Comfort Cottage

April Calendar Challenge

It is a gorgeous, warm, sunny day here in Pennsylvania, and I have the perfect thing to share with you today.  I have been seeing all sorts of lovely handmade calendars popping up all over blogland, and I have found the source.  There is a very talented lady at The Kathryn Wheel who hosts a monthly challenge: Calendar 366.  You may have heard of her: Kate Crane.   Her captivating art journal work has been featured in Stampington and Company's fabulous publication, Art Journaling, by Somerset Studio.  This is my calendar for the month of April.

 

 

I used a square punch and Kay & Co. papers.  I can't remember the manufacturer of the the stamp line for the swirls, but the butterfly is from Inkadinkadoo.  All of the images are vintage free stuff I found on the web.  The background was done with Delta Ceramcoat paints and a natural sponge.  If you would like to learn more about the calendar challenge, you can find it here.  Kate's wonderful work has been featured in the Winter 2012 issue of Art Journaling by Somerset Studio, as well as many other publications.  You can find links to all of the participants for this month's challenge here.

 

 

The last item to share with you, I promised about two weeks ago, but unfortunately, the subject, my niece's 12 week old Bernese mountain dog, would not sit still long enough for me to get a photograph!  On Sunday, we had a family gathering at my sister's house and Moses, the newest addition to the family, finally cooperated.

 

 

Is he not the most adorable puppy on the planet? (Have you ever seen a puppy that wasn't adorable?)  This guy is already twenty-seven pounds, and he's gaining an average of about six pounds per week.  Hugging him is like hugging a bear cub!  I LOVE big dogs!

It's time for me to get back to work.  I should have another drawing to share with you in a day or so.  Enjoy the lovely spring weather we are having!

 

Until next time,

 

Summer Rental

It's that time of year when one's thoughts turn to spring, and the longing to be in some distant paradise grows strong.  It's all my hubby's fault :)  A few weeks ago, I came downstairs, groggily wiping the sleep out of my eyes.  Hubby had gone shopping, presumably for food. He called up the stairs to me that he had gotten me a treat.  I arrived in the kitchen expecting chocolate muffins, and didn't notice the very large box on the island.  As I searched the bags for those elusive muffins, he finally pointed at the box rather gleefully and said, "Didn't you see what I got for you?"  I nearly fell over as a bright and shiny new Epson Artisan printer stared back at me.  I wanted to tell you about it, but after my son was injured, everything else was pushed to the back burner.  But the plot thickens...

Last weekend, again, first thing in the morning, he went "food" shopping.   Now, let me explain that my printer wasn't the only piece of equipment that was standing on it's last leg.  My computer had begun to sound like a jet taking off, it didn't like to boot, and after my last experience with another of these infernal machines burning up, I had the feeling that I should have a fire extinguisher handy before I turned it on!  Unbeknownst to me, the tax return had shown up the day before.  My darling hubby presented me with a new computer, courtesy of our little windfall.  I need to start getting up earlier on the weekends to keep an eye on him :)

 

So what, you ask, does this have to do with longing to be in a distant paradise?  I began printing out photos from my trip to Maine yesterday!  Also, I finished a new piece of art - a mixed media collage based on one of my photos.

 

Summer Rental

16" x 20"

Mixed media on canvas board

 

I never thought that wall joint compound and plaster bandaging could be so exciting.  I used them to create a textured surface before painting.  After I did the inital laying in of color, I used some of the fire-trap-of-a-magazine-collection in my studio to add more color and texture.  Tearing paper is very satisfying :)  I adhered the paper with Liquitex Matte Medium.  I did the final acrylic glazes and enhanced some of the edges with a General's Carbon pencil.  It's not as soft and crumbly as a charcoal pencil, but it gives a good dark line over the paint and plaster.

I start Workshop 2 at Strathmore Online Workshops on Wednesday.  Watercolorist Cathy Johnson will be leading the workshop.  I had purchased her first book, Creating Textures In Watercolor in 1992.   She has a wonderful blog, Artist's Journal Workshop where you can find all sorts of ideas, inspiration, and other artists.

Her new book, Artist's Journal Workshop:  Creating Your Life in Words and Pictures, was released this year.

That's all for now.  Tomorrow, it's off to New Jersey to see my sister.

Until next time,

 

How's The Weather?

This is Day 2 of my Christmas journal. 

 

 

The weather for Day 2 was anything but Christmas-like.  It was downright balmy!  I shot these photographs on a day a few years ago that was much more appropriate for Christmas.

