cHim Prints

Thrifting -pt. 2

2012-01-27T19:12:00.001-05:00

I love books... the feel of them in my hands, the paper, the illustrations. I love dictionaries, column upon column of words in perfect order, illustrated in detailed black and white. I especially love hardbound books with covers that give a hint of what is on the inside, or the old marbled covers held in place with book cloth spines.

Usually, thrift, resale, consignment, and antique stores provide plenty of fodder to satisfy my love of books. And that is the biggest reason I enjoy thrifting. Our last trip through Pennsylvania didn't disappoint.

I greatly admire the work of Erin Zamrzla. The way she repurposes "discard" books into a work of art is inspiring. With that in mind... I have plans for these most recent books and their interesting covers.

Then, of course, there are the illustrations that beg to become image transfers. My "new" technical book about music and instruments holds pages of illustrations like this... finely drawn, wonderful collage/transfer pieces - some of instruments that I have never before seen.

I have plenty of materials for projects. It's now time to stay away from the shelves of books for sale and stay in my workroom. *Note to self - get to work!*

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Getting wisdom and choosing understanding

2012-01-25T02:14:00.000-05:00

It pays to heed good advice. Today was a day for creating Guerrilla Art. Instead of jumping into the effort cold (as I used to do), I did my warm up exercises. Forget the leg stretches and toe touches. This involved paint, paper scraps, pen and ink, glue... well, pretty soon I had just about everything out on the table. I was inspired!

These are my warm up pieces. Nothing to write home about, but it was so-o-o much fun to experiment, to find out what works and what looks ridiculous! Who knows what these things are... I was having a ball!

Even though the warm up flower had a bird-shaped leaf and a very strange stem, I kinda' liked the idea. Guerrilla flower #2 is not perfect... but there are no odd stems and leaves. Practice helps.

At the end, I pulled out the heavy duty cement and added an old domino, vintage buttons, and metal (who knows what that propeller looking thing was in its first life!).

Kudos to Dina Wakley for the warm up tip. It really does make a big difference.

How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! Proverbs 16:16

Thrifting

2012-01-23T19:50:00.000-05:00

We drove across Pennsylvania last week... most of it anyway. The trip east was intense. Our goal was to reach our destination and transact business. No time to do anything but get there.

The drive west was fun. The entertainment? Thrift shops. Not the big chains (although we did stop at a couple that are "doing the most good"), but the little shops that are sponsored by everything from various small town ministries to dog lovers.

The thing I like about thrift stores is that you never know what lies at the back of a shelf, or the bottom of some box. I feel like a hunter intently searching for... for... I don't know! I just know when I see it, it has to go home with me.

Like this lo-o-o-o-ng box full of old wooden dominoes. Not sure yet know how they will live out life, but just maybe they could add some depth or texture to guerrilla art. (All those dominoes for $2!)

Occasionally, we find tidy little shops where everything is clearly priced and labeled. Though they may not know that this "chip" is a sumi ink stick... I recognized it and it lives here now. The finishing touch in that store was a box of slides - regular and title - for just $.80!

In all the stops we made, there is one scene that I will never forget. A twenty-something man, standing behind a counter in an unheated, "unlovely" storefront. He kept rubbing his hands together to generate warmth while he cheerfully told every person that came through the doors about the free bread in his food room. That's ministry.

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. I John 3:18

For life

2012-01-17T21:18:00.000-05:00

It seems that resolutions for the New Year have fallen from favor. Innumerable paragraphs explain why resolutions are pointless and doomed for failure, "so why make them?" Instead, the trend is to find a word for the year.

As for me, (opinion alert) I don't have a history of making resolutions, and to tie a year to one word seems confining... like I would only view events wearing those glasses. As a result, New Year's Day changed nothing for me. I just have to remember to write 2012 on my checks.

My moment of enlightenment came in December. It promises to be a moment that will transform not just this year, but the rest of my life.

While pondering the details of the Christmas story, I came across a verse in Jeremiah that was God's word to said prophet regarding the ultimate goal for Israel - "my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord." (31:14)

Winter nest

Now.... I understand that this is from the Old Testament. And I know that I am not a Jew. Technically, this is not written to me... but in reality, I am a child of God, saved by the blood of His Son Jesus, which makes me HIS. The more I thought on this... the more I realized that the concept of being satisfied with His goodness - whatever is provided by His hand - is the only way for me to live.

I have taken the last phrase of the verse - "be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord." - and made it my constant companion.

