Lorri - ARTIVITY

LIFEBOOK 2012

2012-01-03T23:14:00.001+08:00

Today I completed my first page in the LIFEBOOK 2012 course.
I'm looking forward to learning more, joining like-minded others in this creative journey for the year.
Here's my first page, celebrating my positive qualities or "Goddess Superpowers" as Tam (Willowing our wonderful teacher) would say.

Artist Trading Cards Group

2011-12-15T10:39:00.001+08:00

Artist Trading Cards, a group on Flickr.

Join my ATC group on Flickr, over 3000 members now!! Awesome artworks and inspiration here :)

GIVEAWAY Tag Time

2011-12-15T10:04:00.004+08:00

I'm Loving making tags lately!!

Ever since the Timmy Tags I've been seeing people make I have been making tags. So far I've made 25 this week!! My Muse has found it's way back home... yay

I have dry embossed, wet embossed, inked, spritz sprayed, stamped, cut and glued - I have enjoyed every step of the process.

The gorgeous flower embellishments are compliments of my friend Jenny From ustream - thanks Jen, I wanted to share the beauty and "use" them ;)

Now what do I do with these?

Hmm, how about a giveaway for followers of my blog - lets say, follow and share my blog with your friends via facebook, twitter for ONE entry, share on your blog for TWO entries. Comment here with your link to where you shared, tell me which tag you like and what you would do with it, and you could win TWO of these tags (randomly chosen)

Background using number rubber stamp, embossed with clear powder and inked using IMPRESS inkpads. Rubber stamp by "Darcies" dressform cutout and inked up and adhered with pop dots. Stamped words and lace trim. Cute hanger embellishment huh?

My soul is fed with needle and thread - love that sentiment - by Darcies stamps!

This one is one of my faves!

Whatya waiting for - go on link and comment - :)

Tag Time

2011-12-10T11:08:00.005+08:00

Filling my time making tags - it's fun to play with my own spritzes, and I love the gorgeous 'very intense' colours, although my phone camera doesn't do them justice. They are shimmery and sparkly, with goosebump texture sprayed over the top.
The gorgeous flowers are hand made & gifted to me by the wonderful Jenny (ozegran) and I was so delighted to use them here on my tags :)

Getting the anger down - warning explicit words!!

2011-12-10T08:47:00.005+08:00

I am angry at you because you never gave me a choice. You didn’t share what you were feeling with me, you didn't ask me for what you seemed to want so badly! You didn't try to save our marriage. Instead you took it in your own hands and had an affair, and have not only destroyed a lot of things for us, but destroyed a lot of me and yourself too.

I am angry because you believed that they were no better than me. In fact you say that I'm too good for you, and that all you deserved was some moral-less whore. I'm angry that you can't see what is in front of you! Had you forgotten for the last twenty nine years that I was always there for you? Who held your hand at your Father's funeral, after just discovering your first affair? -Whilst I was hurting, I was still there for you, supporting you!! Who stood beside you, again supporting YOU at your Mother's funeral, after discovering your second affair? I have tried to be a faithful, honest, caring, and devoted wife our whole marriage. I am so angry that you were not there *exclusively* for ME when I needed you. While my Mum was dying in hospital, you were sharing that very personal experience with another woman! That angers me intensely.

I am angry because every time you touch me I wonder if you touched her the same way. Every time you tell me you love me or say something sweet I wonder if you used the same words with her.

I am angry because I have lost the security knowing that you will be with me in good times and bad. You seem to run to someone else everytime there is a problem or trauma in our lives! What if I get sick and are unable to meet your needs? Will you find someone else? Where is your committment to me or our marriage?

I am angry because I have a hard time enjoying anything good anymore, since it is overshadowed by all the hurt and pain of your affairs. I am consumed and eaten up by hurt, by questions, frustrations and anger.

I am angry because you seemed to magically forget all the good memories we had, you forgot you told me you wanted to grow old with me, or that you would NEVER hurt me again! You only seemed to focus on the bad. You made me doubt why we got married in the first place. You make me wonder why I forgave you after your First affair that comprised of 3.5yrs of lies & deception! You often make me feel like I wasted my life with you.

I am angry that you told me while in Sydney on holidays that you were looking forward to more holidays together, that you wanted to grow old with me and be with me forever - yet you were in the midst of your affair with K2 at the time!! How shallow does that sound?

I am angry because I have difficulty trusting you. I believed you were being honest up until the time I had solid proof of your first affair. After that I learned that your words often mean nothing to me. I wanted to believe you meant what you said, when you said you wouldn't hurt me again. I wanted to believe that you had learned from your BAD and UNFAIR choices by being involved with K1. I wanted to believe you could think about consequences of your actions on another human being BEFORE making bad choices and doing things that you KNEW would hurt me! I guess I HOPED that you had changed. I worked hard to try to trust you again, I worked hard for 7 years! I took you back after so many lies - for what??? To have you do it all over again!! Yes I'm very angry about that!

