Lollipop Royalty

Muladhara Chakra

2012-02-08T09:02:00.001-08:00

The Muladhara or Root Chakra is the first Chakra and the foundation of all others. Located in the area of the coccyx between the anus and the perineum. It provides energy to the pelvic regions, and governs the skeleton. It is deep rooted and tied to the Earth. The Root Chakra is the source of our Life Energy, the Kundalini, Shakti. It also governs the feelings of trust, security, and the strength for living. Emotional Signs of unbalanced chakra (for me) are feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, depression, numbness, distrust. Physical - lower back pain, sciatica, constipation
Addiction is tied to this chakra as well, I'm addicted to oranges (baby cravings).

Oh Boy did my Muladhara get rocked in the New Year, on that day! Seems that my Master Reiki Attunement in November shifted a huge amount of stagnant energy generated in my toddler days. I have carried it with me for years, and years. It hurt terribly when it transformed, still hurts. My ego is terribly bruised but my heart is open, strong, willed. The act itself was one of betrayal, which has set in motion lack of trust, uncertainty, and confusion. In the past I have tended to run away from all this and not had to deal, as far as relationships go, my Muladhara has never been strong enough for them. My parents separated when I was 4 years old, and I rarely saw my dad after that. My chakra was still being established at this time and the energy got stuck. This experience shaped my life. Until now.

On New Years after the "incident", I did a healing yoga practice and lots of mediation. Lots. The tears came, they fell, became puddles and I cleansed myself in them, of them. I realized I could do what I always did and run, or I could stay and deal with these uncomfortable emotions, thoughts, feelings. I could stay and expand in love, and maybe in time forgive. Allow myself this opportunity to be all that I talk about and believe. To fill those bigger shoes. It's SCARY!! Unknown territory to be open and exposed and trusting again. So, to say that my Muladhara was blocked was an understatement.

I have made the decision to root myself down and hold on. It will get bumpy, but the expansion which will occur, is worth it. I am worth it. Make a mistake, fix it, learn, expand. Better, not bitter. Yes it hurts, but just like giving birth, it is worth the pain, the discomfort, for a few moments, because that love lasts lifetimes.

I should also add I'm 6 months pregnant, which has also shaken things up a bit down there. I have the normal "fear" of birth, and yet I don't anymore. I feel confident, like I have a super uterus and vagina. That everything is going to flow smoothly. Everything is going to go as it should, and will be fine. I have been focusing my energy in the Root chakra through various healing methods. Here are a few tools to use in healing the Muladhara. Explore others as I did not list them all, simply the ones I'm using right here, right now.

Essential oils: Cedar, Sandalwood, Vetiver. Woodsy scents. Earthly scents.
Gemstones: Garnet, Onyx, Hematite
Mantra: LAM
Affirmations: "I am grounded and balanced."
"I am safe and secure"
"I feel at home in my body"
"I trust in the power of life" <----big one for me.
"I am sustained and nourished by nature"
Yoga Pose: Pelvic Rotations, Butterfly

I'll keep you posted. So far my healing has gotten underway, I'm grounded and full of faith.

I also send healing bright light to all my chakras daily, and focus on them each for 1 minute.

Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha

Om Shanti

Faith in the New Year

2012-02-05T10:18:00.001-08:00

So I'm trying my hand at doing this challenge again. Warmed up last year but wasn't consistent. This year I'm practicing consistency no matter what. I've been working on stuff but no desire to post. May have to do with the fact that I have to do it from my mobile. Oh well, work with you have. Anyway my word this year is Faith....which came from another challenge I'm doing dvds also chronicling.

Faith. My definition...to believe in myself above all else. A deep sense of knowing. I read a quote yesterday that is fitting. Everything works out in the end, and if it isn't worked out, it isn't the end. Beautiful. This is my truth. This year I WILL be utter, uncompromising, unbreaking in faith to myself. I allow myself to expand and create from the soul level for the Highest Good. This also includes faithfully loving, even while weathering the storms. No longer getting in the dungee and rowing away. I'm staying on the ship, my ship.

Namaste

I am a mustard seed.

