365 Project Day 58

Here is the glass box I mentioned I was making in the previous post. I've taken some window slats my parents gave me, cut them down to the size I want, taped and soldered the four sides together. I'm currently working on the bottom. Then I'll fill it, close it and embellish it. I think its going to be really great when I finish it but since every part of it is a new adventure for me and I'm learning new skills as I go along it definitely wont be perfect. I'm learning a lot though and having fun doing it.

365 Project Day 57

Phil was feeling a little down yesterday, beating himself up about still not finding a job and just generally feeling bummed so he bought a little something that cheered him up. Trinity thought this new t-shirt he found was awesome too and told us all how pretty she was in her new outfit.

365 Project Day 56

Another new project has me trying out another new skill. This time it is soldering. I am also learn how to cut glass to remake it into a box for my newest project. Look for the progress on this project in coming posts.

365 Project Day 55

Another collection of things that I hope to remake and reuse. Its amazing the possibilities when you realize that nothing has to be trash, a broken clock, rolls from a couple of foil boxes, an old farm tool...all with the possibility of a new life and a new purpose. I still think this is an amazing realization for us as well. No matter how broken or useless we feel, God can take what we are, see what we can be and give us a new life and a new purpose in Him.

365 Project Day 54

I wish you could really see how cute this really is. A mama chicken and her little chicks were in the yard behind us looking for food. It was so cute especially when the mama started kicking brush around under the porch. She'd kick it all over the babies, once she even sent one of the little chicks flying but they came right back and stayed right under her. All but one, the whiter looking one under her in the picture. He stayed where they are here all by himself, perfectly content and completely not threatened by my presence. It there hadnt been a fence between us I would have gotten closer and the temptation to pick up one of the fuzzy little things was definitely there. A beautiful thing to see on a really beautiful day.

365 Project Day 53

I was blessed with several hours to myself this evening and I spent the time experimenting with different background techniques for ATCs (Artist Trading Cards). The great thing about them is their small size which allows you to try many different media and techniques, honing skills and discovering what you like without commiting to a big piece. Its actually great practice and a lot of fun. I'll be doing some of this everyday as I learn more and more about what art really means to me.

365 Project Day 52

We spent the day as a family working in the yard. Its something that we have neglected for a long time. None of us are really into yard work of any kind but in the spirit of change, my theme for 2009 we made up for the neglect. We trimmed, we pulled out old hedges and a chain link fence that had seen better days. We really accomplished a lot and the yard looks amazingly different. We actually have a lot more back yard than we had before after trimming the overgrown fig tree back to a much more manageable size. I hope that we can do some decorative work out there before it gets too hot again but if not at least it looks better than it has in years.

365 Project Day 51

I've been digging through all of my hiding places for the things I've been saving for years knowing that someday I'd use them. The beauty of mixed media collage and assemblage is that anything can be remade, repurposed, reused. The sky is the limit and I have a very good imagination. Its really liberating and I'm having a ball exploring.

365 Project Day 50

This is my first official work of true art. I've titled it "Vessal No More". It holds a deeply personal meaning for me and is full of symbolism. I wont go into the details of it here but if you want the explaination just ask and I'll talk more to you directly about it. It was such a joy to put together, from idea to completion and every step in between. Truly the most satisfying artistic endeavor I've ever experienced. Hopefully, the first of many.

365 Project Day 49

Here's another great example of what I'm talking about. These candleholders (I think) were again, on the clearance rack. I looked at them and saw not what they are...but what they could be. When I got them home I discovered to my delight that when you take them apart there are 5 separate pieces, each of which can be made into something new. Look for these in the future as well. I cant wait to discover where I can use these!

365 Project Day 48

The book I mentioned back on Day 43 has been a real eye opening, life-changing thing for me. I've always looked at things and thought "Johnny, what can you make of this?" (sorry, Airplane!) This book has unlocked something in me that I've been searching for all my life, an artistic "voice" I guess you can call it that would allow me to use all the skills and creative experiences I've had to fully express myself. Its something I've been fascinated by for years but this book has allowed me to give myself permission to explore it and its really thrilling. Anyway, hopefully as this 365 project goes along it will be more clear to those of you who are scratching your heads and thinking "what is she talking about?". Here, for example, are a couple things I spotted on a clearance rack. I look at those and I see what they can be. What do you see? Look for these in the future. You may or may not recognize them when I'm done with them.

365 Project Day 47

The next day, Trin came over in one of the new outfits we got her for her birthday. I couldnt believe how grown up she looked in her cute little skinny pants and hair pulled back. Of course, the first thing she said after "Gray-yay (Grammy)!!" was "pretzel" and as you can see she is a 2 fisted eater and likes to have one in each hand.

Trin's 2nd Birthday/ 365 Project Day 46

We had a wonderful time celebrating Trinity's 2nd birthday! She had so much fun playing with all her friends, opening presents and eating cake. Its so hard to believe that she is already 2! She is such and amazing, sweet little love and she is such a blessing.

Later that evening, Trin discovered that the dryer was open and that there were clothes in it. She wanted to take them out so Bethany gave her the laundry basket and let her. She pulled everything out and into the basket and then wanted to push it out of the room and into the house. Such a sweet and smart little angel.

