Peculiar...odd...Lucky???

This past Saturday, we had a very odd October occurence here in Maryland...it snowed.  Crazy I know...Weathermen were saying to expect 1-3"...then 2-4" and I think at one point we were in a higher accumulation area - but you see the little town I live in, likes to "escape"...and escape we did this time around!  It doesn't always happen, but fortunately for us - all we got was a lot of sleet, wind, rain and then some pretty snow.

Saturday is definitely a day we won't forget - not just for the snow...but it was also the day my husband and I were taking our Daughter to her #1 College choice for an Open House (and despite the weather - the Open House went on as planned).  However, instead of walking around campus on a beautiful Fall day, it wound up to be shuttle transportation in the sleet and ice lol.  However, everyone was in high spirits, and I have to say it will be a day that we will not forget (and I mean that in all the good ways).

Now our trip to the College was about an hours drive each way...and I was totally bummed when I realized I forgot my camera.  But it was probably just as well, because I don't think my husband would have stopped along side the Interstate while I hopped out to get a picture...lol....but take my word for it - there were long stretches of some glorious trees in tri-color peek that were just so much more prettier because of the snow!

I did catch this shot when I got home though...my metal Pumpkin Twirlers...on my front porch with our Red Maple Tree in the background...

About a week ago, the Maple Tree lost the majority of its leaves in a pretty heavy rain and wind storm...but there were a few die-hard vibrant red leaves hanging on for this photo...with the snow on the branches and covering the ground - you can see how it made the colors POP!

Now, as I was taking these photos from the front porch...I had a visitor fly in to say hello - seriously...he started chirping like crazy to get my attention and then "posed".  Some things you just know...and with that first chirp and glimpse of red...I knew in a heartbeat, that it was my "Lucky"...the baby Cardinal from this past summer!  You see, although he is just as big as his Pappa...he still has a little bit of brown left along his back and he has a different look to his eyes.  I know him because I've been watching him since he hatched (literally). 

Now if you are new to my blog, or do not remember "Lucky" - then take a moment and read the quick picture story called the "Cardinal Chronicles" from this past June...

Here's Lucky in all his glory - vibrant red against the beautiful snow, perched up high in our Maple Tree.

And another fun shot...

Just as Lucky was getting ready to take off in flight...

~ he seemed to freeze in place for a split second...

and although it's not a perfectly in focus shot...I LOVE - his sweet little face...

and how that misty, strong gust of snow & wind was captured...

So...yes snow in October was an oddity...as was attending a Fall College Open House in the sleet and snow...but the best thing about this peculiar day?  Is all these lasting memories...

Speaking of which...if you haven't joined in the fun before with our "PHOTO INSPIRATION" contests on Facebook and our Blog - join us!  This is strictly a fun contest - and this time around themed around Fall & Winter and the timeless memories we create.  New photos are being added to our "viewable" photo album here:

JLynnJewels Photo Inspiration Fall/Winter Album on Facebook

and...to enter - simply upload your photos at our:

 Photo Inspiration EVENT TAB on Facebook (or email me with your jpgs)

Deadline for photo entries is 11/1/11 as 12midnight (although we allowed for a 6 hour grace period with all the time zones which means until 6am EST)...

VOTING will take place 11/2 through 11/6 and PRIZES and WINNERs will be announced on 11/6 :)

Hope you have a fun last day of October!

~J-Lynn

  

DIY Visual PAINTING Tutorial

Here it is...Part 1 of DIY - Yes you Can Paint Visual Tutorial! 

This project is one that Plaid sponsored over 15 years ago...I did MANY live demonstrations for groups and TV and had a blast doing it too!  It is such a great way to dabble in painting because it's so successful with this straight forward approach to painting.  So - we will be basing our tutorial on this simple stripe and leaf design - with your choice of colors...as well as, showing you how to incorporate what you've learned onto different surfaces (slate, wood, glass) and yes - even your walls!

Looks complicated but I will share with you just how easy it is...and you'll walk away with knowing some basic Decorative Painting techniques, including a few Plaid folkArt ONE Stroke methods.  The point with this tutorial is to get you practicing and playing in a very economical, friendly way!  It's practicing on paper first...practice, practice, practice until you get the feel of creating the paint stroke.