2012-01-07T21:11:00.001-08:00

I got done with my seed page. It's a pretty intense page for me. The prompt was what type of seed am I. Immediately the mustard seed came to my mind. To have faith, believe that anything is possible.
I started collaging with paper and music sheets. Then added Gesso and 3 words: auspicious, luminous, immutable.
I then added acrylic paint, and used sharpies, gellies, and colored pens to finish it. May add some gold spray paint, not sure. What do you think?

...and it's been a while...

2012-01-01T13:29:00.001-08:00

But I'm back for the new year! I'm working on a few things, but mainly healing through art. Using my background and various healing modalities. I don't know what I will find, or if I'll have a structure. But it's better to be back on the horse than watching on the sidelines.

Mail Art!

2011-07-24T16:41:00.001-07:00

I was part of a mail art swap. It was my first time trying and it was challenging to come up with something. I had no idea where to begin. Since I'm good at faces (i think). I went with that. I love how it came out. Beautiful. I think I'll make more girls in my journal and keep practicing the shading. I had fun doing this.

Another installment of the art journals

2011-07-04T15:55:00.001-07:00

I received the first art journal that has traveled to me. I'm working on the page. The subject-"Happiness is..." To me it is a great break fast surrounded by family. I have fond memories of me and my sis helping my mom in the kitchen. So I deconstructed a Dr. Seuss book and used the green eggs and ham story. It's a combination of my two loves. Seuss and breakfast. I used acrylic to coat the first layer (after gesso, of course), and then glued on the page I ripped apart. More to come.

My Friday Night

2011-06-24T21:45:00.001-07:00

Looks like this. Just got some new goodies and I'm putting them to use. Don't know what will come of it, but you'll see it when I'm done.

Din-Din

2011-06-21T23:05:00.001-07:00

I made some yummy chili that I found at this website.

http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/vegetarian-chili.php

I made a few adjustments, I didn't have oregano, and I used fresh basil. I also used cumin seeds instead of powder. The secret ingredient...nutmeg. I omitted the tomato paste, didn't have any. I used canned beans, kidney, black, and garbanzo. I had no cinnamon stick so I used ground cinnamon. I guess I tweaked it quite a bit.

I want to marry this chili. It is the best chili I have made so far! It was so yum! I highly encourage you to make this and play with the ingredients. I added and removed ingredients and it was easy in the slow cooker. This is the first time I've sauteed the veggies and spices before adding to the cooker. Maybe that's what made the difference. Have fun with it and enjoy-I sure did!!

1st Installment - traveling art journal

2011-06-19T09:45:00.001-07:00

So I've been working hard to get this journal off the ground. I think I've done a great job.

The cover - I used old maps. One from san francisco and the other from san luis obispo. I then printed the text on card stock and glued it with acrylic matte gel. It's the only thing I use to glue now. I've tried others in the past but was not satisfied.

Welcome page - I used water color pencils and crayons. Created a border and used light colors to fill in the middle. I then glued down my fairy, the feathers, clear dots, and her crown. I spray painted it gold and let dry. I used sharpies to color, outline and fill in.

Joy page - I used pigment/chalk pastels for the background. Coated it with clear gesso to seal the page, otherwise it would get all over your hands and other elements. I then added the paper elements. Followed by the acrylic paint used on the borders and left center. I stamped it up with pigment ink and used sharpies and sakura gel pens to fill in and write. I tried a technique with the acrylic paint. I dabbed it with a napkin to get a textured effect. It sort of worked. I didn't love it, so I stamped over it with white, then green dots.

I love how the colors came together. Since my journal has no theme, I was pretty open to what developed on the page. I'm happy, and look forward to sending it out tomorrow.

Have a great father's day!

Traveling Art Journal Begins!!!

2011-06-12T21:37:00.000-07:00

I have a deep affinity to this blog and have followed it religiously for a year and a half. I have submitted about 3 prompts, maybe 4, but the writer inspires me and I like to think that one day I will keep up with the prompts. There are 2 a month, which is totally doable. I digress, Rachel, the author has since started a Facebook group, which led to a Traveling Art Journal group. I joined. I joined the group. I made a commitment to come up with a new page every 2 weeks, or so. O_o!!!

We each pick a theme, if we want one, and send it to our partner. Our send to partner is the same every time. I'm getting nervous just typing this.

