ATC's traded

Made these atcs to trade on artist trading card FB page. Tweety is still available!

A sketch

Drew this face using a blue pen and a marker. I think my drawing skills are improving!! Yippee!!

In memory of Madiba

A very very sad time in the history of South Africa!!!

I decided to do a page on Mandela, the Father of our Nation.

Even though I didn't meet this great statesman, I felt extremely sad on hearing of his passing away. A feeling of great loss, emptiness came over me . Unbelievable , difficult to accept that he has passed on.

Always smiling, always thinking of the next person- he was a saint! There will never be another like him!! 

Rest in peace, Madiba! You will always be an inspiration to us , the people of South Africa!

Flood the streets with Art

A few weeks ago I joined a Facebook group started by Scott Wong. He came up with the idea to leave art in different places for people to find and keep. Something to brighten their day! I loved the idea and decided to join. I bought a 4"x4" canvas and this is what I did.

I used Distress paint, sparkle medium , stencils, sequins and stamps. My first canvas! I'm quite pleased with it. I left it on a seat in Essenwood Park in Durban. I felt so good doing this that I've decided I will continue in the tradition of "Free Art Friday". Every Friday I will leave a piece of my art somewhere for someone to find.

Audrey Hepburn pic updated

Art journal page

After making tags for a swap, I had these pictures of Audrey Hepburn left over. I used a stencil, Dylusions spray inks and wink of Stella pens.

In the Uk in September 2013

I flew to London on the 18th September to spend 10 days with my sister . While there I attended the Big Stamp and Scrapbooking Fair held at Alexandra Palace(Ally Pally). Wow, what a feast for the eyes!!!
There were demonstrations at most stalls. I was fascinated by the new Sparkle medium at BJ crafts. went back a second time to watch and purchased a starter pack. I'm so glad i did. You can make the most stunning cards with them in a couple of minutes!!!

International Quilt Convention Africa

From the 6th - 8th Sept I attended IQCA which was held in Johannesburg at Emperors Palace. "Quilters Paradise" ladies shopped till they dropped, watched demos and attended courses by local and overseas teachers. I was fortunate enough to attend a Ricky Tims workshop . In six hours he shared as much of his knowledge as he could, he inspired us and motivated us to make fabulous quilts. We were fed scrumptious meals throughout the day - I say this because the teas were like meals- so much to choose from. A great time was had by all!!

Ricky Tims and his portrait quilt.

Bohemian Rhapsody.          

Sorry about the quality of the pictures ! 

Pencil drawings

My pencil drawings of my sister, my pet and myself. I still need to work on the details but I'm pleased with my first attempt at portraits! I think the mouths are slightly off and I need to learn to shade properly to create depth. Just used an ordinary HB pencil.

"Inspiration Deck"- July 2013

Received these inspiration cards from Jen Cain! They were made by Heather Welsh, Ky Adams, Jenny Koenig, Val V.and Jo Schram. Love these cards!

"Home Sweet Home"

Received these delightful atcs in the "Home Sweet Home" swap hosted by Annette Andrew . These cards were made by Samantha Maitland, Dawn Rogers, Cheryl Ellis, Tiffany McLean, Chel Marie Quam and Mary Knapp.

Mix and match faces artist trading cards

These faces were hand drawn a few weeks ago. I just completed them by colouring them in with Distress markers, gel pens ,permanent markers, Stickles and liquid pearls. 

I've always wanted to draw faces so these were practise runs. They seem to work. 

For the swap I've joined you need to send in 3/3 or 6/6 cards.

I will send 6 for the swap and 2 for the host. 

If you have never drawn faces before, make an attempt! You will get it eventually. Develop your own style!!

First Art Journal page

Completed my first AJ page last night! What an achievement! Focused on the theme which was National Women's Day. "Phenomenal Woman " by Maya Angelou provided the perfect words. 

There is still a space i could write in . Will do it later. I used Distress paints , Distress ink pads , Distress markers, stamps, stencils, Stickles and a white gel pen. I really enjoyed doing this page. Once you begin , you just can't stop! There's always something new to add.

Art Journalling is awesome!!!

My sister bought this journal in Italy in 2010 and I didn't use it until last night.

My first Art Journal page!!❤❤

National Women's Day

Today is National Womens Day in South Africa! A day when women are honoured for their bravery. In 1956 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in protest against the Pass Law.
They concluded the march with freedom songs like Nkosi Sikeleli Afrika and one which translated means" Now you have touched a woman, You have struck a rock!"

This is a fantastic prompt for a journal page- Powerful Women/ Woman of Substance.

Artist Trading Cards

Here are some artist trading cards I made for the Inspiration card deck swap! My first attempt using playing cards as a base. I was very pleased with the finished deck. Hope it made the recipients happy!!
I used acrylic paints, stamps, gold marker, inspirational words , sequins and  paper flowers.Love them !

New beginnings

This blog will feature  my experiences with art, books, travel and school.

The first post about my arty experiences. I've been making artist trading cards in fabric and paper,     quilts, cards, scrapbooks, beaded items etc.
Soon I will be working in an art journal. I'll be trying out different techniques like collage and  mixed media and using different paints, inks, stamps, stencils, stickers, pictures, glues, pencils etc.

Its going to be a whole lot of FUN!!!