the time to leave a comment during my last post, as well as all my kind followers for their patience during my absence. Have a blessed week everyone!
Awesome projects! Hope you had fun on your time away, but I know it's hard to create when you're not at home. I love the idea of using the toy soldier to make and Uncle Sam and using it to make soldiers from other countries is such a fun idea!! Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteGreat take on Tim's Tag Arnoldo! I love the Uncle Sam and the crackle on the stars. This a really cool tag!! Karen.x
ReplyDeleteCool pieces. You always have so many great ideas to share. Happy SS!
ReplyDeletewelcome back! Beautiful tags and cards this week!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've had a busy but fun two weeks! I love your patriotic tag, you've been so creative with the toy soldier die. Thanks for joining us for this week's Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!
ReplyDeleteSí, es una foto extremadamente encantadora! Muy bonita!
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ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great trip...
Such fabulous Tags...love the Oriental Soldier and the dragon background..great use of materials too.
Thank you for joining in with our challenge over at Rhedd's Creative Spirit...xx
It is nice to see you back. Your work is really a pleasure to look at.
ReplyDeleteWonderful 'vacation' you had spending time with family ~ so precious in this day and age ~ and love your strength in your faith ~
ReplyDeleteYour tag creations and cards are all very creative and beautiful ~ happy week to you ~ ^_^ ~ xoxo
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Sounds like a fun and rewarding week of family and travel. Great tags! I used to live in Japan and like what you did for the Japan theme.
ReplyDeleteYour tags are fab, love the background.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Rhedd's Creative Spirit.
Moira xxx
Sounds like a full summer...love your projects♪ http://lauriekazmierczak.com/abstracts/
ReplyDeleteWow, love the variety of tags! They all look super!
ReplyDeletehi Arnoldo! wow, what amazing creations, so luv the tags! great designs and embellishments. So glad you played along with Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge!
ReplyDeletesparkle & shine *~*
Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteLots of lovely summer colours on your work.
Thank you for sharing with us at Try it on Tuesday
Love Chrissie x
AMAZING projects are this!
ReplyDeleteHello, it sounds like you've had a marvellous time away and you've also made some lovely tags. I like your "Soldiers" series, what fun, and I also very much like the two little floral tags on blue. Have a happy time at home, making art too, it's often good to be back.
ReplyDeleteMucha inspiración en tus vacaciones y unos trabajos increíbles.
ReplyDeleteGracias por participar con nosotros en Try it on Tuesday.
Mar x
I have definitely APPRECIATED your ARTISTIC renderings this week, especially the scripture one!
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
You have obviously had quite a week..and a very emotional one to with both a reunions and enrolling your other daughter in university. I like your soldiers series, and the birthday card, but best of all I like your MoM contribution. I was photographing places a bit like that on my holiday too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Arnoldo for being an important part of Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Absolutely wonderful creations!
ReplyDeleteHappy ABCW!
LOVE the artist trading cards. I bought a different set many years ago.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
Welcome home! What beautiful tags and cards and that photo is amazing as well! I love the soldier inspired pieces especially.
ReplyDeletewow beautiful projects
ReplyDeleteTina from The Sunny Side of Life
It sounds as if you've been having a lovely time with your family, Arnoldo, and for someone who hasn't had much time to spend in the studio, you certainly have produced some beautiful projects! I love the cards, and the tags are amazing - what an unusual theme. You will probably come up with some very interesting soldiers from around the world. Ps. 46 is one of my favourite Scriptures and I read it only this morning.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit and your lovely and very encouraging comment! Mum is doing OK but her balance and her short term memory seem a bit worse than before the TIA. I wish I could exercise to help with the weight loss but unfortunately this is impossible with my medical condition, so it has to be diet alone! I am not discouraged because there are bound to be a few blips along the way. I'm sure I'll be back on track again this week! I feel a bit of a novice on the guitar but it will soon come back, especially once I build up some callouses on my left hand again - at the moment, playing is a rather painful experience for my poor soft little finger tips lol!! Could I ask you please to pray for my minister who is going through a rather difficult time at present with family matters.
Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #30
Welcome home and thanks for sharing such beautiful projects! I love your idea to create soldiers around the world tags! These are such fun! Your cards are beautiful and I love the photo with the scripture! So soothing! Happy WOYWW! Angie #28
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a wonderful time with your family! Your tags are so beautiful, I can't decide which one I like the best. I have a daughter in college too--I can't believe she's that old! Hugs and blessings. Thanks for the visit. Sandy Leigh #50
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, your tags are wonderful such fun.
ReplyDeleteThank for coming over and joining in with us at Rhedds Creative Spirt.
Great Big Huge Hugs
Becca xxx (DT member)
Hi Arnoldo, thanks for visiting my blog and for your suggestion a couple of weeks ago to post on the Flower Power Art Journal blog. I need to make a note to go back and check what's going on.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've had alovely, albeit busy time with your family.
