Cuckoo Buds 3 Column

Monday, December 26, 2011

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

12 comments:

  1. Donna,
    Your art is so completely amazing! This piece is so filled with dimension--it is unbelievable! I am so happy that my book gave you inspiration, but I have to tell you that all the TALENT is right inside of you!! Your work is sooo gorgeous~and I adore that precious angel for the "A." It is not only clever, but also so beautiful.
    XO
    Cindy

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  2. You made an awesome artwork! I enjoyed learning the process of making your art! Thanks for sharing!!!
    I am so happy we can be blogging friends! Cindy is such a wonderful friend! Everybody loves her!

    xoxo
    Myric

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  3. Donna...this piece is absolutely gorgeous! I mean stunning! You are very, very talented!

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  4. Thanks for a very inspirational post! ~ Maureen

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  5. Donna- What a beautiful Angel project! You did a wonderful job. I think Cindy is one of the most inspirations artists and people I have ever "met". She is so inspiring and encouraging. She is one of those people that can do anything and makes you feel like you can, too! xo Diana

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  6. YAY!! Love your bolstered courage, and the end result, too!! Just awesome!! I felt that way about fabric collages. Then I realized that fear is not from God...who gave me my creativity, and I took the leap, and loved the outcome!! I love being a creative soul...such a fun adventure! The sky is truly the limit as long as we don't let fear and comparison cripple us!

    You are soo sweet Donna! Thanks so much for the blessing of your comment!! JOY!!

    Have a delightful week, and a Happy New Year! I look forward to seeing more of your creations!!
    Hugs,
    Becky

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  7. Wonderful project. I hope that you can find me now. Marti

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  8. Fabulous project!! took a little stroll through your fabulous blog.... Wow ... you are a very talented soul. and your grandchildren are so darling! Happy New Year, xo HHL

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  9. Hi Thanks for stopping by my blog, your artwork is amazing, so lovely! Happy New Year to you, hope you will check out my Heartful Creations Blog as well for some creative fun and we can keep track of each other! Hugs to you xoxo. Marilou

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  10. Hi Donna,
    We didn't make it to the beach yesterday, so we're leaving now! I hope you're having a good day!!!
    XO
    Cindy

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  11. Hi Donna, thank you so much for following my blog! Your angel project is beautiful, and I can't wait to see what else you come up with! Cindy is right... your stuff is gorgeous! -Kris

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  12. Oh Gosh, your Angel project is just adorable! You are so talented, Donna! Your inner artist is running amazingly! I just love love love this! Wonderful work, as always!!!
    Love and kisses,
    LS

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