Disappointed? Frustrated? Happy? Angry? Sorrowful? Quiet?

Be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 31:14

Christmas accomplished

2012-01-12T00:09:00.000-05:00

It was wonderful. The company was sweet. The weather was perfect. There was enough food to feed both men and teens - and still have some leftovers. whew!

The only bad thing? My pictures. No show and tell for our Christmas. Just the memories of the day. Deep down I'm hoping there were other cameras catching what I missed.

So now it's back to normal. I'm starting the year off right. Tomorrow is haircut day. Yay! My purse is packed with Guerrilla art, fresh from the workroom today. (Editing note - because Blogger was uncooperative last night, I'm actually posting yesterday's writing a day later.)

I'm trying some new backgrounds - ink-spritzed book pages, torn and layered. A few feathered friends added for good measure.

I even incorporated some pieces of the weathered paper for some texture.

So, because yesterday's tomorrow is already today, these pieces are in their hiding places. I wonder where their new homes will be. It is exciting to be a part of the delivery system for such powerful words.

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

In the meantime...

2012-01-04T00:41:00.000-05:00

The last time I was here, gifts were piling up around the tree in anticipation of grand kids (and their parents) bursting through the door.

It is now almost 2 weeks later and the gifts are still piled around the tree. The Christmas chili went into the freezer, as did the pounds of beef prepared for the just-before-going-home meal.

Michigan... if you don't like the weather, wait a minute. That's what we had to do... wait a minute.

We're on hold till Saturday. So far, no predictions of howling winds, blowing, drifting snow or wind chills in the single digits. In fact, it's supposed to be sunny, around 40 degrees.

For the rest of the world, life goes on... they have returned Christmas to its red and green storage bins, celebrated the New Year and started all the new things that come with a new year. Things like online classes...

A few weeks ago, I signed up for a "Creative Jump Start Summit" never dreaming I would be in this holding pattern. Each day in January promised a new artist, giving a tip designed to jump start creative juices. Two days in, (you must read this out loud, very loud) I'm so glad that I signed up!

Today, I warmed up with background papers. Spray various inks on my non-stick sheet and pull old book pages (she used tags) through the inky droplets - over and over.

color filled papers ready for collage

By the time I had a pile of colorful paper drying in front of me, I was warmed up and ready to try another idea I saw here ... at least my version of it. Once I got started it was very hard to stop. This is addictive!

Shall I use this one right side up?

Or upside down?

And... what shall I put on this lovely background? Oooo, the possibilities. I feel some interesting Guerrilla Art coming on. It's a good thing the chili is already cooked.

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands, establish thou it. Psalm 90:17

2011-12-22T20:00:00.001-05:00

The Mortal Muses are posting daily prompts that relate to the Christmas season - words like Hope, Peace, Surprise. Photographers - real and wannabe - are encouraged to link a picture they feel best conveys that word. (There are some prizes involved to motivate participation during these busy days.)

Today's prompt is Joy. I knew immediately that I had to join the fun. This is my picture that is joy personified.

Joie de vivre

There is so much to learn from this shot. She was at my house to get some last minute tutoring on a 4-H project. It was hot and humid. She didn't bring a bathing suit. She was discouraged with her project and she was fighting homesickness.

But... she abandoned to joy! What a moment!

I came across a verse today in Jeremiah. The last part says "...and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord."(31:14) All the seasonal angst over gifts and baking and projects suddenly seemed so pointless.The joy of life is not ever about what I do... it's about contentedly dwelling in God's goodness. The goodness of God that gave us Jesus, that forgives our sin, that enfolds us in His everlasting love.

What joy!

Merry Christmas!!

freeArt - It's in the mail

2011-12-13T13:26:00.000-05:00

Yay!!

Even as I type, a piece of Guerrilla Art is finally finished, prayed over, and in the mailbox. Now it is up to the USPS to deliver the package by 12/19.

The required size (6x6) is larger than I usually make, so it was a challenge to fill the space. Last night, there was an "empty" spot that bothered me. This morning, I found the perfect filler - a piece of rusted wire from the disintegrating bundle.

So, "THANK YOU!" to Cloth Paper Scissors for an opportunity to grow... yet again.

Now, I must get working on Christmas cards!

Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:58

The freeArt show

2011-12-08T16:03:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was haircut day.

Beside having the whole day in the "big city" to get things done, that means I have Guerrilla art in my purse. It is a challenge to find a non-retail, well trafficked place to plant the "art" without getting caught, but that's half the fun.