I am angry at myself for being so naive, trusting and unconscious. I'm angry at myself for not trusting my own intuition when I thought 'something is wrong'. I'm angry at myself for being so angry all the time.

I am angry that you have spoiled everything we do together, because now I am always scared that either of THEM might be where we are. I'm scared that my unreleased anger towards THEM might explode!

I am angry at myself because I see some things that you are doing after the affair to try to make up for all the hurt and I do appreciate it. But I am still angry. I'm angry because no matter how hard I try to believe you, after so many many lies, I struggle to believe you mean anything you say!

I am angry at HER for 'stealing my diseased pony'. Yes, both of your OTHER WOMEN stole you from me when you were weak. Both of them are sad people who got their ego boosts by thinking they were good because they could get another womans husband - they only got you because you were pathetic and weak!! They only got you because they were moral-less and they didn't care that all you did was have sex!! I'm angry because they didn't even think about me (a woman who had loved you for over 30 years) They didn't care that they were disrespecting and cheating someone! What else did you give them besides your manhood?? Oh that's right - Lies!

I am angry and upset, because YOU ARE BROKEN and you have destroyed ME!

I am angry that I still care about you.

Tangle Giveaway

2011-11-15T09:52:00.002+08:00

I am the Diva is having a tangle giveaway.
Visit her blog and be totally inspired by tangles and join the giveaway - you never know you could be the winner.

Tangling is taking over!!

(hugs)

Lorri xo

In my etsy store soon......

2011-11-05T22:15:00.003+08:00

I am having some more button badges and pocket mirrors made - which will soon be in my ETSY store.

I really like the way these designs are going to look - especially think we all need the "Keep Calm & Create Art" badge!! So look out for them in my store soon.

Please respect my designs, and do not copy without permission (they are copyright by me) Thank you.

The Week As Art - Create Mixed Media Magazine

2011-11-03T23:47:00.004+08:00

Sneak Peek at my artwork to be featured in Create Mixed Media Magazine

Hello Bloglanders :)

This is what is on my desk today - I managed to finish 7 pieces of 6x6 sized artworks. It took me from 1pm today until now midnight!

I have been selected to be featured in an online mixed media magazine featuring - numbers!!
"The Week As Art" by Create Mixed Media Woohoo, you all know I love numbers right? Well if you didn't, you do now! LOL

I welcomed a little break while watching the wonderful DEDE on UStream broadcast her 'all about you' collage night.

Wow, it was fun today to get arting again (I had lost my mojo for a bit there!!) - fun, albeit tiring... my wrists might need a little break tomorrow. Its all good though.

For the feature, I got requested to do a whole week in November. From the 27th November to the 3rd December. It also just happens to coincide with the 2nd anniversary of my Mum's passing on the 29th November. So it will be a little happiness among the sadness, around that date, as I honour my Mum's anniversary in art.

You, my lovely blog friends get to have a sneak peek -

I used acrylic paints on the backgrounds, with torn papers, rubber stamps - text, measuring tape, numbers and more. I loved using my 'stampotique' stamps and copic markers.
I had fun drawing the numbers onto various papers, then colouring the number edges and decorating them in a zentangle style. The borders of all pieces were then finished in a 'zettiology' style... quirky and fun and not too taxing for my fuzzed up mind of late!!

Why not visit the magazine, and check out the wonderful magazine it's full of freebies, articles and even an ONLINE STORE!

Thanks for visiting me today.

Lorri xo ((hugs))

A gloomy Day

2011-10-21T18:00:00.003+08:00

Today I went to see a new Rheumatologist after my old one (literally) retired!

The news wasn't that good. I also need to have lots more xrays and ultrasounds to further investigate the degeneration over the last 18 months.

There is a whole big long list of things going wrong with my body. Pain medication isn't working and I'm constantly struggling through pain 24 hours a day. I have medication to help me sleep and pain medication that just makes me like a zombie. (which I don't like) I take general pain medication and avoid the opiates as much as possible, when I can.

I am being referred to a pain management centre to try to work out a better pain management program to help me cope and to relieve pain.

I have had a lot of blood tests today, to check my kidneys, liver and inflammation.

The findings are extensive, and this is just a few - so I'm here whinging today - sorry :(

POLYARTHROPATHY - Osteoarthritis affecting multiple joints... HIPS, SHOULDERS worst.
FIBROMYALGIA - Muscular pain and burning muscles, tender points widespread. Nerve pain.

