Zentangle ATCs using Stencils

I love making ATCs and now I love my new found art thingy called Zentangle.  While it can be overwhelming searching through all of the books and sites that have Zentangle patterns; it is non-the-less a fun and rewarding journey.  I have all three of the Zentangle books by Suzanne McNeill and Sandy Steen Bartholomew and have them 3-hole punched in a binder.  Along with the three books I also have tons of printed out sheets of paper with the patterns I have been collecting from other wonderful and inspiring Zentangle artists.

You can find all of the books with a Search of Amazon.com for zentangle!  Here is the Zentangle Basics book with a link to get started.














Here are 2 of the stencil Zentangles I did this weekend:

Bizarre Holidays - August

Sometimes, don't you just wish that there was a holiday for something special that YOU like?  I found this monthly thread over at ATCs For All that does Bizarre Holidays for each month.  There is a site that actually tracks these bizarre holidays for each month and you pick which holiday you want to make an ATC for and then use your imagination.  The site is Bizarre American Holidays and has a list for each month, as well as what that month is for.  Here is an example:  "January is . . . . National Careers in Cosmetology Month, National Eye Health Care Month, National Fiber Focus Month, National Hobby Month, National Soup Month, Hot Tea Month, Oatmeal Month, Prune Breakfast Month."  I cannot imagine having prunes everyday for breakfast!

Anyways, I started with July and this is for the month of August.  I made ATCs for the following holidays:

August 3rd - National Watermelon Day
August 6th - Wiggle Your Toes Day
August 14th - National Creamsicle Day
August 20th - National Radio Day

Gothic Dog Arch

I signed up to make someone a "Dog" arch and sat for a couple of days wondering what the heck I was going to do.  So, I broke open my hardly ever touched stamps and found three dog stamps!  Hmmm, what next?  Well, I cut a smaller arch to fit on the bigger one and then stamped away with the three stamps.

Next, I added a couple of Zentangle elements and then drew some paw prints and dog bones.  Finally, I colored it all in, adhered it to the really pretty paper for the background, and then zetti'd the outside of the larger arch.

I thought it turned out rather well and am kind of sad to see it go to its rightful owner. :0)

Black & White Zentangle Swap

I finally found a swap that i could do my new found love "Zentangle".  I made four cards, this includes one for the hostess, and I had a blast doing it.  There is so much to learn about Zentangle and there are tons of websites out there.  People are creating their own Zentangle patterns and I have a couple, but nothing like them.

Zentangle is defined as "an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns." I find it relaxing as I can take my mind off of whatever is there and just concentrate on doing a pattern.  Zentangle is also supposed to help with concentration, which at this point in my life I need all the help I can get!

You can find out more about Zentangle at the official Zentangle website by Rick & Maria!  If you already do Zentangle and want to be a part of an artist trading card swap using it, then hop on over to ATCs For All and join the fun.

Here are the four Zentangle cards that I created:

My 1st Time Doing a Pick-A-Theme (PAT) Swap

I am learning alot about trading different types of art on ATCs For All! and my recent venture was a Pick-A-Theme swap.  There is so much to learn and not enough time in any given day.  The PAT works like this:

1. There are a number of "groups" with a particular type of art style assigned.
2. There are up to 5 people in each "group" and they each pick a theme.
3. Then you have to make a card for each of the other people in whatever "theme" they choose.

Example:
This was the group I was in for the Mid-October PAT swap!

Group 1 ~ Hand Drawn/Painted ~ Easy Themes ~ FULL
1 tlsexton0913 ~ Flowers (This is me, so I should get 4 cards with Flowers)
2 Robin ~ Dragonflies
3 bernie712 ~ Crabs or Witches
4 arlie707 ~Rabbits
5 ghillietoes42 ~ Pandas

These are the cards that I Hand Drew for each of the participants.  Can you guess which card is for who?

Grandma Cheatwood's Pecan Pie Recipe

I am totally having a blast over at ATCs for All with the PIF Recipe Card Swap.  This particular recipe came from my Great, Great Grandma Cheatwood.  It is her famous pecan pie and the secret is that instead of using 1 cup of either dark or light Karo Syrup, you use a 1/2 cup of each.  I've had many a pie and none have compared to this recipe!

This also my dad's favorite recipe and I used to make it at Thanksgiving when we lived near my parents.  I'd always ask what kind of pie he wanted and this is the only one he ever chose.

I'm Dream of a White Christmas! Really?

Moving to Oklahoma turned out to be not such a hot idea, but what are you going to do?  The husband now has a job that pays well for this area and so far he likes it.  We also, finally, got medical insurance.