Now if you don't have a lot of extra cash on hand -take advantage of those 40-50% off coupons from the Craft Giants like Jo-Ann's, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and AcMoores.  Likewise - it's the perfect time to think about all the different things you might be able to do around your home to spruce things up...or create a fun coffee mug yourself...and certainly to create some "gifts from the heart" for your holiday gift giving.

So - keeping it short for Part 1...the SHOPPING LIST (or gathering depending on what you may already have at home).  The first thing...Brushes!

Plaid folkArt ONE Stroke Value Pack #1059

If you can swing it - go for the Plaid Value Pack...these brushes are amazing and a superior quality for the cost.  Yes - there are cheaper brushes on the market but I can tell you from experience, they will leave you feeling frustrated with pieces of bristles in your wet paint.  When properly cared for - these brushes will last a LONG time...and if you can't swing purchasing the entire set - get the large Scruffy, #8 and #12 Flat, and #2 liner.

Shopping List:

• ONE Stroke Value Pack #1059 (or individual brushes...Large Scruffy, #8 Flat, #12 Flat, and #2 Liner)
• Artist Pad of paper for Acrylic Painting
• Variety of Acyrlic Paints - for everyday crafts...I prefer Plaid Premium and if you're doing more fine art painting...then Liquitex Artist blend (in the Fine Art section)
• Your choice of Paper Mache product (in our sample we are using a large heart - but there are so many more choices).
• Varnish to seal & protect (Matte, Satin or Gloss)
• Sea Sponge
• Painters Tape
• Wax Paper

STEP ONE...

Go gathering or shopping for your supply list :)

 

Example of Paper Mache product - choose any size or any style (round, square, or trinket boxes)

STEP TWO...

Prepare your kitchen/work/craft table with newspaper...wear old clothes...tear off a piece of wax paper (this is your cheap painter's palette surface).
Prepare your paper mache surface.
Dampen your sea sponge and squeeze out excess water.  Squirt a large amount of paint onto your wax paper.  Dab your sponge in and work the paint into it by blotting up and down on your newspaper and then do the same up and down motion on your paper mache surface.  This will give it a mottled look - keep going until you have covered the complete surface.  We used a Cream base for our Heart project.

Allow your surface to dry completely...then do a second coat of sponging.  Get ready for STEP THREE - where we will show you how to create simple two-shaded leaves, elegant scrolls and swirls, and of course no-fail striping!

Perfect stripes, Blended two tone leaves, Swirls, dots and stippling

Close-up.. 

 Easy dots with the end of your paintbrush (for real!)

Painting does not have to be perfect...consider it an expression of your moods - your heart - your feelings.  Once you know a few basic techniques, it is so easy to build upon your skills too ~ and it's also a lot of fun when you include family members or have a craft day with a special friend.

When I was pulling all the supplies for picture taking - I found this - one that my daughter started when she was probably 5 years old (she'll be 18 soon) lol.  So at the end of our Tutorial - check out to see what I do with her "base" painting of this heart with some special outlining and addition of glazes for blending...

Part THREE - Practice, Practice, Practice...

So - you've painted your base coat on your piece and now you're ready for the fun part!  But let's first revisit the Scruffy brush and pouncing - I'll be demontrating with different colors than the finished sample so it's a little more visible for you online - you of course are allowed complete freedom in your paint color choices...

Your Scruffy Brush is easy to use...simply load the brush by pouncing into the paint and onto your surface.  Keeping you brush semi-dry will keep the marks distinct - wet will give you a more blended appearance

 It's a good idea to pounce up and down on a white sheet of paper so you get a feel for the amount of paint needed to create your desired look.

  Pouncing can be done with a very dry brush for that scruffy dotted pattern,

or a wet brush that will give you a more watercolor like appearance/finish.

Next - are the stripes.

  To create these we are going to use any width of blue painter's tape.  To ensure a clean edge, make sure that you press down firmly

so that no paint seaps in under the edges.

Using our Scruffy brush again...and the color of your choice, load the brush

and in and up and down fast tap-tap-tap motion simly fill in the area between

your painter's tape.  Depending on the desired look...more defined separation - use a dry brush...for a more blended watercolor effect use a wet brush.

Next is removing the painters tape.  In our sample we wanted to show you what it would like if you did not press down firmly on the tape.  Note the

"bleeding" at the edge or the little bumps.  In this case since we will be painting an outline stripe on either side - it's not a worry - but if you weren't, you can see how important pressing down on your tape would be.