I went out and bought my journal at Michael's with a coupon! I only paid $5 dollars! These have become my favorite journals. I have about 4 of them so far. Not all are full, but they are on there way. The other ones I have are 11 x 14 so I'm working on a smaller scale to save on shipping costs. I'm very excited to share this journey with you. Seems I have so many things on my plate but I'd be bored with life if I didn't. This is my outlet. Oh, and we all picked a theme...mine is "If I had a super power it would be ..." I'll show you my super power tomorrow. I'm going to start working on it tonight. Wish me luck internet! Oh, and if you have any favorite art journaling techniques, share. I'm sure others would love to know as well.

xo

Tofu en mole

2011-06-11T08:50:00.001-07:00

I have always loved Mole. Its that chocolatey sauce and spices from mexico. I decided to try the one that comes in a jar (next time I will make it from scratch).

It was so easy!! I first fried the tofu and set it aside. Then I sauteed some red onions in some grapeseed oil. Once they were nice and soft I added the mole and 1 cup of water. I simmered the sauce for 5 minutes and added the tofu. Cooked it for about 15 minutes and allowed the sauce to reduce. I made mexican rice on the side.
Mexican rice - saute some onions on med low, once soft, add the rice (1 cup). Saute the rice (ready when it is translucent), and add 1 finely diced tomato, a can of tomato sauce, and 2 cups of water. Stir. Cover, simmer, and don't look at it for 20 minutes.
Voila, dinner in 30 minutes. It was delicious and Lali loved it! This will definitely be one of my go to meals. We had watermelon for dessert. You know it's summer!!!!! Gotta get my flip flops clean and ready.

Friday afternoon

2011-06-10T17:38:00.001-07:00

Wow, this week has flown by! I'm in awe of the moments that pass through my life effortlessly. I'm so happy to be able to fully partake in all of it! I am trying to expand my photography, and also give back. Give of my God given gift of healing back to anyone who is in need and comes across my path. This is something I'm struggling to accept. I don't think of myself as a healer, and yet, I have been given all the tools to do so by means of the universe. In explaining what I do to a friend, I realized I have quite a few healing modalities under my belt. I am.
Yoga Teacher
Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor
Reiki Healer - Level 3
Massage Therapist.

I believe the above would impress me enough to consult with this person, and yet, I can't seem to grow into that. The block in my head is sort of depressing, and enlightening. I'm grateful to be able to see what I have to work on, but saddened to know I'm so (*quivers*) talented and don't see this in me. Well this is changing. I'm in the process of joining my friend in a new healing endeavor. Wish me luck internet...I'll keep you posted on the journey.

Risque mini books

2011-06-08T18:15:00.001-07:00

Someone from Swap-Bot sent me these mini covers. They are so great. I think I'm going to make a grouping of then and put then on canvas. Another project. I also got the one with the cats. That should go to a blogger named The Bloggess. Don't ask me why, I just think she would appreciate this art. I suggest you google swap bot and the bloggess, they both rock my socks.

Sugar skull in progress

2011-06-06T22:27:00.001-07:00

Truth

2011-06-05T23:25:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to keep this about my crafts.
I really wanted to start a new blog about my life events.
I really don't know what I want.
I really know I want to expand the photographer in me.

Life is passing by. I sit on the dock and observe. Sometimes I react to the waves. Sometimes I walk away. Most of the times I sit on the dock and observe. I count the waves lapping against each other. I watch the sun rise and set. Most of the time I sit on the deck and observe. Lately I've turned my back and looked the other way. Lately I've been counting down, instead of adding. But mostly, I've sat on the dock and observed. The question is...what am I observing? What is IT? Do you know? Would you know if you saw IT? Felt IT? Touched IT? Smelled IT? I wouldn't. I've realized i don't know anything. I'm full. Of other's opinions, thoughts, ideas, morals, values, essence. I'm drowning, yet I sit on the dock and observe. Do I fight, or do I drown?

I read an article the other day about lying on the floor in a heap. It totally resonated with me. I've been there...many, many times. I'm there now - to a certain degree. I'm sitting on the dock...observing. When I read the article I realized that being broken is a beautiful thing and I can either embrace it and stay there, or put myself together and be whole. No more being in the middle. No more glue. No more putty. When I sit on the dock and observe, I am. Whole. I don't count, or wait, or investigate, or wish...I am. Whole. This is where I want to be. Whole. Be Whole. Complete. Accomplished. All. Concentrated. Every. Exclusive. Exhaustive. Fixed. Fulfilled! Gross. Integral. Inclusive. In. One. Piece. These are all synonyms of the word whole. I just googled it. And I'm amazed. I want to be every single one of these words...as I sit on the dock and observe.

