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!
Comments
Sounds 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
Your tag creations and cards are all very creative and beautiful ~ happy week to you ~ ^_^ ~ xoxo
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Thanks for joining us at Rhedd's Creative Spirit.
Moira xxx
sparkle & shine *~*
Lots of lovely summer colours on your work.
Thank you for sharing with us at Try it on Tuesday
Love Chrissie x
Gracias por participar con nosotros en Try it on Tuesday.
Mar x
Leslie
abcw team
Thanks Arnoldo for being an important part of Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Happy ABCW!
ROG, ABCW
Tina from The Sunny Side of Life
Thank 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
Thank for coming over and joining in with us at Rhedds Creative Spirt.
Great Big Huge Hugs
Becca xxx (DT member)
Sounds 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
Cumprimentos
Happy crafting and have a great week, Angela x #42
Bridget #58
April #63
What 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.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #13
Wonderful work...sweet soldier!
Hugs Giggles
Thanks for sharing with us at TioT
Avril
Nicole/Beadwright
Thank for coming over and joining in with us at Rhedds Creative Spirt.
Great Big Huge Hugs
Becca xxx (DT member)
It'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.