So imagine how excited I was this morning to read the Cloth Paper Scissors announcement that they are having a "freeArt" sidewalk show in NYC this month.

Since they inspired my preoccupation with Guerrilla art, it seems that I should submit something to the show, right? All submissions have to be in their office by December 19... only 11 days to make and mail.

Yikes.

There are Christmas cards to finish, and gifts to buy, and food to cook, and S.S. lessons to prepare, and ... life to live... and I think I'm making excuses. That's at least a week to do at least one thing.

And... I could add New York to my list of states with Guerrilla art "drops"! Want to join the show? Go here to read all about it.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

Scripture styles

2011-12-05T16:43:00.001-05:00

My grandson's kindergarten class was working on their Bible verse together.

"Genesis 1:27. God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27"

After letting each of the children recite the verse by themselves, the teacher thinks her job is finished. However, Isaac, my grandson, has this great idea...

Ike: "Mrs. ____, I can say the verse in opera."

Mrs ____: "Okay....? Go ahead."

Ike (standing as any serious opera singer would) proceeds to sing the entire verse in his best opera voice. As he sits down, another boy raises his hand.

Boy 2: "I can do it country!"

The stunned teacher listens as the country style version of Genesis 1:27 is shared with the class.

As soon as Boy 2 finishes his country-style Scripture, Ike offers the rock version.

By the time the rock version (complete with guitar motions) ends, Mrs. ____ has regained her composure and moves the class on to another subject.

He who sings opera.... or rock.

Which goes to show that... well.... it doesn't show anything, I suppose. But I'll bet that classroom of people will n-e-v-e-r forget Genesis 1:27!

Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. Psalm 119:54

Cranberry Chutney

2011-11-23T16:58:00.000-05:00

I never thought much about cranberries and Thanksgiving dinner until I found a recipe for Cranberry Chutney. Pre-recipe, cranberry "sauce" appeared as a can-shaped block, complete with ridges from the can. After trying Cranberry Chutney, I never looked back.

Among many other ingredients, the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice. In the early years, I bought small jars of both. But because both are used sparingly (if at all) in anything, I found that I was throwing away tasteless jars of powder the next time Thanksgiving rolled around.

Enter mortar and pestle, whole cloves and whole allspice. Not only did I learn a new technique, I discovered the joy of very fresh spices. My beloved chutney was elevated from wonderful to
fa-a-a-a-a-bulous!

There are two quarts of freshly made chutney in my fridge right now. I like it best when it has a few days for each flavor stop shouting its own name and learn to blend its voice in that "fabulous" harmony.

Oh... life is good. And I am so thankful.

I hope for you a Thanksgiving filled with the blessings of God... from small things like chutney to the greatest of all, salvation.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever. I Chronicles 16:34

Instructions for life

2011-11-14T15:55:00.000-05:00

I read this quote a few weeks ago -

"Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Talk about it."

The quote is from a woman far from God. No person intent upon living a holy life would emulate her lifestyle. And yet, as I read these short statements, I was amazed at how perfectly they capture the way every christian should live!

antique German tiles

Pay attention - Do you notice the hand of God upon your life? Do you see the blessings that fill your minutes, hours, days? Do you read His Word and find guidance for your life? Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Psalm 119:18)

acquired on a recent trip

Be astonished - It is astonishing that the God over all is aware of us, works in us. Aren't you amazed that God's grace is freely given to you? "I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh on me..." (Psalm 40:17)

Talk about it - Do you? Do you talk about what God does in your life? Do your friends know how that verse you read today has impacted you thinking, your actions? Do your kids know what you saw God do today? Is He the passion of your life that you can't keep to yourself? "In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name forever. Selah." (Psalm 44:8)

"Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Talk about it."

Catching up

2011-11-12T19:01:00.002-05:00

The last few weeks have been filled, edge to edge, with wonderful moments. I 've been so busy living them, I haven't blogged them. Today is the day to start the catch-up process...

Our annual church bonfire was amazing. Every year the flames go higher and the question is raised... Do you suppose the astronauts on the space station can see this?

Note the tiny people on the right. That's as close as anyone could get to the heat!

We celebrated two family birthdays. The time has come when the chosen desserts won't hold the correct number of candles, so we use as many as will fit. Hmmm... mini bonfires?

two cherry cream pies!

Gramma's reward for making pie just for him.

There has to be time for guerrilla art. I'm still having fun finding new ways to use the time cards and the library file cards.