(see left side versus the cleaner edge right side).  In this particular sample - I decided to fill in the area with Gold paint and a wet, flat Brush.

So now we are ready for the decorative painting part using our flat and round brushes.  To start, we need to practice on paper and I've included these guideline practice sheets for you to practice a variety of strokes.  For this particular pattern we will be using a modified comma with an "S" stroke. 

Now...let's break out the Flat Brush size #12 to start (then once your feel comfortable practicing with that one - switch to the #8).  Squirt two different colors of paint onto your palette (either paper or your waxpaper).  thoroughly wet your paint brush with water or mix in a blender to extend your drying time (both will give you a smooth flow and allow the brush to work for you, versus you working the brush).  Dip each corner into the two different paints - so it looks like this (on both sides)...

Next you are going to blend the colors together by brushing them together up and down on a scrap paper twice.  Then you are going to RELOAD your brush like above one more time and blend only once before taking it to your painting surface (in your case you are taking it to your practice sheet)...

Now it's time to actually paint some "leaf" strokes...

Step 1...you will be doing these steps in one smooth flowing motions and remember it takes practice...each one will be individually different - and there's no such thing as "perfect".  So breathe...and place your brush on the paper with a bit of pressure so that is flattens and spread out as shown

Next you will begin to flow with the brush upwards for a tiny bit...then you are going to slightly twist/pivot your brush slightly to the right...

and then slowly release your pressure while pulling up to create the leaf tip

So remember...practice loading the paint & blending

then for the Leaf stroke it's...

Press-ssss, Twist, Lift - all in one smooth motion.

When you first start out - it is common for your leaf to look like the one on the left...but you will improve as you practice.  So keep practicing (I did MANY pages with hundreds of leaves when I was first starting out).

Now review...take a look at all the individual "leaves" on our sample - these were created with a dark sage and light sage green - but you can also use any color with a blending or white or cream too.  Not all are perfect but when randomely placed together (or if you'd rather draw a pattern on your surface - do it with a light pencil (or transfer paper).

And now all that's left - is to use your Flat Brush chisel end (just turn your paintbrush sideways so it's the skinny side in view - like how we did the outline on the stripe) or your can create the branches with a Round Paint Brush (I've included some guidelines and practice strokes for you if you want to continue on.  Then all that's left is the Liner for the Swirls - and this is EASY...



Round brushes are pretty universal - you load them, blend them and just follow the guidelines to get used to creating different strokes with them.  Like the Flat Brush either use a Blender to extend your paint drying time...or simply make sure your paint brush is wet by dipping it in water.

The Liner brush is one of my favorite ones to use because it's fun to swirl and curl - the key is that blender/extender or LOTS of water to dilute the paint and give it a more tranluscent look!

Keep in mind with the Liner Brush you want to keep it lightweight and airy and only use the very tip of the brush - if you press down, you'll get a "splat" and uneven swirl...so again very light, with lots of water/blender mixed in with the paint so it flows smooth and effortless.



Did I miss anything? Oh yes...the perfect "berry" dot...creating that is so simple...reverse your paint brush in your hand so the bristles are up - dip the wooden end of your brush into the paint and "dot" your surface - making sure to do this in a very strict vertical up/down motion.

Well - now it's time to put it all together and actually finish up your project. The Scruffy pouncing for texture...

The Painter's tape stripes & outline of stripes...

The Branches (painting with either your Flat or Round brush)
LEAVES...you've practiced and practiced now enjoy the look!

And finally the Swirls and dot details with your Liner Brush

And the only thing I'll be adding this week is how you can apply these skills to other painting surfaces and projects - such as: 

Fabric, Glass, Wood, Walls and more!

 

 Happy Painting - if you have any questions - feel free to post them here!

~J-Lynn

Sari Silk Ribbon Design & Blog Hop

Today is the day for the "Reveal" as promised!
A special thank you to Brenda Sue of B'sueBoutiques for planning and organizing this!


"Emotional Tides"
My bracelet design that I created with the gorgeous Silk Sari Ribbon from B'SueBoutiques, JLynnJewels ART tile, Artisan Lampwork Bead from Dean of Bubby & McGurk Beads, Black Onyx gemstones, Swarovski Crystals and Fallen Angel Black Brass findings and charms.  I've included some highlights from our post yesterday "What Soothes and Brings Comfort to You"  (please take a moment to read this inspirational post if you have time - as it does explain in a little more depth the meaning behind the bracelet).

