Thinking Pink Kumihimo Bracelets

Lately, I've been trying to keep busy making Kumihimo (Japanese braided bracelets).  It's just complex enough to be both challenging and relaxing and the end results are attractive.

Shades of pink seem to have captivated me and I made several pretty bracelets that are mostly rosy-hued or pinks mixed with other colors.

Here are a few of them:

What do y'all think?  Should I keep thinking pink?

Kitty!

ATCs: Working Small

Digitally created ATC

Although Artist Trading Cards or ATCs have been around since the late 90s, I only learned about them in about 2008.  Immediately I found myself drawn to creating them.  Their compact size (2.5 inches by 3.5 inches) made it easy to finish a single card in one sitting (before my attention was drawn elsewhere).   ATCs can be done in anywhere from a few minutes to few hours, which satisfies the  "instant gratification" need that most of us possess in the modern world.

The smaller format also meant that since there wasn't a huge investment of time or effort expended in making one, if  a finished ATC didn't "work", it didn't hurt so much to put it aside and start over.

Most of my ATCs are created in "Mixed Media" with a combination of hand-done elements and various items like scrapbook embellishments, ribbons, buttons etc. etc. Creating "digital" ATC's on the computer is also fun and opens up more avenues for creativity.

It can be especially enjoyable to pair art or illustrations with  favorite quotes and motivational sayings.  

Since ATCs by nature are meant to be shared/traded with others, many of mine wind up traveling to new homes. I've also been lucky to get a range of gorgeous ATCs from friends and swap partners.

There are numerous groups online that offer opportunities to learn various techniques and serve as places to meet others who enjoy creating them.  Many of these groups also host "swaps" where you make one or more ATCs and trade them with other artists around the world!

Try your hand at this enduring trend. It's quick, easy and fun. 




Smiles and Purrs!
Kitty!

The Glendale Oak

Pamela Joy recently challenged me to get out of the house and commune artistically with nature.  I was drawn to this intimate green space tucked behind the local library branch.

Designated a "park" this tiny swatch of land in the middle of suburbia has a sundial and a couple of cement benches but it is by far dominated by an incredible tree called the Glendale Oak.

I tried to sit under it and absorb the feeling of sitting under it's leafy canopy but allergies to other local flora drove me back indoors, where I decided to create a collage of sorts to commemorate my visit to the Glendale Oak.

So, if you happen to be cruising down Metairie Rd in the 'burbs of New Orleans be sure to take a peek behind the library....

Kitty!

Ailurophilia!

Happy Thirteenth Birthday to Princess Pandora Adorable!

Dora has been my sweetheart for thirteen whole years!  She's an amazing girl and I love her soooooo much!

I also love my babies Alvy and Annie....here's a sleepy-time shot of all my fur-children!

I've been an ailurophile since I can remember but these guys are truly special.  They make me smile even when the misbehave! LOL

Pandora will always look like a kitten in my eyes....

Smiles and Purrs!

Kitty!

Allison's Bouquet

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the wedding of  my niece Allison who was a gorgeous bride in her Eva Marie dress.  She and Daniel were married on April 12, 2014, by her best friend Julia in New Orleans under the majestic McDonogh Oak in City Park.  The ceremony was beautiful and personal and the love the couple share was quite evident.   

It made me very proud that Allison carried a ribbon rose bouquet that I had the honor of creating especially for her in her wedding colors.

Here are a few photos from that special day!

Chris, my brother, walks Allison down the "aisle".

 

My father, Tony, held the bouquet while Allison and Daniel exchanged vows.

My lovely niece Allison poses with her bouquet.

Best of luck to dearest Allison and Daniel in your new life as a married couple!  Love y'all!

Smiles and Purrs!
Kitty!