There's more... but, bread needs to go in the oven, dinner needs to be on plates...

You know how it goes.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. III John 2

Patience prolonged

2011-11-01T22:45:00.000-04:00

After waiting the full 90 days, it wasn't too hard to delay the exploration of my paper bundles for another 5 days. Late Saturday night, I cut the wires and started digging through my treasure.

It was still damp (even after 5 days in the house) so I peeled the layers apart and laid them all over the workroom to dry. My first impression? *sigh* At least it wasn't labor intensive.

Yesterday, I started sorting the dry papers. Some went straight to the wastebasket. Others, though they don't look like much, hold some promise with a bit of manipulation. A few, just a few, were worth the wait.

Interesting color bleed from the book covers

A weathered edge that might add texture to a project?

This tattered piece was my favorite.

Rust patterns from the wires holding the bundles together.

The book covers that were the center support for the bundles showed the most change.

Yards of lovely rusty wire. I hope it's malleable.

I'm not overwhelmed with visions of beauty in the making... but there's always hope. For a person who hates to throw anything away... this is a monumental challenge.

I hear that winter is going to be very harsh this year. That's OK. I'll be hunched over the work table trying turn bits of paper into bits of beauty. Time will tell if it works.

Check with me in 90 days. *grin*

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:18

Today is the day

2011-10-25T23:12:00.001-04:00

Today is the day that we hit the road for a mini-getaway together. Pennsylvania is the main goal, Mama's on the Half Shell (MD) the anticipated highlight, and lots of wandering back roads along the way.

My purse is packed with guerrilla art. Lots of new venues await me.

This is also the day that the bundles of weathered paper comes inside to start a new life. Because of "this is the day" #1, the excitement of "this is the day" #2 is being done in stages. The bundles are in the house... I will open them after shopping, eating, resting, wandering.

I'm am seeing some lovely edges though. Can't wait to dig deeper.

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Joy in the trees

2011-10-22T23:44:00.000-04:00

Did I mention that I love October? Every year I end up taking pictures of the beautiful colors that fill the trees in the yard. It soothes my soul... speaks to my heart... makes me thankful...

These are all SOOC. I couldn't think of any way to improve on God's handiwork. The only thing that could improve the view is if you were here, beside me, taking in all this beauty.

... the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

A paper-y October

2011-10-19T00:16:00.001-04:00

In between bacon, multiple birthday celebrations, and the sheer love of October *sigh*, it's all about paper here. While bundled paper disintegrates at the speed of weather...

now only 6 days to wait

other papers are being changed... from plain and coffee stained tags to guerrilla art.

Add to that few cards here and there.

I do love October.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth:

make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psalm 98:4

And we have BACON!!!

2011-10-14T00:31:00.001-04:00

That's right! Today was the unveiling of the home cured bacon experiment. I thought I had to wait another week before the curing was complete, but I read the directions again and discovered I was wrong. It said -

1).Remove meat from salt/sugar mix. (The dry mixture that was packed around the meat turned soupy by the end of the week.)

The top layer came off in crusty chunks.

2) Rinse the meat in cool water to remove any residue.

3) Cut the bacon into thin slices.

I added one more step... DO AN IMMEDIATE TASTE TEST!!!

Although it was very salty (Soaking the meat in cold water for at least an hour will reduce the salt level), it was unbelievably good.

I didn't really have much confidence in this recipe a week ago. It was more a "why not?" when I actually took the step to order the pork belly. But... with results like this? I will definitely do this again... and again...

Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

What did you do today?

2011-10-07T00:43:00.000-04:00

Oh, thank you for asking. I have been dying to tell. I bought pork bellies and made bacon!

Why?

Well... give me a recipe with 1) a weird name (think Hot Mummix); 2) an unusual mix of ingredients; or 3) a way to make something unhealthy into something (somewhat) healthy, and I am all over it.

And, let me ask you a question - have you ever heard of pork bellies anywhere except on the noon farm report?

Thus challenged, I walked into the meat shop, thinking they might laugh at me looking for pork bellies, but, not so! They simply asked "how many pounds?" and "with or without the skin?" (That last question threw me, so I tried to look intelligent and asked, what do you think?)

This is how I started the long process of making bacon from fresh pork belly (which is the meat on the underside of the pig - not a pig's stomach!) -

Buy 2# of fresh pork belly - without the skin, thank you.

Mix together kosher salt, brown sugar and pepper.