When I signed up for this particular challenge, it was "before" our family experienced a little setback - my Sister who is in poor health, was taken to the hospital - and remains in ICU with additional testing.  (Update to this post...unfortunately, my Sister lost her fight for life, and made a peaceful transition to Heaven surrounded by her family - RIP Dawn).

So this design was created with a lot of mixed up emotions of stress, relief, sadness, happiness and love - it is about going with the tides of life...

With all that was going on...it wasn't until yesterday that the bracelet came together very quickly in an explosion of emotions, and of course love for design and colors.  Color Palette:  This rich palette includes Purples and Violets that hold an aura of deep, mysterious emotions - with contrasts of black and brown to indicate a strong foundation. It's brooding and dark, full of some confusion - yet at the same time...captivating, alive and certain of an underlying warmth and love of life. Purple, Brown and Black - remind me of the many unknown and mysterious things in life. Despite the darkness and uncertainty in the unanswered questions - this color combination is one that is "uplifting" because I have faith that no matter what - things will work out exactly as they are suppose to - fate & destiny are words that come to mind.

B'Sue's Sari Ribbon - This bundle of ribbon is so beautiful and unique because instead of being "one" dyed color/lot...it's a glorious, rich, long length of seamed together strands of colors - gorgeous! When I first saw it, it reminded me of the blending of people in our lives that create a rich tapestry. For me, Satin is a fine material that symbolizes "living" and "warmth" - so adding this to my design...it's like snuggling up with a warm blanket on a cold night - it brings a feeling of comfort.

Bubby & McGurk Lampwork Beads - this organic shaped beauty has an inner glow...that for me, symbolizes a life that is full of layers, depth, and mystery - not that they hold the answers to life or why we have to go through some of the things that are handed to us - but they have a solidity that silently communicates that it's up to us as individuals to use what's handed to us in a positive way.

 JLynn Art tile - I started creating tiles to simply reflect a personal story for a friend of mine - and the tile for this one, is no different. It was altered, digitized, with the colors fine-tuned to match not only the components (beads & ribbon) - but also because the scrolls reminded me that our emotions are constantly "in motion" - intertwining and mixing on the road of life.

FAB black brass metal (Fallen Angel Black Brass) - symbolize a "strength" and that place we all have to pull from when we are feeling weak and unsettled. I used a combination of Hearts, Filigrees, Flower and a Key - all symbolizations of my emotions.  The Filigree bead caps were intentionally all different and unique like the many facets of our feelings and what we go through.   Fallen Angel Black Brass for me is a symbolization of life in itself...like newborn babies...we all start our as shiny and brand new (like raw bright brass)...and over our years, time, and experiences - we become weathered in a beautiful, timeless way that truly indicates a love of life and at the core...an inner strength.

Now- go forth and visit!
The Sari Ribbon Party Blog Hop
Be inspired by all the many ways to use B'SueBoutique Sari Ribbon by visiting each of the participants blogs (you might enjoy "following" their blog too)


Vickie Wills
http://www.jewelrybyvee.blogspot.com/

Susan Kennedy
http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com

Michelle Mach
http://www.michellemach.com/blog/

Michelle Lee Hardy
http://fireflyvisions.blogspot.com/

Ruth Crawford
http://www.home-with-ruth.blogspot.com

Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
http://fryestyle.blogspot.com/

Diana P.
http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com

Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/

Elizabeth Owens-Dwy
http://www.clarityofpurplesage.blogspot.com

Connie Rios-Relyea
http://www.JewelsDesignsCreativeCorner.wordpress.com/

Jennifer Justman
http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com/

Deb Davis
http://www.naturaltreasuresbydeb.blogspot.com

Beanzie
http://www.thevintageheartcharmbracelets.com/the-vintage-heart-charm-b/

Cathie Carroll
http://www.cathiecarroll.com/

Rosemary Cowit
http://www.gemrosedesigns.blogspot.com/

Georgene Lockwood
http://sylvanavintagedesigns.wordpress.com/

Cathy Buckley
http://cathybuckleycatsmeow.blogspot.com

Harry Wood
http://www.oscarcrow.blogspot.com

Sonya Stille
http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com

Mary Deis
http://mdeis.blogspot.com/

Heather Goldsmith
http://asibeadit.blogspot.com/

Susan Rouleau
http://mountainshadowstudio.blogspot.com

Terry Matusyk
http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com

Pam Chesbro
http://afortunatesoul.blogspot.com/

Mary Shannon Hicks
http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Janice Everett
http://JLynnJewels.blogspot.com