I'm fascinated by your soldier serious and particular like the Japanese one. Look forward to seeing more.
Hope you have a lovely creative and relaxing week.
Gillian #50
You made an exciting trip I think and I'm sure you have been very happy on your daughter's return from Spain and touched because of registering your youngest daughter at the university. I would be touched in any case. Nevertheless you have created this great artwork. I love your sweet tags! Wonderful! Good luck for your daughters!
ReplyDeleteHello - you have been busy!! I think your humble offerings are superb. I really love the blue birthday cards. Thank you for visiting me Anne x #20
ReplyDeleteExcelentes trabalhos....
ReplyDeleteCumprimentos
I like your toy soldiers and especially the Japanese one with the cool dragon. Nice you could have all that time with family, but I realize how exhausting all this can be.
ReplyDeleteLovely things to see this week Arnoldo.
ReplyDeleteHappy crafting and have a great week, Angela x #42
Wonderful artwork, here. I love that Uncle Sam tag and those pretty blue birthday cards. Thanks for sharing them and the verse and photo. Love that verse and the photo is perfect with it #34
ReplyDeleteHi Arnoldo, happy WOYWW...back after a short holiday with family--wonderful and also some fantastic artwork there. Cheers, have a great week RobynO#41
ReplyDeleteWell your artwork belies the small time that you've had! I like the idea and result of the soldier series very much.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly were very busy with family stuff. time to rest now and do some crafting. love those tags. How come men are so good at crafting? I am jealous
ReplyDeleteBridget #58
Vacation are fun but like you find it easy to get worn out. Teenagers seem to add energy and make us even my tired. Love the idea of the soldier tags. Looking forward to seeing more of them. Diane #78
ReplyDeleteIt's always so wonderful to have quality family time! Glad you spent that with the girls too! Your tags rock! I love the nutcracker soldier....only you! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had great time with your family. And you did some artwork. Love the last picture - so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteApril #63
As usual, beautiful, artistic and in wonderful taste!! Cheers.
ReplyDeletewelcome back home and thank you for lovely artistic offerings!
ReplyDeleteBack on track the minute you're back home. Boy would I love to have some of your determination.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to make the worlds soldiers. That must be a long ongoing task, and all the fun research. Your Japanese dragon looks perfect, and the samurai is great as well. Best wishes for your daughters and family.
Great work as always - Valerie
ReplyDeleteDespite being away wahile you have come back with such a nice selection of projects! I think it's good to take an art/blogging break once in awhile-and I'll be doing that soon myself. I am loving your soldier series and I certainly hope Tim himself takes note of these!Fab cards using the sketch too. Welcome back and have a great weekend my friend.
ReplyDeleteI thought you said you had not done much recently, Arnoldo. Looks like lots to me...That photo is lovely - and yes, it does indeed compliment the scripture. Well done.
ReplyDeleteTake care. God bless.
Margaret #13
I'm exhausted just reading all you accomplished on your holiday... I hope you get a good few weeks of Arnoldo time to rest and create before school starts again!
ReplyDeleteWonderful work...sweet soldier!
Hugs Giggles
A great set of projects.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us at TioT
Avril
You been missed! Your tags are just terrific - and I would love to receive any of your cards. I agree that your photo with that scripture would make wonderful cards - would also make a lovely print to frame.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was a wonderful holiday. Get some rest now Arnoldo. Love your pieces, great job on all of them.:)
ReplyDeleteWelcome home! Love the cards!
ReplyDeletelooks great lots of artiness
ReplyDeleteSounds great and I love your tags :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome home and back to blog land. I am glad you had time to spend with your family and celebrate things together. Wonderful art as always.
ReplyDeleteNicole/Beadwright
I miss Texas. My 12-day trip there in April was the best. Didn't go near big cities though. Enrolling your daughter in A&M is a major life moment for both of you. Tags are great. Your work is always wonderful. Creative Blessings! Kelly #75
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Love the bright blue in your birthday cards. Wonderful projects!
ReplyDeleteWelcome home! Sounds like some great family time. Hope you are getting some rest now. I know I am running around a lot lately with all the summer stuff. Your tags are wonderful, the samurai just blew me away! Some very lucky friends to receive those great birthday cards! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
ReplyDeleteMore fabulous creations, I love seeing your work.
ReplyDeleteThank for coming over and joining in with us at Rhedds Creative Spirt.
Great Big Huge Hugs
Becca xxx (DT member)
It sounds like you had an exhausting time away Arnoldo, but now you're back we are treated to your fabulous creations once more.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have a blog break but so much better to be back! ;D
Fantastic tags, photograph and card.
Have a great week and welcome home.
Pretty work! Thanks for joining last week's link up.
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