Encouragement

~ Encouragement ~

I have always loved crafting, sewing, crocheting, clay, painting, scrapping & cards, you name it, I love most of it.  And, I don't know how many feel the way I did, and still do to some degree, until I see the face of a friend, or that encouraging voice I think ~ what if I mess it up?  What if it doesn't come out right?  What if I do it wrong?  I ask these questions of myself - and you know what the funny thing is about this?  When my children or grandchildren tell me about a "new project or medium" they'd like to try, I encourage them to just do it!  Just try it!  What could it hurt if you got it wrong?  Not a thing ~ it's just paper, a canvas, a what cha ma call it, so go for it!  But for myself, I let self doubt creep in!

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't live in a closet just looking at hangers all day, I do plenty of crafting!  But it's the new stuff, and you all know what I'm talking about!  I'll see something someone else has done or out of practically nothing, made something beautiful!  I know I can do it, I really do, so why don't I?  Self doubt!

Well, I met a new friend several months ago, and she's a friend to everyone that knows her, Cindy Adkins!  If you don't know her, you really should take time to meet her!  She's fantastic.  I've read a some of her books, and believe me ~ they leave an impact!   After reading her book "Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion" I did get bold and tried doing something I hadn't done before - and I'd like to share it with you!

  "Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit;  for without being seen, they are present with you."
St. Francis de Sales

I've also read Cindy's Angel Book, taken some of her seminars.  She's amazing - you really must find out for yourself.

But, back to my art project I lovingly call - ANGEL -

I started with a blank canvas board, painted it with gesso a couple of times, put on some gel medium and gave it some texture and then painted it.  I had to wait until the next day so it would dry good.  Then took alcohol inks and glitter, gussied up the Angel (She's so pretty now!)

I added some rose and pearls, a bit of glitter and leaves, tea dyed cheesecloth.  Something new for me, I added 4 layers of UTEE to the chip board letters, more inks, I also used the Angel as the A!  A few more roses, pearls, glitter, leaves ~ oh ~ the most important item of all ~ the Angel Prayer Card!   

Thanks for taking a peek at my Angel project.  I loved having the inner artist in me escape and run free!  And, I'm going to be doing this a lot more often!  I had a ton of fun making this piece, and it holds a great deal of sentiment for me.  The most important thing I learned - I can do it!  If I mess up, what the heck, just start over!  I had a blast!  I did something new!

As we get closer to the beginning of a brand new year, are you setting goals?  Resolutions?  Making a list of accomplishments you want to reach?  My list is growing and growing! 

Blessings,
Donna