Wednesday 22 June 2016

collage inspired (and dodging bees and feeding birds)

Hi hope you've had a good day.
I'm late again as been trying to do some gardening in between rain showers - but it turned out better weather than I thought and got quite a bit done.
There were a lot more bees about than normal, which is great since they are in decline here -  but they didn't want me in certain areas and I had to keep dodging them, so being a coward and not wishing to be stung I buzzed off elsewhere.

Over at  MooMania   the challenge is using Valerie's wonderful photo collage for inspiration




I was attracted to the lovely rose and swan so went with that idea.
I have tried to use the colours in Valeries collage on my digital piece  to work with my Rose photo and a nice quote I found.





As well as gardening the birds keep me busy

'Himself' sunbathing
I think our resident Blackbird is one of two males that we gave a name to last year - either 'Cedric' or 'Parker' but I haven't sorted out any photos to see if I can work it out.... for now he just is being called 'himself'.
He hasn't got any children this year but is constantly battling to keep out intruders who really need the food more than he does as they have mouths to feed.
Even the intruders have become cheeky and come looking for food - one of them we called Scruffy' as he is a bit tatty and has a bit of a bald bit by his eye. 'Scruffy' has even sat  on the window ledge with his nose (I mean beak) pressed against the window trying to attract our attention. I try and throw him some food but 'himself' always seems to be lurking and then tries to chase him off.


  

 A little treat has just arrived of some 'Amsterdam' acrylics to play with... Dave got some 'Cobra' water soluble oil paints and since he has stored them in 'my craft room' I am assuming they must be for me too!
(especially as he has not done any painting for months. I will have to try them out and make sure they work properly for him).

that's my lot for now
thanks so much for stopping by
Gill x

Saturday 18 June 2016

Maps & Collage inspiration

Hi all 
Firstly a big thank you for the lovely messages and comments on my last post re my hands - THANK YOU X

Today I have two digital pieces  ( as a bit easier on hands to create) - one for AJJ (Art Journal Journey) and the other for Moo Mania challenge.

So...first piece I'm linking to challenge at AJJ where the theme is 'Maps'
I used digital papers and elements etc from following kits: 'Chart your course' by Snickerdoodles Designs and 'Travel around the world 2' by Manu + some pieces I made myself such as plane, car, postage marks and postage stamp.




And over at Moo Mania  the lovely inspirational photo collage below by  Valerie   was the basis for a challenge



Beautiful inspiration with thanks to Valerie


I went searching through my files as I knew I had just the right photos and created this digital piece with the addition of some pieces from G&T Designs digikit 'An artists memory'.
Further down below you'll see what it started as and of course I had to change things.
I played around changing the colours of the pansies and blended two faces over the statues face and digitally cut out the bird to make him sit on top of the hat.







my first piece before alterations


We have another grey day here on the Essex coast which probably means it's going to rain again. Sun appeared briefly but has gone again now.
Looks like a good day to be inside and do some art and crafts - in between feeding the birds.
But feeding the birds is a good way to get fit - they come and sit looking in my window, waiting for some special treats. Some must have families as they collect a big mouthful to fly off with.
It's funny and awkward sometime though when you two rival male Blackbirds appear at once and I have to try and keep them apart and throw them food in different directions otherwise they have a good punch up.


Have a lovely weekend
Thanks so much for stopping by
and for your comments
Gill xx

Thursday 16 June 2016

Maps for AJJ

It's been a while since I last posted and I almost couldn't remember how to post etc.
My hands/carpal tunnel problem still not perfect but miles better than it was and I'm eager now to get back into some arty/crafty things.

So I'm starting today with a digital piece which I'm linking to  AJJ june challenge: theme 'Maps'



 
Page made with some bits from a Steampunk kit by Daisytrail but mainly used ' Chart your course' kit by Snickerdoodles Designs.

 
Thanks so much for stopping by
Hope you have a great day
Gill x