 

 

I had a little story I wanted to tell, so I added an insert.

Journaling:  When my sister and I were small, growing up in New Jersey, we had colossal snowstorms.  One winter, our Dad joined us outside.  He got a bucket and we filled it over and over, turning out piles of snow bricks.  We were fascinated as he worked with us, erecting a huge igloo in our backyard.  We had fun playing in it for a week!

 

 

I finally found a use for the sticky-back felt I found at the dollar store!

 

 

Journaling:  Now this is Winter...snow on the ground and a chill in the air, my breath turning to steam as it meets the frozen atmosphere.  There embedded in the crystaline powder is the evidence of a lonely traveler.  I am grateful for the warm shelter that is home.

 

Do you have a snowstorm story to share?  I'd love for you to share it here. 

 

Until next time,

 

It's About Me

For the past nineteen years I've been Mom.  I've loved living that role, and as any Mom  will tell you, when you have kids, life becomes all about them.  I've never regretted a day of it (well, almost...).  Lately, as my son has begun spreading his wings, I've been working on defining who I am and what I want my life to be about.  Too often, women do not appreciate the depth of their souls and their lives.  I spent some time thinking about the life I've been given, and rediscovering my heart and soul.  Now, before anyone gets nervous, this was actually an extraordinarily enjoyable experience that I've been able to translate to my latest collage.

 

 

I primarily used my own art and photography.  Some of the words, I did in Photoshop, some were borrowed from free downloads, and the rest were gleaned from my rather sizable magazine collection.

 

A collage artist's best friend:

 

 

I adhered everything to a 16 x 20 canvas board.

 

 

 

 

So tell me, what is it that makes your heart beat a little faster?  What is it that calls your name or inspires you?  Let me hear from you!  There is a unique and special heart that beats in all of us.

 

Until next time,

 

Fit For A Bird

I often thumb through past issues of Stampington and Company's publications.  They never fail to inspire me.  While looking at the August/September 2010 issue of Stampers Sampler magazine, I came across their Tempting Template.  They publish a new one in every issue.  The templates are a wonderful jumping off point for the imagination.  In this issue, the template happened to be a birdhouse.  What could be more fun than designing posh homes for our feathered friends?  Here are a few of the latest in bird real estate:

 

 

 

Listed in the same neighborhood:

 

 

On the more affluent side of town:

 

 

The fairy that lives next door is kind of pushy...

 

 

There's a bidding war on this one.  The canary who wants it has bird seed to burn.

 

If you know a bird who's in the market for new digs, spread the word :)

 

Until next time,

 

Blossom

I had a little fun with a new product called Lutradur.  It's pretty cool stuff.  You can paint, print or draw on it, sew it, glue it, or just about anything else you can think of.  It has a nice texture and holds up well when wet.

 

 

I started with a blank canvas board.  I used torn bits of papers of varying textures to make the background.  I adhered them with Liquitex matte medium.  I then glazed the background with acrylic paint glazes.  While the background was drying, I traced the flower design onto a blank piece of Lutradur.  I painted the design with FW acrylic inks and allowed it to dry completely.  Using a small, sharp scissors, I carefully cut out the individual pieces.  I adhered them to the background with matte medium.  The ink tends to bleed out when it mixed with the matte medium, so I waited for the design to dry and then painted another layer of ink onto the flower.   Next time, I'll probably adhere the Lutradur, and then paint.  The white accents were added with a gel pen (Sakura).

That's all for now.  Have fun experimenting!  You don't have to have a plan-just begin.  You may surprise yourself with what you come up with.

 

God's blessing until next time,

 

Happy Pink Valentine's Day!

What could be better?  It's Pink Saturday and almost Valentine's Day!  I've been very busy making all kinds of goodies to share with you.  It's about time we had some other color besides white around here.  So far, we've survived two blizzards and a total of 48 inches of snow within a week!  Click here to see blizzard #2.

 

 

Before we celebrate the day of love, I'd like to introduce you to Shirl at Wings of Eagles.  I visited her last week and I was transported to a world of beauty, classic literature, lovely vignettes and interesting history.  I know you'll enjoy visiting her and I'm sure she would love to hear from you.

I'd like to thank Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for hosting Pink Saturday.  Please stop by to see her today.

In honor of the occasion, I've set the table for you.  Come on in and enjoy a steaming  cup of coffee and a cupcake...or two...or, oh just eat them all, before I do!

 

 

It's really interesting to discover the things that men associate with love:

 

This is a note from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to his wife,  Constanze, penned on April 16, 1789.