I make my life so very complicated with what I think it needs to be and really, all I have to do is sit on the dock. Chant mantras. Observe. This is my new goal. Every day I will Chant my Mantra. At least 108 times. At least. I Will! The Lord's Will. The Most High's Will.

So with this, I am going to write my blog every day, for therapeutic reasons, but also because I am talented and should share it with you. I will expand and want you to come along, maybe I will serve you in some way. My focus right now is expanding the photographer in me and this blog will be my outlet.

xo

Greek Festival

2011-06-05T23:24:00.001-07:00

The church had a festival today. This picture is inside the church.

A new feature

2011-06-01T20:56:00.001-07:00

This is beautiful. I love this camera! Although I'm a film snob, I love the advantage of using the digital and the different camera graphics.

Biutiful

2011-05-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

I'm watching this movie and it is breaking my heart. One piece at a time. Haven't watched a movie this raw in a long time. My heart hurts.

Latest creation

2011-05-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

Finite.

2011-05-02T10:34:00.001-07:00

Music Goddess - WIP pt. 2

2011-05-01T23:56:00.001-07:00

WIP

2011-05-01T17:38:00.001-07:00

As Promised

2011-04-30T07:58:00.001-07:00

Here they are. What do you think?

It's after midnight.

2011-04-30T00:24:00.001-07:00

I just finished my mixed media painting. I'll post a pic tomorrow. I'm so tired, watched the royal wedding, yup, at 4 am(dvr), bed at 5 then tried to get up at 7...ouch.

I'm glad to be back on my creative tip. I've also started working on my Goddes doll potraits. I plan on drawing a few, maybe a bunch, and showcase them on venice beach, see what the reaction is to them. I'm truly excited.

I also plan to pull out my sewing machine this year. First thing to make...tote bags, which I will then screen print. I'm thinking of doing custom orders, but that can be tricky. Also, I have to update my etsy store. It's low on product...as in non-existent.

All the while focusing on expanding my yoga, Ayurveda, Reiki healing center. I love my life. I love where I am. I look forward to expanding and growing. I live a purpose filled life. I am an infinite being of abundance and wellness.

Easter. Blessing.

2011-04-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

Sprinkle me man!

2011-04-06T23:23:00.001-07:00

Seems I deserve a cake for breaking through the creativity block!

Phoenix

2011-01-22T17:53:00.001-08:00

Who would've thought I'd be a mom...not me, or anyone else I know. Except my sister...she always knew. Anyway, back in 2oo8, had to so and think about it for a minute...it's been a while. I started spending time at Dancing Shiva, so much so I went on a retreat! I cooked that weekend. After lunch I picked up my camera and went for a hike in the woods. About halfway in I found it. The Phoenix. at the time I had no idea what kind of bird it was, only that it was a bird. With pretty wings. I'm obsessed with trees and leaves and I could not imagine a more beautiful thing to look at in that moment. Little did I know the uni-verse was telling me a message and I was so BLIND! So unaware. I was at the beginning of my true seeking. I was starving for spirituality. I sank my teeth into my yoga and did asana.
I snapped my pic and went on my way .

A few months later I discovered it was a Phoenix. I attributed the vision to my spiritual life, without realizing it was my ENTIRE LIFE that was about to change. A year after I snapped that picture I was on my journey to motherhood. Wow. That's really why I stopped taking pictures! Jajajaja. Just kidding. Oh, and that - jajaja - that spanish for hahaha. ;)

xoxoxo

Valentines day ATC'S swap

2011-01-10T21:37:00.001-08:00

I joined a swap whet I'm required to make and send 20 ATC's. I did a huge spread and background and then cut then down to size. The background is acrylic paint, and spray paint. Then I embellished. I love how they came out. I joined so that I could take the 20 I receive, mount on poster board, frame, and hang on my bathroom wall for a, few months. That's a future project.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

This year I am captivated by art. More specifically, the art and dolls done by Suzi Blu. I saw her artwork last year and wanted to take a class. So the I finally aligned myself with the Universe and I'm taking her Self-Guided Portrait Class. First let me say this - I can't draw to save my life...stick figures is all I can do...and trace, however, after my first lesson I was able to draw and shade! Nothing professional, but impressive to myself. Her teaching method is easy, and laid back. Stress free. I feel encouraged to find my own way of making my portraits and not so much to make them like she does. It's a freeing feeling and I am in love with it! and drawing! my girls (in process, but look what I can do Ma!)...so without further ado:

December views

2010-12-22T15:46:00.001-08:00

New project

2010-12-18T16:42:00.001-08:00

The day after

2010-12-16T17:39:00.001-08:00

Cake!!!!!