365 Project Day 45

Listen carefully. You should be able to hear the Hallelujah Chorus. We've been singing it all day. Finally, after a month without it, we finally have our van back. Thanks to a wonderful friend who was able to rebuild our transmission on his own time and at a price we could manage, we are finally back in business! No more car seat shuffle (the van has one built in), no more clown car at the circus (all of us packed into either Austin's car or Phil's truck), no more behind dragging on the ground or looking up at the next car's tires. Woohoo! The van is back...the van is back...Hallelujah!!

365 Project Day 44

Happy Valentine's Day!

365 Project Day 43

One of my favorite forms of art is what is called Altered Art. Taking everyday items and changing them, using them to create something else. I found this book and it is a fascinating look at artists who use all manner of media to tell stories and create the most fascinating art. I am so intrigued by all the ideas and even though I do this already, saving little bits and pieces of things in the hope that I can repurpose them later, it has me looking at things even more and thinking "What story can I tell with this?" or "What can I put together to illustrate this feeling, emotion or situation I may be struggling with?". I'm really excited to start exploring more of this and seeing what I can come up with. Who knows...maybe you'll see some of it in future 365 pictures.

365 Project Day 42

Austin found this beautiful nest while trimming in the yard over the weekend. He was amazed at all the little pieces of trash that the birds found and reused to make it. It reminds me of the my favorite challenge in life....taking what I have and making what I can out of it. It is such a thrill to take something with little or no purpose and to change it, remake it into something with a new life...a new and different purpose. I imagine that is how God sees us. Its exciting to think that God can take what I am...whatever that may be...and make me into something He can use, something beautiful and full of purpose. The beauty of this little nest proves it. If the birds can make something beautiful and so vital to their existence out of nothing but sticks and our trash what amazing things can God do with little old me!

365 Project Day 41

Well, we had a big storm blow through Sunday night or was it Monday. Anyway, it came through fast so we really didnt get nearly enough rain from it but it was intense. This large branch ended up right outside the front door and the hail was so hard that the girls were afraid windows would break. Luckily, except for the branch and a few shingles, no real damage. Now if we could just get a good soaking rain...

365 Project Day 40

Okay, so today I was a lazy bum. I allowed myself a treat that I seldom endulge in. I spent the whole day reading. Started the first book in this series last night, finished it this evening and now have started the second. I dont think I'll be able to justify another whole day of reading for a while so it may take me a while to read the rest of the series but I thoroughly enjoyed the first one and my day of sloth.

365 Project Day 39

Thankfully I was able to finish the banner in time for the Confirmation. The only thing I have to finish later is tacking down the tabs that it hangs from. By 5:30 am, when that was the last thing to do, I was too exhausted to do anymore so they got pinned on for the service. This confirmation was special for us, not because we had a child being confirmed but because we had a godchild being confirmed. It was an honor to be able to do this for the confirmation class and most especially for our godson, Daniel. I hope he knows how very proud of him we are!!

365 Project Day 38

Still working on the banner today and in fact, probably will be most of the night to finish it. In this picture I'm working on adding the bible verse "I will not forget you. See your name is engraved on the palm of my hand" Isaiah 49:15-16

365 Project Day 37

So today I spent the day working on a banner for Confirmation on Sunday. I was honored to be asked to do this the last 2 years. I am given an idea for a general design and then allowed to run with it which is my favorite kind of project. Anyway, itll be a real challenge to get it done as my time is short but its always worth it.

365 Project Day 36

Delivered my first hippo order of the year. This picture was taken before I added the badge and patches but you get the general idea. Some special orders are more special than others and this one would fall in that catagory. Police officers are near and dear to my heart since I am the daughter of one. My favorite hippos to make are the fun, challenging or special ones and I consider it a priviledge to make something that will hopefully make someone smile even if I'm not usually there to see it.

365 Project Day 35

I'm trying not to do many people and focus on snapshots of my day but I couldnt pass up "Princess Pudding Face" this evening. We had spaghetti for dinner and rather than have her covered in sauce we decided to get her a kid meal for the microwave. Unfotunately the one Phil picked out came with pudding which she zeroed in on immediately. Youve heard of the "best laid plans"? Oh well...we debated just putting her down and letting the dog lick her clean but decided wet paper towels was a better idea.

365 Project Day 34

My poor sweet Zoe had to go to the vet today. After a couple days of back and forth and back and forth to the litter box I knew she must have developed another UTI. I felt like such an awful "kitty mama" when I had to leave her at the vet so they could wait to get a urine sample. Luckily it didnt take long and she did not have to stay the night. She does however have a UTI and crystals in her urine. We've been through this before with her. Antibiotics twice a day for 7 days and a bag of special food. I'm just glad she is on the mend and isnt wearing a path to the litter box anymore.

365 Project Day 33

I couldnt pass this one up especially since he was willing to let me take it. Here is Phil, styling in some hot Hannah Montana 3D glasses and watching one of his favorite shows, Chuck. It was supposed to be in 3D tonight. We really didnt see much difference with or without the glasses so if you missed it, you didnt miss much. Great show, just no need to be quite so styling!

365 Project Day 32

I got to spend a little time today while Trinity was sleeping working on a project for church. These cute little quilled circles and many more in various colors will eventually become crosses and will be part of the special gifts I make each year for the Confirmation kids on their special day. I enjoy doing it and hope they enjoy receiving them. Its one of the few small things that I can do for my church and my church family and makes me feel like I at least make a small contribution of my "time and talent".