Weather In Northern Indiana

 I've wondered for years why I live in Northern Indiana? The weather here is extreme and all things between. It is also all I have ever known.   The place is full of wonderful people. People that love the Lord and are such a blessing.   I would move to paint the scenary in the mountains, the beaches, or dessert. I would travel if I could to see all the things I've read  about and dreamed of.   I do think I would come back here for all the people I love though!

 Having said all that, my health limits those dreams. The weather affects how I feel and lately that is quite a bit of pain.  I try to do things that will focus on God's creations, something beautiful.

 I drew this rose on 140 lb.  cold-pressed watercolor paper and painted it with  Derwent InkTense pencils.  They work like watercolor pencils with a few differences. They are ink and when dry, they are permanent. They can't be lifted once dry. The colors are also more vibrant. I'm having  a great time trying these out!

 I've shown this on facebook, so please forgive me if you've seen this before.

I hope you let God's creation inspire you! I tried another piece today and am not happy with it. I'm still learning and will use that one to teach me what not to do!   I'm so  happy it helps keep my mind focused on God and not myself.  

 Many blessings to you all with a prayer that your needs will be met and your life glorifying to God!

 Retta

Scripture Challenge

Well I'm back, even though not consistently, I never forget!

 I am a member of a facebook group called 

"(Glory Art) Scripture Challenge".

 I'm excited to be there. It.is all about being in God's Word and using your gifts to record your journey. It is also a way to share Christ with others.   So this is a little late for January, but I had fun doing it. I am use to using Paint Shop Pro to design for years and touch up photos!   I've been using Illustrator to design cutter files for electronic cutting machines.   I also have PhotoShop and am determined to learn how to use it all properly.

So with the new challenge I decided to make a digital journal page.   I really love the distressed "French" market style. It is at least my version of it. With all the great fonts, templates, and digital brushes available, it is also great fun!

I hope this encourages you!   Have a great day and be a blessing to someone else today!  God has blessed us in so many ways!

 Retta

Hello Everyone,

 Hello Everyone,

 I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving here in the US. For those in other locals, I hope this finds you well also!

 I've been working on several things and again keep forgetting to share. Here is my latest project. It has been wonderful thinking of Christmas and why we celebrate. I can't help thinking of how much Christ loved us. Knowing ahead of time what it would cost Him. Yet because of Love, He came just for us, for me.

 With much love I made this ornament with a battery tea light candle inside.   I have to make the hanger yet.   I'm entering it in the PTT192  challenge  Here!

Also entering in this challenge Here!

Don't tell anyone, it may be for their Christmas! Blessings!

 Retta

Here is a project I have been working on.

Here is a project I've been working on!

I am delighted that I'm able to use it as a special album for a friend.  It is a made from a template I purchases from Kathy Orta at PaperPhenomenon.com.  This "classic handbag" style album has been wonderful to make.  I hope to show pictures of this when done.  Thank you for looking. 

Have a great day and may God Bless You specially!!

Retta

Mixed media Canvas

My friend has been at it again!!  She created thus wonderful mixed media canvas.  She used some of my cutter files and some stencils.  How much fun is that.  Be sure to check out her Etsy store!!

Karen, you just do beautiful work!!!

Karen Conner is

My friend and fellow blogger is guest designer on  . . . I'll let her tell you all about it.
krcmasterpiece.blogspot.com.  She shares her wonderful designs and her heart for The Lord.

Thanks for looking everyone.  Karen is also a semi-finalist for the design team at Heartfelt Creations. If you would vote for her and four others, you would be included in a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to their store.  Check it out HERE.

Until next time.

Retta

Construction Going On

With all the art journaling going on, I wanted to share a file that I was working on.  With rough sided bricks and patches of plaster or mortar scraped over the crumbling bricks in places, this makes a very textured background. A crumbling castle wall, a sun decked wall with a gecko sprinting up down and side to side, or an inner city wall with graffiti painted and scratched into the surface. 

You will have an easy time cutting this as a stencil and the ADDED BONUS, of creating an embossing folder or bricks to put right on your project. 

The great part of using a cutter file is you decide what you need.  The size you want. 

I also sell this in my Etsy store already done for you in a 5.5 x5.5" size.  

Now some notes:

1.  Making a stencil normally means making it out of plastic. Stencil plastic is relatively inexpensive from your local department stores.  Using a large enough  piece of packaging plastic, a cereal box, or any box that isn't too thick for your cutter will also work. (Free also, Yahoo!) I have also used the plain old card stock for stencils that I don't mind cutting out another time. I then don't have to store them.  They are naturally distressed from using as a stencil and I will then use the stencil by attaching it to the project. 

2. Keeping the pieces in the right spots??  HOW????  You may use transfer tape or drywall tape  after weeding the negative part (the part that the bricks were cut out of) away from the bricks.

Note, if your bricks aren't thick enough when embossing, put on another layer. Place the negative side on also, adding to the depth of the piece that will receive the bricks if you are making an embossing 
folder. 

3.  The No. 2 note works for several applications.  Using the bricks directly on the project or making an embossing folder. 

This photo is of a piece of white card stock with a black object showing through the cuts.  Don't you just love this.  To be able to make my own designs at any size I need. Layouts, Cards, and of course the school Castle project!!