'What you do speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you say.'
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Monday, 4 November 2019

Today's page was meant as a homage to Tracy Evans, but became almost a  copy...with different stamps and a different stencil, but still the same idea and technique. It looks very different, though.
I used a Donna Downey stencil and a Visible Image flower, stamped on book paper, background created with Oxide reinkers. the contrast is made by spraying part of the stencil, then laying it over the background to oxidise the inks and remove a bit of colour. I love the way it turned out, even though you can see the corner of the stencil...I was trying to avoid the larger circles, so had to use the edge.
So, today I'm thankful for the little things - the things that surprise me and bring a smile to my face. This one was seeing a new flower on my clematis - I'd already been surprised by the appearance of one, last week, but the second one just made a difference, somehow, in the midst of cold, wet and windy weather. Or it could be an unexpected visit (text, call or card) from a friend or family - or a beautiful sunset or starry sky...those little things that make you glad to be alive. But also the times when God speaks to me (and my spirit pings!) or shows me something I hadn't realised until then - those times when he feels especially close. That's why I chose those words...each little surprise strengthens all of these in me. Every little unexpected smile is a precious gift from him.
I am, of course, joining Art Every Day Month with this.
I'm also joining Mix it Up, where the challenge is ATG optional watercolour and Simon Says Stamp Mondays Journalling challenge.
I'll have to remember to journal some fruit and veggies soon, for AJJ. 

Thanks for popping in
Back soon
Cath
xxx

13 very kind comments from lovely people:

brenda said...

Gorgeous Cath and beautiful colour palette, can see the Tracy influence, I also love her designs and work.

B x

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What an amazing entry, Cath. It is beautiful. I love the colors, I love the flower, I love the circles, and most of all, I love the words that are so pleasing and hopeful. Great, great job, dear.

My name is Erika. said...

The black and white flower really pops off that gorgeous background Cath. I love this. And I know what you mean about the little things. They are what makes up the day to day of lives, and the little things can give joy and even hope sometimes. If you let them that is. But it is way too easy to forget those things. Happy Monday, and see you tomorrow back art EVDM. Hugs-Erika

Marjut said...

Beautiful page!

DVArtist said...

Hi Cath. This is a post that should be published. Your words so uplifting and a reminder to be thankful for the smallest things. The circle of love and life around a rose that has so many meanings, with a background of royal colors. Just beautiful.

Words and Pictures said...

Lovely Oxide background (I don't think it matters at all that you see the corner of the stencil, my imagination made it a mountain in the background!) and Tracy's flower looks fabulous in book text b&w.
Alison x

craftytrog said...

A beautiful page with beautiful words too Cath!
Alison xx

Meggymay said...

Lovely words and a super post Cath. The little things should be treasured, its a beautiful page.
Yvonne xx

Kerry @ Art to Alchemy said...

I really love all the layers in this piece. The colors are wonderful.

Aimeslee Winans said...

My favorite colors and love that flower. And love what you wrote about communion with God. xoxox

Let's Art Journal said...

Such a stunning page! The background colours with the circles looks amazing and your single stem flower with the wording is so beautiful - I love it 😁. Thanks so much for joining the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge again! Happy and creative wishes! Hugs, Jo x

Neet said...

I love how the `Oxides have echoed the shape of the flower petal in the background, like a watermark. The circles you have produced are so very effective and provide the perfect foil for the image you chose to use. Another beautiful journal page from you Cath.
hugs, Neet xx

Ann Chuang Crafts said...

The background you created is beautiful! Thanks for sharing your project at Mix It Up Challenge Blog! Hope to see you again soon!! HUGS!
Ann DT