Doodling Some More

Yesterday was so busy I didn't get to play even one game (on the computer - my mindless relaxation) of dominoes or solitaire until ten minutes before midnight. It was a good busy - blogging, making and sending a surprise ATC to a dear internet friend, tutoring a Geometry student, helping my son with his Algebra homework, and finally while the hubster was watching the MSU/North Carolina basketball game I did a couple of doodle sketches. I must admit the first one was done in a very controlled manner (I know it doesn't look very controlled (grin)) while trying to follow some instructions from the zentangle newsletter. I thought it might be a good warm up for a less controlled session. Here is the first one:

And then I quit following directions and just tried to make some little patterns. I'm okay with how it turned out, but I wasn't totally relaxed. My goal is to follow Maer's example and spend some time in front of the teevee (I seldom watch, but like to spend some time with the hubster) each evening and do a bit of sketching and/or doodling.

Here is the second of the two attempts:

And while I really like red when it comes to shoes and clothes, I really should get a black micron or other really fine black pen.

I am so grateful for all the comments I am getting and all the helpful suggestions both for doodling and for my other attempts at creativity. I so appreciate my internet "family". You are so much more encouraging than my actual family (by that I mean my siblings - of which I have 13 12 who are living and think I am a bit silly and maybe even pretentious to think that I could be an artist. Actually, I do have a sister (the one you all sent positive energy and prayers to last week) who is extremely encouraging and loves me unconditionally.

Today, the hubster and I are going to run some errands, do a surprise good deed, and maybe hit the hardware stores (I wonder if I can find some "steampunk" treasures?) or who knows what. This afternoon I will be doing more Algebra homework with my son and I am going to the chiropractor for a quick visit. Looks like another busy day filled with fun and personal satisfaction. I am going to try to sit in the living room with the hubster some time this evening and sketch and/or doodle. I'll share tomorrow.

See you then!

AEDM-Day 28

I had a quiet, restful, and productive day yesterday and am hoping for another today.

I just learned through one of my Yahoo! groups that a steampunk tutorial is available for making dominoes with metal and bling. The tut can be found at Funky Time Art. I am looking forward to trying this style but first I have to find some two part resin for the finish. The tutorial actually gives a link to a source, so I don't really have to find it, but I have to purchase it.

I finished up my tags for a swap in another of my Yahoo! groups, but didn't really get much information about them. I posted a message asking about size, but didn't get an answer, so I made them a size that pleased me and am hoping that is good. Here they are:

I also finished up a card that I am swapping with a friend from one of my Yahoo! groups, but won't show it yet because she might read this and I don't want to spoil the surprise. Both this card and the tags will go out in Monday's mail.

I cannot believe it is so close to Christmas! This year has flown by and I don't feel ready. We are trying to have a "green" Christmas this year. By that I don't mean "without snow", but making and remaking items to give rather than buying new. I don't know if we will accomplish this completely, but with that as our mindset, we are sure to come up with some "from the heart" gifts that will be treasured by the receivers.

I am looking forward to lunch (I haven't had breakfast, yet) because I still have the hoarseness and cough which I will treat with a bowl of my homemade turkey rice soup. The secret to this years special flavor is just a bit of leftover gravy in the broth and just a pinch of tarragon at the end of the cooking process.

The picture is not so great, but the soup is delicious!

I am hoping to have an artful, productive day and will share it with you tomorrow.

Bye!

AEDM-Day 15, Steampunk Patterns and Creative Lettering

I am up early and getting ready for the day. I am babysitting playing with my darling 2 year old grandgirl around lunch time while her Mom and big sister go to the movies with friends. The son is coming over to finish his Algebra homework and I am tutoring the Statistics student at Panera's around 3 pm. Another full day, but guaranteed to be filled with fun.

Meanwhile, there was a link in one of the messages from one of my Yahoo! groups about free steampunk brushes. I am guessing it was Tanya in The Latest Trends in Mixed Media Art, but am not sure. At any rate what a great bunch of brushes. They can be found at All Free Brush and they have a plethora of others as well as other goodies.

I scheduled the steampunk brush download for the middle of the night at which time my downloads are not limited and had a lovely surprise when I got up this morning. The steampunk brushes file was huge and included lots of brushes. Well, it will probably come as no surprise that I had to try making a pattern with one of them. I really like this look and am sure I will make more.

I've also been playing with quilt patterns and made this one. I am still playing with my little rooster, but didn't get the "hand stitches" on it yet. I was working to get all the pieces to fit together late into the night early morning hours and decided I'd better hit the sack.  Here is what I have to show for it so far:

I received my first assignment in the Creative Lettering class I am taking through my group and can't wait to get started. I will show you my progress as I go through it. Meanwhile you can head over to Nicolette's site and see the classes she has to offer.

That is all I have for today, but I am working on a tutorial on brushes and how to get change the options to get just what you want from the included brushes and then another tutorial on how to make your own brushes.

Tata for now!