2010-12-15T21:01:00.003-08:00

Dec 15th!!!!

2010-12-15T21:01:00.001-08:00

Pink heart

2010-12-14T21:43:00.001-08:00

Fun morning!

2010-12-11T13:24:00.001-08:00

Groceries

2010-12-10T23:54:00.001-08:00

Work in Progress

2010-12-10T23:36:00.001-08:00

Christmas cards

2010-12-10T23:31:00.001-08:00

Pt. 2 xmas

2010-12-09T17:38:00.001-08:00

Baby jesus

2010-12-08T21:09:00.001-08:00

Vintage Donald Duck

2010-12-08T21:08:00.001-08:00

Christmas ornament

2010-12-08T20:40:00.001-08:00

Ojai

2010-12-07T20:02:00.001-08:00

The grill

2010-12-06T20:21:00.001-08:00

First parade of the season

2010-12-05T18:08:00.001-08:00

Morning Ritual

2010-12-05T09:20:00.001-08:00

Tia

2010-12-04T19:06:00.001-08:00

Look up!

2010-12-04T06:15:00.001-08:00

A pair

2010-12-02T19:49:00.001-08:00

Pt. Dos

2010-12-01T16:38:00.001-08:00

Tags: december views,

Thanks - One Year Art Journal Blog Prompt

2010-12-01T15:37:00.001-08:00

december views

2010-12-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I don't have anything to say. There are no words to express the emotion or feeling I'm trying to convey about a project, whether it's an art journal or a loaf of banana nut bread.

Sometimes I don't want to think about a subject or a topic to speak on. Sometimes.

I take a picture and it conveys exactly what I'm trying to say. Exactly.

For the month of December, darlene over at hippy urban girl started an awesome project (which I'm loving!) called december views. For the entire month I will be posting a picture to capture my day. There will be no words, unless I feel the need to clarify. I will capture my joyous moments and showcase them here. In the bottom of my soul is a photographer who is in love with this. I may have 2 pictures a day to capture what I'm working on, and what my day was like. I'll leave it up to you to figure out which is which. ;D

Start a Journal

2010-11-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

I have always loved journals and keep one to this day. They have evolved into art journals and they are fun to do! I was researching art journals and came across this awesome article http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/07/30-days-to-a-better-man-day-8-start-a-journal/ which gives great reasons as to why one should start and keep a journal.

I bring this to light because in the new year I will focus on journaling on a daily basis...and hopefully document it for the blog. Perhaps after reading the article you'll be inspired and join me!

Chunky House!

2010-11-23T13:09:00.001-08:00

My 1st try at making a chunky house.
Tags: swap bot, chunky house

Security Guard

2010-11-18T20:25:00.001-08:00

Security Guard
Originally uploaded by Queen Elisheba

I don't think I've ever posted this picture. It's one of my faves. She was sitting outside a boutique in New Mexico.

Creation is what you make it.

2010-09-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

I have been having an "artist block". Inspiration has not been coming through and it bites! Although I feel I have been In-Spirit, I have not created anything new in a while...so I joined some swaps to make me get my craftin' on!!

I, selfishly, joined a bunch of birth-day swaps. I'm greedy like that sometimes. I also joined a swap in which we create an altered journal filled with quotes. I am loving this project!!! I also, finally, got a new battery for my camera (which is only film) and bought tons of film so I can get my photography on!

Here's a toast to all of you who stay on the crafting path and do something everyday...no matter what it is...

xo

I'm BAAAAAAACCCCCKKKK!!!!!