"Darling wife, I have a number of requests to make to you: -

1st,  I beg you will not be melancholy.

2nd, That you will take care of yourself, and not expose yourself to the spring breezes.

3rd, That you will not go out to walk alone - indeed, it would be better not to walk at all.

4th, That you will feel entirely assured of my love."

 

 

I'll leave you to ponder that little gem.

 

Here's a card I made.   Obviously, this guy's idea of love is a little different than Wolfgang's!

The next two cards I made are on the lighter side.

This guy definitely has a unique way to express his love:

 

"I can neither eat nor sleep for thinking of you my dearest love, I never touch even pudding."  (Horatio Nelson, admiral, to Lady Emma Hamilton, January 29th, 1800)

 

 

I think Admiral Nelson has been at sea way too long!  His lack of appetite for pudding may have more to do with seasickness than anything else.

In between making cards, I spent some time at the sewing machine.  I designed these little door pillows after finding this cute set of fabrics at Joann.

 

A few more Valentines:

I hope you've enjoyed this little romp through the garden of love.  I can't wait to see what all of you have to share.   God bless you until next time!

Pink and Proper

Happy Pink Saturday!  I hope you're all well today.  I have a few great finds for you and a new collage to share.  Before I get started, I'd like to take a moment to thank Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for hosting our weekly pink party.  Please stop by to visit her and find out just who's in the pink today!

Would you like to see a lovely blog by a very creative woman?  I just visited Candy at Rock Candy and was ushered into an artistic and romantic world.  Stop by to see her wonderful creations and beautiful accessories, such as her gorgeous teapots.  You're in for a treat!

I tried something new this week.  I stopped in to see Nancy Baumiller at Crowabout and decided to join her online art group.  Every week she provides a sheet of collage elements and each member uploads their work to her Flicker site.  My first collage piece for them definitely qualifies for Pink Saturday.  Beginning with a floral bouquet theme, I painted in the backdrop with Portfolio water-soluble oil pastels.  I left room for adding collage elements to my bouquet.  Finally I added accents with a gold paint pen.  Happy Valentine's Day!  (Okay, I know it's early, but I love everything about Valentine's Day!)

 

I hit the thrift store again this week and found some beautiful pink-edged doilies.

I can never turn down pink laces, vintage or otherwise!

 

Hiding in a corner was this cute desert plate, all faded and chippy.  It needed a home.

My best find was at the Mill Property, an antique store here in town.  Six Haviland china plates all trimmed in gold.  Isn't the shape just wonderful?

This lovely piece of fabric, originally a table throw was given to me by my friend Diane at Memory Lane.  She found it at the Good Will.

Finally, I had a little fun with an antique postcard in the public domain.  Here it is colorized, with a new caption:

That's it for today.  I hope you'll come back to visit me again.  It's so much fun to hear from you.  If you would like to receive notice via email when I publish a new post, go to the little box on the left sidebar, type in your email address and click on subscribe.  You'll get automatic updates from Comfort Cottage.  Have a beautiful week and may God watch over you until next time.

 

CREDITS

collage elements for Valentine collage courtesy of Nancy Baumiller at Crowabout

graphic for Pink Saturday banner and postcard:  courtesy of takeabreak on Flicker

Brushes - Butterflies Tails and Trails:  courtesy of:

 

Perfectly Pink

 

 

 

 

I can't believe how fast this week has gone!  It's been a hectic one for me.  Band camp started this week,  so Mom was the principal taxi driver.  In between trips back and forth to the school, I did manage to get at least a little work done.  This post didn't come together until last night though.  Hopefully, it will make sense! 

 

 

 

I have a confession to make.  I love dolls and everything to do with them.  Somewhere inside of me is a little girl trapped in a grownup's body!  Of course, my only child being a boy, I couldn't very well buy dolls and say they were for him.  So, being devoid of the traditional excuse, I've had to admit my not so guilty pleasure :) .  In honor of Pink Saturday, I'm introducing you to one of my more sophisticated dolls, the ever-lovely Jackie.  She was a gift from my dear sister Lorrie, who used to work at the Franklin Mint.  Knowing my addiction, she not only gave me the doll, but also a half dozen of her most popular outfits.  Today, Jackie is modeling the classic pink suit for us.