Davinia
http://www.daviniadesign.com

Kristina Johansson, Maneki
http://wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com

Kris Binsfeld
http://www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

Mandy
http://www.beadsforbrains.blogspot.com

Charlene
http://thebeaddreamer.com/blog/

Catherine Jeltes
http://www.galleryzooart.com

Jackie
http://kydojewellery.blogspot.com/

Sharon Palac
http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

Deb Beechy
http://beetique56.blogspot.com/

Jean Yates
http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/

Patrice Pfeiffer
http://treeseatreasures.blogspot.com/

Dorcas Midkiff
http://wondrousstrangedesigns.blogspot.com/

Lynn Perry Bennett
http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com

Linzi Alford
http://www.magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.com

Deb
http://greenshoot.blogspot.com/

Cynthia Wainscott
http://www.exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com

Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
http://skyejewels.blogspot.com

Alice Craddick
http://alicesbeadsandbaubles.blogspot.com/

B'sue Boutiques Creative Group
http://www.flickr.com/groups/bsueboutiques/


HAVE FUN!
~J-Lynn

What soothes and brings comfort to you?

Photography by J-Lynn ~ "Reflection" (based on her photographs from the Fall of 1985/Massachusetts)

"There are some people who have the quality of richness and joy in them

and they communicate into everything they touch.  It is first of all, a

physical quality...then it is a quality of spirit" ~ Thomas Wolfe

Whenever I'm feeling a little confused, I remember this quote and it brings me strength.  Mainly because I try to live up to it, every day of my life. I'd like to think I have a connection to the author - not only because of the meaning, but because the author ironically had the same old Irish name as my Grandfather (who passed away the year I was born).  How I would have loved to chat with him about life...but in my heart, I know he would have shared my philosophy and outlook on life...very much like the quote above.

My apologies...for my absence and not taking the time to post a little something here on my Blog.  Life - it happens - and sometimes the words in your mind are trapped inside, bobbing up and down on a turbulent sea of emotions...unable to find a voice.  Which is definitely OK in my book - because I'm comfortable with silence and the resonance in the quiet.  I've learned that sometimes we just need to sit back, and allow things to settle in around us - to reflect and simply "be".  Want to know where I was "reflecting"??  I was right here (in my mind...sigh)

Photo by SallybytheSea on Facebook

Well - today, my voice was found...and this post is prompted by a long two weeks of submerging myself in creativity to cope with some personal things going on in my family's life (a relative of mine has been in the hospital and although it's been a tough time filled with lots of uncertainties) - I'm happy to say that there have been remarkable improvements with good news. 

Which leads me to how we cope with things in our life...and thinking about some of the things that bring comfort in times of life's profound events. There are no right or wrong answers.  However, when I have a choice to be absorbed with anger, confusion, depression or self-pity...I will always try to get on that higher road, in order to turn that experience around into a positive one.

For me...my moods, will always have an effect on my designs - so whether it's complex or simple...happy or sad - I've learned to allow the emotions complete freedom of expression through my hands and components.  Because of this, I'm usually left with a design that depicts many underlying emotions with a positive and hopeful feel to them.  So I encourage you to allow time to mimic some of the "colors" in life through your creativity in art, dance, music or design - here's a little personal design story I'd like to share... 



So what's the scoop on this particular design palette?  It came together as a result of two things - 1.  My own personal release of emotions, and 2.  A Design Challenge from B'Sue Boutiques.  This rich palette includes Purples and Violets that hold an aura of deep, mysterious emotions - with contrasts of black and brown to indicate a strong foundation.  It's brooding and dark, full of some confusion - yet at the same time...captivating, alive and certain of an underlying warmth and love of life. 

Designs can tell a story if you are brave enough to let them out...so let me share my own personal thoughts about this design I'm currently working on today.  And tomorrow when you see the finished piece, you will "know" the story behind it - and the meaning of the colors and components.