Spread about half the salt mixture evenly in a large pan. Place the meat in the center of the pan and gently press it into the salt mix.

Pack the remaining salt mixture over and around the pork.

Refrigerate, uncovered, for 6 to 7 days.

There is one more waiting period after the meat comes out of the salt. So, in two weeks, I hope to report that we are loving our nitrate-free, home-cured bacon.

And if I don't report? Be kind... please?

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Useless to Smash!

2011-10-05T17:52:00.000-04:00

Repurposing worthless, discarded books is such a rewarding task. This is the kind of recycling that I love.

For several weeks, I have been working on a repurposed version of a Smash Book. (Not familiar with Smash Books? See this.) My days have been filled with paints of every variety, ink, verses, vintage text, papers and pictures, scrapers and shapers, stamps and any adhesive I could lay my hand on! Very little in my workroom escaped involvement in this project.

The book is now in the hands of its new owner... but I took a pictures of a few of my favorite parts just before it was delivered.

And that's just for the background! Can't wait to see how it looks full of her life.

Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:8,9

The door

2011-09-28T01:06:00.000-04:00

The house we live in today has certainly changed from the house we moved into 30-plus years ago. It was old when we bought it - a total fixer-upper. We rolled up our sleeves and started the never-ending process of making the house our home.

One of the most unique features of the first floor was that there were 6 outside entrances. That's right... six! While it was comforting to know that in case of a fire we could each have our own escape route (I would carry the youngest daughter), it did present a decorating problem.

And... old wood doors, though heavy, don't seal well. It was a continual challenge keeping the cold winter wind outside where it belonged. So, we replaced the two living room doors (complete with ancient arched windows) with modern, quiet, insulated doors. A second door on the porch became a window. The laundry room door became a wall. The dining room now sports a door that actually locks with a key!

Last week, I was outside stripping paint from the old kitchen door... the last survivor of doors gone by. My plan was to make the finish smooth enough to paint it back to respectability. But as I struggled my way through layers of color, I fell in love with the mottled finish... the evidence of generations of women who spruced up the kitchen by painting that old door.

I think I'll know when the finish is just right. While I work toward that point, it's fun to review our history of five kids flying through that very door with the latest news of deer in the garden, baby goats in the barn, and chickens wandering through the neighborhood.

What a noisy house this used to be.

... I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10

The bundle visitor

2011-09-24T17:21:00.001-04:00

I had to show and tell before the tale of the visitor is to old to tell! Day 56, I checked the paper bundles to see if anything was happening. Not many changes... but the tree bundle had a special guest. I got right in his face and we had a photo shoot! (No sensitive eyes were damaged in the taking of these photos. I do not use a flash.)

I went back to the tree two days later. I wanted to see if there were any interesting chew marks or despicable - ahem - trails. He was gone! Well... most of him was.

I'm wondering, what will the next 32 days do to that?

But lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20, 21

Stacks and stacks and stacks!

2011-09-21T01:15:00.000-04:00

Early stacks - neat, tidy.

The problem with that early stack is it was hard to tear into these once loved, now discarded, books. It was almost impossible to take an old illustration (that I might never see/hold again) and attach it to a project that I would certainly never see again!

Unruly stacks!

Too many thrift shops... too many bargains... I had to loosen my grip on this stack of "wonderful". Amazing what happens, deep inside your soul, when you open the hand wide and share. It took a while to understand this. Fortunately for me, a lesson learned late is still good.

REmade stack - joy, down in my heart.

The stack of books in the re-make process is small. The finished projects moved to new homes. May this stack never grow high.

The life stack.

Early in the building of this stack, pages that looked like ransom notes expressed the cry of a heart desiring conversation with God. Over many years, new pages were added, then new books. They became more personal - and so did the conversation. What started as "I should", became necessary, like food.

My goal? That this conversation might become vital ... like breathing.

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

Leaving the comfort zone

2011-09-20T19:23:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow, I am expanding my horizon. I will participate in my very first online collaboration. Sounds interesting, huh?

Go here to see what it's all about.

Then come back here tomorrow. Such fun.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Rocks

2011-09-14T23:42:00.001-04:00

In the search for interesting, arty photos the other day, I happened upon a trio of attractive rocks!
They were huddled together, guarding the top of a bin from the disruptive effects of wind, rain and critters.

Hoping for interesting ... and intrigued by the varied colors, I tried stacking the rocks. To be arty, of course.

That's when he appeared! How amazing! How adorable! How arty!

So that's what I call him... Artie!

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:18