We're focusing on mermaids for this week's Artist Studio Challenge at Digital Art Quirks. For mine, I was totally inspired by Victoria O'Neill's mermaid paper dolls, so I designed it in two pieces. It's mounted on chipboard, cut out, and attached with a brad that allows the tail to swing back and forth. I used a magnet to attach it to my refrigerator.
Credits: photo from
chickieonthego, flickr (painted in Photoshop); crown from Lisa's
Altered Art; fish from Dover (filtered); wings from Genevieve Sass; and
seagull from Lily Design's A Boy is a Boy
I have a feeling that making these could be addicting. I plan on making some using my nieces' photos that they can hang in their rooms.
If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know that I've been participating in Shimelle's online class, Learn Something New Every Day. It's Tuesday, so it's time to review the week for hidden lessons.
Sept. 14: Last week, I met a massage therapist at the Cain Fest that advised me that L-Carnitine was a great supplement for those with fibromyalgia. I did a little research, found a couple of studies to back her up, and purchased a small, very expensive bottle of L-Carnitine. I took a couple of capsules on Monday, and woke up more energetic today than I have in years. Lesson for Tuesday: Don't dismiss the words of strangers just because they're strangers.
Sept. 15: This morning, as I was surfing around the Internet, I ran across the Pioneer Woman's recipe for Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet. It looked so good and so easy to make that I couldn't resist. I polished up my iron skillet and proceeded to bake. If you like apples, you must try this recipe. It's heaven on a plate. What did I learn from this? There's nothing more rewarding than making something with your own hands for the people you love.
Sept. 16: It's a trite lesson I know, but today I was reminded to enjoy the little things. I ran into my neighbor when I was walking the dogs. We sat in the circle in front of our homes, lazed in the sunshine, and caught up on each other's lives. It was a perfect fifteen minutes that left me rejuvenated for the rest of the day. It's okay to slow down and enjoy the moment. It's those little breaks that make living worthwhile.
Sept. 17: I'm a voracious reader. I consume books the way that others consume chocolates. Mysteries, science fiction, romances -- I love them all. But today, I sat down to re-read the introduction to Julia Cameron's The Artist Way, and I found myself reading slowly and savoring the words. Reminder to self: Reading is not a speed contest. Slow down and enjoy the experience.
Sept. 18: I'm in the process of learning DreamWeaver so that I can update the Digital Arts Quirks site on a regular basis. Today, I learned how to format webpages. Now if I could just learn how to post the changes I've made.
Sept. 19: My husband and I are big believers in dating after you're married. Tonight, we ate dinner at a Japanese restaurant, and then went shopping at an Office Depot (yes, we're the kind of people that find office supplies fun). As a couple, time apart from family and friends reminds us that the most important relationship we have is with each other.
Sept. 20: I spent Sunday organizing my craft room and calendar. I do this about every three months, stay organized for about a week, and then get sloppy. So, I've learned something interesting about myself: I like organizing more than being organized.
Sept. 21: My lesson today is a rather simple one. Here's the conversation with my 20-year-old son.
Grant: So when does the season start?
Me: Well, autumn runs from September into December.
Grant: I meant the TV season; but isn't it Autumn already? (He's always correcting me; it's the way we communicate.)
Me: No, I don't think so.
Grant: I think you're wrong.
Me: (Googling the info.) Hah! Autumn starts Sept. 22, so I'm right, at least for today.
So what did I learn, in addition to learning how satisfying it is to one-up your children. Fall starts Sept. 22 in the northern hemisphere. Happy autumn, everyone.