• Colors of Purple, Brown and Black - a complex mix for me, as they remind me of the many unknown and mysterious things happening in my life at the moment. Despite the darkness and uncertainty in the unanswered questions - this color combination is one that is "uplifting" because I have faith that no matter what - things will work out exactly as they are suppose to - fate & destiny are words that come to mind.
• Bubby & McGurk Lampwork Beads - these organic shaped beauties have an inner glow...they symbolize a life that is full of layers, depth, and mystery - not that they hold the answers to life or why we have to go through some of the things that are handed to us - but they have a solidity that silently communicates that it's up to us as individuals to use what's handed to us in a positive way.
• FAB black brass metal (Fallen Angel Black Brass) - symbolize a "strength" and that place we all have to pull from when we are feeling weak and unsettled.  Fallen Angel Black Brass for me is a symbolization of life in itself...like newborn babies...we all start our as shiny and brand new (like raw bright brass)...and over our years, time, and experiences - we become weathered in a beautiful, timeless way that truly indicates a love of life and at the core...an inner strength.
• B'Sue's Sari Ribbon - This bundle of ribbon is so beautiful and unique because instead of being "one" dyed color/lot...it's a glorious, rich, long length of seamed together strands of colors - gorgeous!  When I first saw it, it reminded me of the blending of people in our lives that create a rich tapestry.  For me, Satin is a fine material that symbolizes "living" and "warmth" - so adding this to my design...it's like snuggling up with a warm blanket on a cold night - it brings a feeling of comfort.
• JLynn Art tile - I started creating tiles to simply reflect a personal story for a friend of mine  - and the tile for this one, is no different.  It was altered, digitized, with the colors fine-tuned to match not only the components (beads & ribbon) - but also because the scrolls reminded me that are emotions are constantly "in motion" - intertwining and mixing on the road of life.

So - stop by tomorrow to see the "REVEAL" of this very meaningful bracelet...

~J-Lynn



Through the Looking Glass...

Today is the first day where I officially feel like Fall is finally "here"...
Although the leaves are still green, the Dahlias and other annuals still blooming with summer colors...Fall is definitely in the air.  It's always amazing how fast the time and seasons go by each year.  In just four short weeks or so...the view "through my looking glass" (aka...sidelight of my front door) will change drastically with an expolosion and flash of those glorious fall colors (photo on the right is from October of 2010).  I absolutely LOVE the changes Mother Nature brings to us this time of year - and although I am just a tad sad to retire my flipflops...I love the thought of bringing out my warm, fuzzy, black slippers - they are very squishy and make me feel like I'm walking on air - hence the dreamy like state of my below photo...in my humble opinion they are the perfect work shoe...

Yes...they just came out of hibernation so are in need of a grooming...

Each year, the seasons come and go...in a blink of an eye.  But no matter what time of the year it is...one thing is certain - the seasons are very consistent - like a faithful, loving, old friend.  For our family, each season contains certain family traditions, special recipes and treats, decorations - and typically a flash back of the year before, where we can reflect upon all that has changed and all the new people that have entered our lives and found a special place in our hearts.  Fall is also a time when I look back on my long history of sharing, the memories and meaningful projects, shared tutorials and classes - and ponder what I might do to inspire others in their creative endeavors.

Speaking of fall and creative things...over a decade ago, I painted a fairly large Watercolor entitled "Fall Reflections" - which was inspired by a visit and photo I took from a lake in Massachusetts during the early-80s.  Watercolor is something I've been doing for many years - and although I've sold paintings and taught classes - to me, I'm more of a Watercolor hobbyist since it's not something I do everyday.  However, like many other hobby-goers...there is something special and refreshing about creating when the mood strikes.  For me and painting - this year it's been a real treat to incorporate them into ART tiles for my jewelry and craft projects...here's the original painting and ART tiles that I created from it.

Fall Reflections - 1999 painting of a Lake in Massachusetts

Fall Reflections painting digitized/miniaturized for my ART tile creations (available in our Etsy store)

So my thought with all this Fall weather...is you've got to love Mother Nature...she provides us with so much beauty - and yet never ceases to surprise us.  If you look at the past nine months here in the NorthEast...we've had beautiful blue skies, perfect sunrises/sunsets, welcome rains and breezes...but there have also been a few "surprises", such as:  record snowfalls ~ record temperatures ~ too much rain/to little rain ~ floods ~ and most recently...an earthquake and hurricane.  