2010-09-22T08:31:00.001-07:00

I found these great little boards at the .99 cent store about a month ago. I bought them in Pink as my room is on track to being Pink/Brown/Beige for right now. They had so many varieties of these boards....chalk, white, cork, and a calendar! I bought 15 and decided to do 3 rows of 5. I love this because I can always change it around and rearrange the pictures as often and as I need. As baby grows older I can post newer pics of her. I also like to write inspirational things I can read as soon as I wake up.

I used my pastels on the chalk board. The bottom right hand corner was drawn by my sig. other. It's so cute and I loved that it's personalized!

Since my last post I have acquired a sewing machine - who knows when this will be used I still need a table for it before I even think about starting this next endeavor. I have a few swaps I'm working on which are way fun! Most of my swaps are for my birthdayyyyyy! I will be 34! in less than 2 weeks!!!! OMFGoodness! Wow. Ok, that's enough for now....I'm off to puree some soups and sauces!

xo

GLUE FOR ENVIES!!!!

2010-08-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

So in my quest for originality I have begun to make my own envies...(nothing new, I know) and in doing so I needed some glue. Now I usually just tape it down and go with it, but I wanted to send some envies and not have to worry about how to seal them. I asked around on Swap-Bot (to which I'm *totally* addicted) and found a lovely website which gives directions for glue. I was going to do a Tut but my camera phone is not working and therefore, it's a verbal Tut with link.

I love making my own envelopes!! The paper choices...the magazine choices....so many options and so many design choices!! I hope to be able to share some of my envies sometime soon, but until then...happy crafting!!!

xo

GIVE-A-WAY!!!

2010-07-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

I'm an avid doodler and often doodle mandalas. I jumped over to Sue O'Kieffe's Blog and found this give-a-way. Awesome book if you've ever been interested in learning how to begin a mandala. It ends July 11th so scoot on over there and enter to win! So much fun!

Tuts coming soon!

xo

Confession: I am a magazine hoarder

2010-07-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

And I have found a wonderful solution to this problem (because it is a problem) and save money at the same time!! I'm learning about all these new (to me) things and one of them is Zine's. I was browsing and came across this post about recycling magazines. Of course I had to read what it said!!! You must check it out!!

I don't have a sewing machine so I may try to use staples...I like that rough texture. Anywho, this post is short and sweet because I was so excited to find this technique!!! I'm also going to try and make my own envelope glue this weekend. I have been making envies like a madwoman and I need glue. Luckily a fellow swap-botter guided me to making my own! Yay!!! Tutorial coming soon!

xo

I'm alive pt. 2!

2010-06-28T08:59:00.003-07:00

I'm alive!!!

2010-06-28T08:59:00.001-07:00

Oh my so much has happened!! My mac is misbehaving and doesn't want to turn on therefore, I'm coming to you live from my cellphone!!! I have been crafting away and got some pics. Enjoy!!

Can I get a witness?!?!

2010-06-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

So I have so many new things to share and no way to do so. My computer took a p-o-o-p and I'm out of commission. I have been working on so many things!! Once I am able to upload I will share with you world!!!

Go get your swap on at Swap-bot.com!!

xo

Got Glue?

2010-05-12T11:20:00.001-07:00

I have spent quite a bit of time scouring the net for various art journal background inspirations. I have found some great stuff and have begun to make it my own. Today I was lucky to find a new technique!! If you have glue (elmer's) you can do this technique!! Over at Make the Best of Things Ann shows us an awesome, affordable technique that's normally quite expensive. She has a great tutorial on how to crackle! I am going to try this on one of my journals. I also think this would be a great idea for a photo frame - you know, the blank wooden ones you can get at Michael's Arts & Crafts for $1 dollar.

Hope you enjoy this new technique (new for me anyway - if you have any other awesome ideas - let me know).

Have a great wednesday!!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow crafters/artist! It was a fun filled weekend and lots of crafting occurred! I have been working on my art journals...made one and had a few pages going...then it all fell apart and I had to start all over. I made my own journal and had a blast this last time. I also made a few Mother's Day cards. I started with a pink and that lead to brown. I started with some Royal Pink on some bubble wrap. Set that down and followed it with some circles in Gold. I then added some lines using a cardboard edge in Brown. After it all dried I added some pastels. I started with ivory in the middle and dark brown on the edges. Blended in to out. My favorite is the darkest brown, but I love the way the first one looks, like big giant ruled paper.

I then decided to just have some fun with these cards and using a credit card to get my techniques down. I can always go back and add more.

