What Are You Looking For?

Hello!  ¡Hola!  It's hard to believe, but we're already halfway through the month of January 2026.  I've even celebrated and blessed the first marriage at my church for the year.  It was the wedding of one of my former students, when I was the Head of School, so it was an extra special service.

Priesthood Ordination Blessings
Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #664
The Male Room Challenge #206 - Add a Tag

Talking about special, for my first project, I'm sharing a card I made for a dear friend of mine who got ordained as a priest, on January 6.  We have been friends for years, and we worked together when he was a seminarian at Diocesan youth camps, Cursillos, and other events.  I was inspired by Michelle's AHS sketch and TMR's add a tag challenge.  For my design, I used Sizzix's Seth Apter 666907 Thinlits set; a Martha Stewart tag & Arteza Calligraphy Pen for my hand lettered sentiment; a vellum watch face from my art stash; a MME Paper Pad; a Canson's Papercraft pad; a Moriquill ATC card; a faux rhinestone; and various adhesives.

Trust In The Lord Graduation Card
Freshly Made Sketches #719
The Card Concept Challenge #223 - Cozy New Year

Next, I have a card I made for my cousin's son, who just graduated from Baylor University, in Waco, Texas.  Sila's dad isn't just my first cousin, but his Mom and my Mom were twin sisters, so we were very close growing up.  I was inspired by Judy's FMS sketch and the inspiration photo at TCC.  For my design, I used Sizzix's Seth Apter 666907 Thinlits set; a Globeland Mug diecut set; DCWV Travel Stack textured cardstock; a Tim Holtz' Design Rule, a Pick, & Script Washi Tape; a Mont Marte red brush pen; Uniball Signo white and black pens; and various adhesives.  (BTW, I want to thank Freshly Made Sketches for selecting me as The King of FMS Sketch #718 and The Card Concept's #222 Christmas Gathering Honorable Mention.)

Valentine Cards for Elby & Memin
(Pin)spirational Challenge #333 - January Blue and Purple
Just Add Ink #777... Blog Hop - Just Add Something Seasonal

For my third project, I have 2 Valentine's Day cards I made for my grandsons.  My wife is going up to see them next week, so I'm sending them early along with little gifts for each of them.  I was inspired by PC's color scheme and JAI's seasonal challenge.  For my design, I used Fnasklei's Love Heart Dogs die set; an EK Success Stitch Heart punch and a corner punch; XFasten Washi Tape; a ColorBox pigment purple stamp pad to edge the hearts; an Arteza black calligraphy pen; a Mont Marte pink brush pen; assorted cardstock scraps; and assorted adhesives.

My Art Studio & Home Office

Mixed Media Portrait

These last two photos are for Nicole's Sunday in The Art Room and Friday Face Off 1/16/2025, as well as for Sarah's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 867/87.  The first picture is of my art studio and home office.  This is where I have my old drafting table, part of my home library, and all my art tools/supplies.  You could say it's my man's cave, as it is where I "Read, Explore, Create."  This is where I often write my sermons too, as I usually have meetings and other church duties to take care of when I'm in my church office.  The second picture is a mixed media portrait I did, along with a quote from this week's Gospel reading, found in John 1:29-42.  The following is an excerpt from the sermon I'm writing:

Jesus' question to John the Baptist's two disciples -What are you looking for?- is better translated as, “What are you seeking?”  This is an invitation to actively examine our own hearts, so we can see what we find there, make amends, and bear witness to God's will.  It has the power to reorient our lives, make a difference in the lives of others, and to begin changing our world into what God intended.

Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment!  ¡Gracias por visitarme y dejar un commentario!  I'll be thrilled to reciprocate the favor!

Shalom,

Arnoldo+