 

 

  

 

 

 

Painting isn't the only thing I do in my studio.  There is an ample supply of all sorts of goodies there, and I make ATCs from time to time.  Last weekend, I found wonderful pink crystal heart-shaped beads at Jo-Anne Fabric. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found the pretty pink vase in my friend's booth at the antique store.  It works great for holding brushes.  I painted the cover of the sketch book a few years ago.

 

 

 

 

More pink rosebuds on a notebook I painted.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

I was in a very pink mood when I painted this one!

 

 

 

 

 

Isn't she the sweetest baby doll?  She's made of porcelain with a soft body.

 

 

  

 

 

 

This trade card is from my personal collection.  Feel free to download it to use in your projects.  Have fun!

 

 

 

I'd like to send out a word of thanks to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.  Her hard work makes it  possible for us to find each other.  Check out her post today to find more lovers of pink.

I hope you've enjoyed this week's pink offerings.  I can't wait to visit all of you to see what you've come up with.    For the next two Saturdays, I'll be unable to put together a Pink post.  I may be able to fit in a post about the middle of this week, so check back on Wednesday or Thursday.  I hope your week is sprinkled with joy and has a minimum of frustrations.  I'll be thinking of you.  God bless you and give you His peace.

 

  

 

Credits

 

Swirl brush by:

 

 

Happy Pink Saturday composition and quote composition:

Terri Morse

Photoshop CS3

Memory Lane

Hi everyone!  I hope you're all well.  Are you up for a day out?  I want to take you to a new shop I found right here on Main Street.  It's called Memory Lane and it's the latest on my list of treasure-hunting stops.  Are you ready?  Okay, let's roll!

 

 

 

Just let me park the car...and please do not exit until the vehicle has stopped!

 

Oh joy, it's china heaven!  And look what I found:

 

Six adorable custard cups all trimmed in gold.  I'm sure I can figure out something to do with them.

 

If I had any room at all in my china cabinet, this lovely Staffordshire set would have come home with me.

 

 

 

My two new friends Diane and Julia have graciously accepted some of my handmade goodies to sell here.  I've entered the wonderful world of apron design, and the ones hanging in the middle are my new creations.  By the way it's my secret desire to put a crystal chandelier over my bathtub.  That one would be just fine!

 

 

There's plenty of pretty stuff in the shabby/cottage chic room.

 

 

I've got my eye on the double lamp with the rose globes.  I hope it will still be there on payday!

 

 

That carved Victorian chair in the corner is perfect for my sewing room, but the upholstery needs to be rose!   The large salmon-striped pillow is one of my designs.  I've had so much fun making pillows this week.

 

 

I'm a pack rat, so when I did my pillows, I had a ready stash of elements to choose from.  I found the candy stripe fabric at a local thrift store.  The hankie and lace are vintage.  There are some buttons from my growing antique collection.  The flower is from a vintage hat that I stripped (my apologies to the former owner).  The picture of the Victorian woman was printed onto fabric.  To finish it off, I hand-sewed about a hundred tiny glass seed beads into the hankie.  It took an hour for my eyes to uncross!

 

 

I photographed some more of my pillows before I brought them to Memory Lane.  I found the beautiful rose doily there.  I also have a weakness for vintage linens.  The white fabric is from an antique French linen sheet.  My supplier (does that sound sinister?)  makes regular trips to France and she brings back the most incredible linens.  They have such a wonderful texture to them.  The ticking is also vintage - a lucky find at The Mill Property.  That will be a feature for another post!

 

 

My pillows, on display at Memory Lane.  When I look at this photo, I'm reminded of Gigi (remember Audrey Hepburn?).  All I keep hearing in my head is that song, "Thank heaven, for little girls..."  Well, I think it was Gigi.  Does anyone else remember?

 

There is also a room for all things primitive, but what really caught my eye was that cobalt glass rolling pin.

 

 

 

 

Okay, now let's spend some time on the porch.  It's a beautiful day with the sun shining and the breeze blowing.

 

My one wish, should I ever move again, would be a house with a front porch.  I just love being outdoors. Besides, then I would have a place to put that antique wicker set!  Seriously though, I consider us to be richly blessed in being able to call our little town home.  It has been the ideal place to raise our son.  Berks and Lancaster counties are home to a large Amish and Mennonite community, and they are replete with one breathtaking pastoral farm scene after the other.  A drive in the country here is a feast for the soul.  I promise, I'll share that with you in another post.

 

 

Well, I guess I'd better be getting home.  I have to do at least a little bit of work today!

 

One last thing I want to show you:

 

I love composition books, and I just couldn't resist decorating these mini books. 

 

God bless you and keep you until next time!