My point is this; Oklahoma is a humid place and I mean humid.  So, the winters are not just cold but they are wet and bone-chilling-cold.  I miss Colorado winter snow and I miss Colorado.  I joined this swap over at ATCs for All titled "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" and these are the cards I came up with:

The last won is done using Zentangle, but I was kind of sad that I blended in the "w" with the girl.  My favorite is the snow man in the field next to the tree!

PIF: Recipe Card at ATCsforAll.com - Pistachio Ambrosia Pudding

This recipe is another one from my mom.  My mom would make this pudding around the holidays and it would be a matter of minutes before it was all gone.  This is one of my favorite recipes and pudding!!

This is MY MOM'S original recipe and I made this card for debbapeot over at ATCsforALL.com.  You can join in on the fun at the PIF: Recipe Card Thread after you sign up.

PIF: Recipe Card at ATCsforAll.com - Tamale Pie

This recipe is from my mom.  I had to write in the part about the cornbread mix over the top, but it all worked out!!  I actually made the recipe before shipping it off to its new owner and my family loved it!

This is MY MOM'S original recipe and I made this card for WildHolly over at ATCsforALL.com.  You can join in on the fun at the PIF: Recipe Card Thread after you sign up.

Post-It Note Holder with a Twist 3D Challenge

With the holidays fast approaching and the never ending need to think of something to give to someone; here is a wonderful idea that anyone can use.  You can customize it for just about anyone and is small, handy, and convenient.

Post-It-Note Holder with a Twist is probably, by far, the cleverest idea I have seen yet and simple to make.  So head on over to Paper Craft Planet and check it out.

I took a pledge 2 years ago to only give gifts for the holidays that were made.  While it takes longer to make something, I feel it means more and is more likely to be well received.

PIF: Recipe Card at ATCsforAll.com - Layered Enchiladas

This recipe is one that I make often and can be added to or just made the way it is stated on the recipe card.  I love this recipe as I hate rolling tortillas for enchiladas and I find this feeds more people.

This is MY original recipe and I made this card for Elaine over at ATCsforALL.com.  You can join in on the fun at the PIF: Recipe Card Thread after you sign up. 

You Are 84% Real

There's hardly a person on this earth more real than you are. You have no problem showing people who you are, flaws and all. For you, there couldn't be any other way. Because it's way too stressful to live an inauthentic life. You're very comfortable with yourself. And because of this, you're able to live an exciting, interesting, and challenging life.

How Real Are You?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

COLORS OF SUMMER Team Challenge Entries

The Military Brats Etsy Street Team is having their "Colors of Summer" challenge.  So, mosey on over and vote for your favorite.

COLORS OF SUMMER TEAM CHALLENGE

Fantayza Diary 2011 Project

I have done this for the last 2 years and am submitting 2 pages for 2011. Stop by and sign up to get some free publicity.

Drawing versus Collaging!

So, I have been really busy with life and was making collaged ATCs.  Then, one day, I decided to "draw" some ATCs and found out that I get a better response for my ATCs when they are hand drawn.  The following cards are what I drew and the Mermaid traded right as soon as I posted it.

By the Dock!

I really like how the "By the Dock!" turned out and that it actually ended up looking like a dock.  I did a pencil drawing and then colored it in with permanent markers and a silver gel pen for the "nails" in the dock.

Mermaid

The mermaid is the one that traded right away and I was really happy with how she turned out.  I did a pencil drawing and then colored it in with permanent markers and glitter gel pens for a totally cool effect on the shells, hair, and tail.

I love to collage as well as draw, so I am astounded that people do not think of collaging as art.  It takes me a lot of effort to collage as well as drawing and I really like to do both.

American Idol Will Not Be The Same!

While watching the finale between Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze; we were sadly reminded that this was the last night for Simon Cowell.  While most don't like Simon, I think he has always been honest, right on, and sincere in his venture as one of the greatest American Idol judges.

I, for one, will definitely miss him!

By the way, I voted for Crystal Bowersox as I didn't think Lee brought his "I am in to win it" performance.  Plus, I will follow Momma Sox anywhere!  She is one of the most refreshing and talented artist I have ever seen on American Idol.

Go CRYSTAL!!

Girls Gone Water!

Here are my girls getting cooled off at Sequoyah Lake in Oklahoma.

Time Flys When You're Having Fun!

I Just posted some of the prints of my original ATCs for sale!

I cannot believe that it has been two weeks since I have posted anything.  A lot has been happening including my working online now and I haven't had the kind of time I desire for making my artwork.  But, all is well as I have a job now.  I am truly thankful for the person that has trusted me to work online for them.

Any ways, I did manage to list some of my artist trading cards (ATCs) for sell over at Art Cards Wanted.  They are the prints I had made of the original water color background with black silhouettes of fae, bird, desert, etc.