This if course makes me relate the seasons and raw power of Mother Nature...to real life.  I know that many of you (like me) have had your share of challenges, frustrations, and feelings of disbelief in your life.  However, if you think about the consistency of the seasons that continue to move forward...we too have the strength and capability of weathering the storms and can take comfort in focusing on the positive things. This year I have been blessed with so many things...opportunities that have enabled me to share all that is dear to my heart, the mindset to let go of things and forgive, and most importantly the new people that have entered my life who are incredibly supportive and caring.  Amazingly positive things that keep me moving forward like the Seasons with a quiet strength and unwavering faith in all that's good. 

That's all for now...
FYI...this weekend I'm finishing up a couple creative Tutorials and DIY projects to share with you (hopefully one this Sunday)...plus look for updates and new products coming to the Artfire & Etsy stores this weekend (I know finally...)!

Have a super weekend everyone!
~JLynn

Life is full of surprises...

Ocean City, New Jersey

Photography by Janice Everett

Vintage photo-edit by Amanda Austin

Sometimes things in life appear larger than they actually are (and sometimes they are large).  So when you have that feeling of not knowing whether to take two steps back, or stay frozen in your tracks - it's in those moments, that you need to give thanks for the little things in life, for your family and friends, and those people that you know can be counted on - these are the things that will help you get back on track and moving in a forward direction.     

Life is definitely full of roads with twists and turns...some of which are harder to maneuver than others.  Whether you are dealing with personal, work, or health challenges...experiences that leave you shaking your head in confusion and disbelief...or the community wide challenges that call to your heart and have you praying for better days ahead - the important thing is to maintain a positive outlook and keep on living life.

When moving forward seems an impossible feat...take a moment to

Stop...Pause and BREATHE...

You know...just a little over a week ago - I was sitting in the 2nd story of a library in New Jersey - working from my Laptop on photos, submissions and deadlines, when the earthquake hit.  With the Chandeliers swinging, and books falling off shelves...and the Library employees shouting "everyone out" - we were only too happy to oblige.  I have to say I was shaking a lot longer than the ground was though!  Evidently the East Coast is still a very large connected plate deep in the earth, so experts say that's why many felt it as far away as New England/Canada and down through Georgia.  But what made this week even more unusual...is that the very next day after visiting a local Bead Store (part of a planned bead buying trip)...we were evacuated off the Barrier Islands.  We made it home in time to prepare for Irene and although we had some clean-up here in Maryland - we consider ourselves extremely fortunate - but many weren't.  So please keep all those still dealing with the aftermath of Irene and personal destruction in your prayers...they have many months and even a year or more with their rebuilding efforts.

Despite the setbacks though...life does carry on.  But often we need a little something to bring a smile to our face - chocolate, coffee, color & creativity are some of my favorites ;)!  And of course - Beads...for me, there is nothing like beautiful gemstones and beads to create jewelry to make me feel a little more secure and grounded.  Although I would have loved to spend more time shopping for "said" beads before we were evacuated off the Island...I felt lucky to have had a couple hours at Potomac Beads. 

If you didn't catch my first time visit to this particular store in Ocean City, NJ back in June...take a peek at our former posts!  They've been open for a little over a year and have an awesome selection of luscious gemstones, findings, Swarovski Crystals, unique beads and premium Czech glass beads.

This is the beautiful selection that came home with me

This trip was about purchasing the beads that called to me...the ones that I had to touch and hold.  It was not about matching up colors, referring to my design sketches or following a set shopping list generated after researching the upcoming fashion and colors trends (which by the way...see the beautiful Pantone Color Palette for Fall below)...

This was about - as I said - purchasing based on my emotional attachments.  Ironically - if you look close through the clear protective bags of beads...you'll see many of these Pantone Fall colors competing for my attention!  And double ironically, by my shopping from the heart...the designs I create will just happen to be "in fashion"

With that last thought...I'm heading back to the design table to finish up a batch of special orders for jewelry and tiles/charms.  NEXT week...I'll begin sharing some Teasers for the new Fall Collection and sneak peeks for the Winter!  For now - if you're in the States - enjoy your long holiday weekend and have a safe and happy Labor Day tomorrow!

~J-Lynn