Still life with bottles

Wow! I just completed my first real painting on canvas, something that I think of as PROPER ART. Not that the mixed media bits I've done before haven't been art, but it feels different. I guess it's more traditional that's all. It definitely feels like an achievement for someone who never draws or paints 'things'. Any images in my work are usually stamped, stencilled, cut out from papers, or photos.

This was based on Teresa MacFayden's class on Wanderlust (see my side bar to find out more). I wasn't expecting to enjoy this one that much, but it was actually great fun and forced me more out of my comfort zone, which strangely felt quite comfortable.

I'm even quite pleased with my clear bottle - not bad for a first attempt I think!

Sarah xx

Just Jump In!

This is a journal page I created for a challenge on Wanderlust. It is based on a quote: "Sometimes what you're most afraid of doing, is the very thing that will set you free". 

I wouldn't say I was exactly scared of joining Wanderlust or trying new things, but sometimes I do need to give myself a kick up the bum. Having joined Wanderlust, I intend to really throw myself in, to give everything a go (as much as funds and time allow anyway), and share my work as much as possible. In other words, I'm jumping right in!

Thanks for looking,

Sarah x

 

Handmade Journal

Hi folks,

I have finally finished my concertina journal based on Kate Cranes class on Wanderlust.

I chose to journal song lyrics that mean a lot to me  - 'dream catch me' by Newton Faulkner.

"There's a place I go when I'm alone,
Do anything I want,
Be anyone I wanna be,
But it is us I see"

I might be alone in the craft room, doing what I love, but my husband and son are always there near the front of my mind and I feel so lucky to have them.

There is still plenty of space in the journal for me to add some family photos or more detail later.

I loved doing something a bit different to normal, but waiting for the paint to dry on each layer got a wee bit frustrating. I just couldn't wait to put it all together!
I have made a few mistakes with this one, but I'd definitely do another one using this technique.

Thanks for visiting,

Sarah x

Starting As I Mean To Go On

Hi All and a belated happy New Year! 

Anyone who has read my blog before may well realise that I'm a little sporadic in posting and seem to start every post with "it's been a while". I could blame my son for taking up my time (not that I mind!), but I think my problem really is that I have lots of ideas and when I do sit down to work, I'm stuck like a rabbit in headlights not knowing what to do first or how to do it.  So this year I've signed up to Wanderlust! This is a year long online course organised by Kasia and Jamie from Artist Trading Post. I hope it will give me inspiration, confidence, and the technical knowledge to bring my ideas alive. 

This is my first wanderlust art journal page - "flight". It represents the hope that I can take my learning and fly with it and also the fear that I am using art as an excuse to put off thinking about getting a real job again now my son is growing up and not long off starting school.

The first guest tutor on Wanderlust is Kate Crane. Although quite different to my usual style, I love her bright, vibrant work. I am still working on the project from her class, but I have used some of the ideas to make this birthday card for my friend. 

Obviously it would be unfair to go into detail about techniques etc. from these classes, so I will leave it as just pictures. If you want to join Wanderlust you still can. There is a link in my side bar. So far I would highly recommend it!

I hope to be back very soon (but no promises - I know myself too well ;-) )

Sarah xx