You should definitely come check them out at my store.

Send a Teddy Gram at GlitterGeek.com

A Poem For You "As I Look Back..."


As I look back on my life I find myself wondering...

Did I remember to thank you for all that you have done for me?

For all of the times you were by my side to help me celebrate my successes and accept my defeats?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work, good judgment, courage, and honesty?

I wonder if I've ever thanked you for the simple things...The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared?

If I have forgotten to express my gratitude for any of these things, I am thanking you now...and I am hoping that you've known all along, how very much you are loved and appreciated.


Author Unknown

Days 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, & 112

Day 107 - Hidden Face

Day 108 - Balance

Day 109 - Broken

Day 110 -Bad Dream

Day 111 -Journey

Day 112 -Remembrance

Day 104, 105, & 106

Day 104 - Red Panda

Day 105 - Nature

Day 106 - Legacy

These artist trading cards (ATCs) are all paper collages.  While some might say that collage is not "art", I totally disagree.  I spend just as much time on these as I would on an actual drawing/painting.

These are all ATCs that I submitted in the 2010 Project ATC 365.

I WON! April Prize Package on Naked Heart Art Studio

 4 - 4 X 4 Canvas Panels from Dick Blick. Extraordinarily sturdy to resist warping.They are crafted from 5 oz 100% cotton canvas that is double primed and adhered with an acid-free adhesive. 1/8" Thick.

4- 4 X 4 Acrylic Chunky Blanks

4- 90lb Watercolor Twinchie Blanks

4-100lb Bristol Twinchie Blanks

4- 110ln Acrylic Twinchie Blanks

A bunch of acrylic Inchie Blanks

Assorted size and color craft paper

I am so excited!  I haven't won anything like this in a really, really long time.  Thank you Robby from Naked Heart Art Studio!  This all arrived today and made my day and made me smile!

My seven year old was jealous and wanted to know if she could use any of it.  Selfishly, I told her that I won this and I wanted to use them ALL! LOL

Day 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, & 103 ATCs

D

 Day 98

 Day 99

 Day 100

 Day 101

 Day 102

Day 103

I haven't been in the blogging mood or really in any type of motivated mood in over a week.  So, when my friend came over for our play date, I was somewhat motivated and made 3 cards and did some work in my art journal.  Here are my artist trading cards for days 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, & 103.

These cards have all been included over at 2010 Project 365 on Naked Heart Arts Studio blog.

2010 Project 365 100th Day Giveaway

We have now reached day 100 with our 2010 Project ATC 365 over at Naked Heart Art Studio Blog and this is your opportunity to win some of the amazing cards done by those artists who dedicate a piece of art everyday to this amazing project.  The rules are simple:

Ways to enter (or gain multiple entries:)

1) Comment on this blog posting with a way to contact you should you win.

2) Post a button about this contest on your blog and receive (2 additional entries.)

3) Post a link on your Facebook Page (Email me with a link to check this out.)

4) Post a link in your AFA (ATCsfor All) Signature Bar.

5) Post a button or a link on your Web Page. (You can use the image above for a button)

6) Post Link to your ATC Group on Flickr, Yahoo, Facebook etc.

7) Become a follower of the Naked Heart Art Studio Blog

 

Good luck and don't forget to go check out our artwork!

Day 96 - Monster

Monster - Card 0288

So, I was inspired by a fellow Project 365 ATC submitter with her awesome monster.  I am nowhere even in the same league with her, but I loved her monster so much I wanted to do my own.  Then, since I had already done a card for Day 96, I had to turn around and rearrange everything so this monster card showed up when hers did.

I just love being in Project 365 and seeing all of the talented artists and getting new ideas.  It is so much fun and I constantly go through my Unread Mail folder looking for today's post to see how all of the art has been arranged by our fearless leader!  You should stop by sometime and check us out!

This is Day 96's ATCs that I submitted in the 2010 Project ATC 365.

I AM THE MOON!

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Purple is My Favorite Color! I'm Blue?

BLUE

You give your love and friendship unconditionally. You enjoy long, thoughtful conversations rich in philosophy and spirituality. You are very loyal and intuitive.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

While I agree with what this says; Blue is in NO way a favorite color of mine!

Day 97 - Flower Person

This is another card I did for a "Flower People" Swap.  Again, I did 3 main cards and then 1 for the hostess of the swap.  This was actually a fun swap.

I watercolored the background, drew the girl, collaged some paper, and then used markers to outline.  This was alot of work, but the 4 cards turned out rather well.

This is Day 96's ATCs that I submitted in the 2010 Project ATC 365.