They are all blank on the inside. I didn't add any other element. I like how simple they came out but I think I'll stick to using paper instead of paint. I had a lot of difficulty keeping paint of the other pages. :/

Ok, that's it for now. Will try and do a journal tutorial this week. *Stay tuned for my art shenanigans*

xo

Where does the time go?

2010-05-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've joined a few more swaps on Swap-Bot and I've been busy working on my swaps and getting ready for Mother's day. This will be my first official Mom's day and I want to make and give out as many cards as I can. They are turning out great and I absolutely love how the first batch came out. I'm also putting together a journal for a swap. I made the journal myself and should do a post on it huh? Ok.

Well since I don't have any pictures (yet) of what I'm working on, I thought I'd share some of my REAL pictures. I am a Film girl...nothing digital - I like the crispness of the film shots and have been contemplating learning to develop color photos. May start my own dark room....oh ya!!!

This is a picture I took out in a beautiful resort in Ojai, Ca. It was a meditation/yoga retreat and this fountain was outside the yoga studio.

This is my step-daughter. We went to an church event and she loved this necklace. She wanted a picture asap. Isn't she a-dorable? (P.S. she's happy in this picture).

About 3 years ago I took the bus everywhere! I was doing a year on public trans. to minimize my carbon footprint. I used to take my camera, which was awkward sometimes. I saw this one morning and loved the contrast of the cracked floor and the light hitting it. It touched my soul and had been a very important shot for me.

Delicate. Soft. Feminine.

I love pink. There. I said it. This leaves were a goldmine!! Love this shot!

Creating up a Storm!

2010-05-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday!!!!

We've been working on the Yudu machine screening our little hearts out! The mirror that you see is a re-purpose. Someone was throwing it out. We took it, sanded the frame down, painted it, and screened the glass with the classic laughing Bob Marley.

We made a couple more shirts. It's the same print only in brown on tan. Looks pretty awesome. I'm loving this machine!! So much fun, and yet, I still have so much to discover!

“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live!”

-Bob Marley

Great Purse Tutorial

2010-04-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow blog readers!! Today I have opted to share with you one of my favorite blogs ever! I join all of the give-a-ways she has, and enter just about every contest. She is hosting a 2 week party celebrations for MOMS!! Today she is hosting a fellow blogger and it is for a super cute, easy, peasy purse. Check it out here! Hope you enjoy just as much as I do.

A few updates: I worked on a few pages in my art journal but this train has slooooowed way down! I'm thinking it's this whole mercury retrograde...because it causes so many bumps in the road, and I think my creativity is one of them. I will continue to try and push through it....that's all I can pretty much do. Any one have any suggestions on how to get out of this creative ditch???

I'm thinking of making some cute totes but still working on design. I'd like to do some t shirts for girls also...not sure of design...there's so many.

I'm also going to start making onsies. Designs to come!!

xo

The lovely scent of bleach (Blah)!

2010-04-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

So I tried my hand at this technique I saw on Youtube. I loved it!! I recently started pen-pal-ing and I have found my new stationary!!! I can customize and do whatever I want to the paper!!! I think my favorite is the pink - because the bleach is so pronounced and heavy.

This is on plain cardstock. I used various stamps for this design and then took a paintbrush and flicked beach throughout the page.

Same process, no splatter. I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out, but I like it.

I squeezed some bleach onto the paper and swirled it around. This was fun!

This is on dark purple cardstock. I really like how this one turned out. It's got the swirly's and the splatters.

This is a dark green sheet of cardstock. I took a stamp with spirals and used it on the entire sheet of paper. I then splattered it with the paintbrush. Not my favorite but fun!

I always try and try again.

2010-04-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well I tried to get them to come out excellent (please note I am also a photographer so this is a disgrace ;)). I really do love making greeting cards. They are so much fun and you can personalize them!! Here are a few that I've done in the past.

This was a simple and easy card I made using cardstock, stickers and chipboard.

These were for my mom's friends at work. It was the Thank you cards for the gifts they sent to Lalibela - my daughter.

These are just for fun!

This was for inspiration and a reminder.

This was another Thank you card.

Greeting Cards!!!

