Dog Days

"Dog days" refers to the hottest months of the Summer, which includes July and August, in the Northern Hemisphere.  According to Wikipedia, the name comes from the Romans, who associated the hot weather with Sirius, which was the brightest star of the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog).  Sirius apparently rose before or at the same time as the sun around this late part of the equinox.  Therefore, they believed it to be the cause of the extremely hot weather during this time of Summer.  So what does this have to do with my artwork?  I've got some Hot, Hot, Hot Summer projects to show you today!  Well, I guess that's a matter of opinion - LOL!

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - J is for Journaling
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #135
Manon's Paper Saturdays

Above are my 4 latest hot Smash Pages featuring hot Summer day family memories.  I used a variety of materials, including Smash embellishments, Tim Holtz dies, K&Company papers & embellishments, hand lettering, and lots of family photos.  The theme through out the four pages was the use of shades of orange and blue, as well as the use of pointing symbols.  All the pieces were assembled puzzle-like, and I made them interactive by turning a postcard into a mini-page and an envelope into a tag holder.

Freshly Made Sketches #147 by Jen T.
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #270

Tag Tuesday - Statues
Moo-Mania - Texture
Karen's Word Art Wednesday - #144

During Summer, my family celebrates several birthdays and spends time swimming.  Birthday celebrations require candles, which could make everything very hot if not blown out - LOL!  I cut the candles for my card by hand, but used heart punches for the flames, a Tim Holtz die for the mustache, and a DYMO labeler for the sentiment.  As to the tag, which I titled "The Gardening Angel," it's a sculpture I put together using a variety of dies.  It would look great in the flower beds by my pool.

Art Journal Journey - Frida Kahlo
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Lorik's Mandarin Orange Monday #104
Maria's Orange You Glad It's Friday #102
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday- Week 22 Year 4

Next, I have my first attempt ever of drawing Frida Kahlo, the hottest Mexican female painter.  It's not the best resemblance, but I believe it captures her essence.  I drew her using micron pens on a 3.5 x 5 inch mixed media pad, and blended oil pastels to paint the background.  The vibrant colors behind the b&W drawing reflect the juxtaposition of the reality of her life and the festive culture that she was born into.  In addition, they helped the drawing pop-up.

Bella's 52 Photos Project - Gallery 14 {Stairs}
Denise, Roger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - D is for Dog Days at A&M
Jen's In the Studio

In closing, I leave you with a shot I took at A&M, which is one of the hottest Universities in the United States in my opinion.  Not only is it a top university, but the weather can get extremely hot during the summer - LOL!  We were there twice this Summer.  The first time we went to register my youngest daughter, and the second time we went to move my oldest daughter out of her apartment.  They'll be sharing an apartment this next school year.

I hope you enjoyed my "Dog Days" projects, and hopefully you'll agree that they're as hot as I think they are - LOL!  Thank you for all your caring comments during my last post, as well as for following my blog.  Blessings!