2010-04-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the greeting cards I've done recently. I'm currently working on Mother's Day cards. I have been contemplating getting a p/t job at michaels to supply my habit but who knows. So many things opened up today. It seems that my path is taking me to study Ayurveda. I'm very excited and happy!! Ok enough, here's some cards and pls feel free to comment - they make me happy ;)

So I went to upload the pictures and they looked like *a 5 yr. old took them* and not a very coordinated one, so what does that say about me....hmmmm....don't be lazy. It gives me some much joy to create so the pictures should reflect the thought and love that went into my creation. I shall take them outdoors, tomorrow, until then well let's see...I shall divulge some information about myself....I am a Reiki practitioner. I am a level 3 and received it while pregnant. It was so amazing! My heart never opened like that before!! Anyway, if you have any questions about anything....hollllllaaaaaa aka....comment or email me.

xo

Finally got an SD card for my camera!!

2010-04-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

I have not posted anything new because something corrupted my memory card and i *LOST* all the pictures I had in there. I was quite depressed but I journal-ed my way through it! I finally caught up with the online scrapbooking class I'm taking. Although I'm not making actual scrapbook pages, I'm loving this entire collection of work!! Be mesmerized by talent *hocus pocus*

Below the prompt was for use of a page protector in any way we wanted. I used it to cover up the hidden picture.

The next prompt was for the use of stickers. I think I did ok. I like to pale page better than the butterfly one. Not sure if I'll keep both in the book or just one.

This prompt was for the use of flowers on our page. I actually had to go out and *buy* some y'all! That is not something I keep in my stash...go figure.

The latest prompt (for me) was the use of buttons. I love how this page came out. Here I celebrate my Mom. For she has guided me through many things and I understand her, now that I'm a mom.

Have tons more to post but this will do for today. Oh ya, I'm also *slightly obsessed* with Swap Bot - I have joined 5 swaps and have sent out 2 of my packages. Yay me! Go over and check 'em out...you will love it!!!

xo

Screen Printing at home

2010-04-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

We recently acquired a YUDU machine and we have been making t-shirts like crazy!! It really is super fun and there are endless possibilities with this machine!! Here are a few examples of what we have done so far.

It's pretty cool! We've experimented with color and it looks fabulous! These will definitely be going up at my etsy shop tomorrow!

xo

Ruffle your stuff and WIN!!

2010-03-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

I entered a give-a-way at Ruffles and Stuff and it came out pretty awesome! We have to use ruffles in any way shape or form. Whether it's a garment, or accessory, or item. I decided to make a canvas with mine. I would like to hang this in my living room as a reminder that creation comes through faith, family and love.
I used silver tissue paper for the ruffles, acrylic paints for the backgrounds and cardstock.

xo

OOooooh, i just love a great giveaway!!

2010-03-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

I am an avid follower of Disney over at Ruffles and Stuff and i absolutely love her blog! If you ain't knowing, well now ya do! Go check it out...i promise, you won't be disappointed.
Well Disney is doing a GIVEAWAYYYY!!! She's giving away a book by Cath Kidston - "MAKE". I'm excited and happy to share!! Go on over and join in the fun!!!

xo

Latest work

2010-03-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

So I'm working on an online class. It's supposed to be for scrapbooking, however, since I'm totally digging the art journals right now, that's what i'm doing. I'm making an art journal for Baby Bela - my daughter. The online class is with Shimelle. This project/album/journal is to use up all the scraps and excess stuff we scrapboookers have and tend to keep for a while. I dug through my stash and found some really cool stuff!! I have done 4 pages so far.

The first prompt was to use some type of metal. I used brads. The prompt was to frame with brads, so i framed the words. I also added stamps, stickers, cardstock, and watercolor pencils. Oh, and ribbon. and markers. I think that's it. ;)

The second prompt I opted to use patterned paper to make my page. Came out cute. I used a cardstock that had cute candies and make the background pink/purple with acrylics. I added a stamped swirly also. can't wait to write in it!!!

The 3rd prompt was for the use of ribbons. I had some left over ribbon from christmas and some left over gold tissue paper. I added a writing area in the middle with vellum - please note you need special markers to write on vellum.

The 4th prompt i chose to do a tone on tone page. I chose purple because i love that color! and pink together...but i already did a pink/purple. I love how many open areas there are to write in. I used only cardstock for this prompt. The next prompt is for page protectors which is something i don't really have so i'll have to think of something else.