Extremely High levels of inflammation throughout my body.
Hip Trochanteric Bursitis (mostly LHS)
Hip Degeneration - osteoarthritis (Both hips)
Facet Joint degeneration - osteoarthritis
Shoulder bone abnormality RHS causing supraspinatus tendon tearing.
Shoulder Bursitis - Both shoulders
Shoulder Rotator Cuff tearing - Both shoulders
Osteoarthritis damage to both shoulders
Degenerative Knee problems
Degenerative Ankle problems
Plantar Fasciitis - why I can't stand on my feet in the mornings!!
Wrist and Ankle degeneration through the osteoarthritis
Deformation of index finger LHS - arthritis

I now am in need of Shoulder Arthroplasty - Basically shoulder replacements!!

I could be in line for a Hip Replacement!!

My left index finger has developed Heberden's nodes - a permanent bony outgrowth that often skews the fingertip sideways.

This is just my joints problems!! I also have other things like Hypothyroidism and Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

Then there is the emotional stuff I'm having to deal with - PFTT.

I think I will go have a glass of wine now, It can't hurt can it :)

I am 49 years old and feel 99.

If you got this far, thanks for reading and listening to my whinge for today. I'm trying to keep up a positive attitude as I know things could always be worse... but I'm really feeling Disheartened today - and I guess I worry about my art-producing abilities in the future.

Lots of Love & Hugs,

Me xo

COPIC Vs PRO

2011-10-19T18:10:00.003+08:00

Here's the COPIC FAQ Link for further info - http://www.copicmarker.com/faq

Copic Markers are the original line of high quality illustrating tools used for decades by professionals around the world. Available in 214 colors, the Copic Marker style has nine replaceable nibs and refillable ink.

Sketch Markers come in all 346 colors. The replaceable Super Brush nib acts like a paintbrush in both feel and application. Sketch Markers feature refillable ink and optional nibs and are compatible with the Copic Airbrush System.

Ciao Markers offer all the features of our Sketch Marker, but in an economical size. Now available in 180 colors and featuring the same replaceable Super Brush and Medium Broad nib and refillable ink, the Ciao matches the Sketch in every area of quality for a lower price.

Today after discussions on one of my streams, I was using Copics and doing a demo. The discussion on Pro Markers inspired me to investigate any differences for anyone that may be looking at purchasing markers. I found some interesting pointers & information during my research from around the globe and various forums etc., Here's some information for consideration when deciding which markers you would like to purchase.

If anyone has any further information or links, please feel free to comment and I can include in this post.

These opinions are not all mine, nor do I say they are right or wrong - however I do tend to agree with most of them :)

Personally, I use Copics because they are refillable and I can replace the nibs if they get worn or if I want the same colour with a different style nib.. ie: Brush nib, bullet nib. The Copic Sketch markers also come in 334 colors...because even with that many, there are other colors I could use! LOL I also know they have been tried and tested. Pro markers look to only come in 148 colours. BOTH markers used individually can create shades of that same colour by laying more colour over the areas. This is because they are both transparent. I also like the fact that you can purchase refills to use for other things - just like good old alcohol inks!! So imagine the variety of alcohol inks you have with copic refills!! Lots cheaper than regular alcohol inks too. Also you can create your own coloured markers with Copics... get empty pens and mix refill inks together to create your totally Own unique colour blend :)

Now for some info I found online -

Alcohol Markers- Copic markers are alcohol (ethanol) based dye markers, that are known for being low-odor and giving smooth, vibrant colors. Since they are a dye, they will fade in bright lights, they are acid free on most surfaces. Anything with alcohol in it will react with these inks. Any Copic marker type is refillable with replaceable tips. They will not cause paper to pill when going over it many times, nor will they dissolve photocopies.

Blender- The Copic Colorless Blender pen/ink. This is ethanol based and is not the same as blender pens from some other companies. Used for fixing mistakes, making colors lighter and for special effects.

Regarding the INK in the markers - Promarkers do NOT have the same ink. Copic markers are ethanol, and pro markers have a different alcohol composition. Promarkers are not tested 3 times by hand before they are shipped to customers, and they do not have a 3year shelf-life guarantee (if you don't use a Copic marker for a while it will still be juicy, guaranteed).

Promarkers also smell more than Copic markers. Copic markers come in a whole lot more colors, and if you really want a super-fine nib, you can buy a Copic original marker and replace the fine nib with an even smaller nib.

As an artist, and not just someone who works for Copic, you will get more for your money with Copics and be happier in the long run.

__________________
marianne my blog: www.ilikemarkers.blogspot.com

I haven't used Promarkers but I have used Tria which are also made by Letraset and look very similar. I didn't like the feel of the chunkier barrel as much as the Copic Ciao or Sketch and the Copic nibs are hands down, different ball-park, better quality. I actually snapped a Tria nib just by putting the cap on slightly squint - yikes! My experience with those would put me off buying Promarkers. __________________
Joanne x

If you're looking for a firm, fine point, go with the Copic Original markers. If you want to try the unique brush that most people prefer then go for Sketch or Ciao. if possible, find someone who has them and try one first so you can see what we mean. try looking at a fine-art store, as they frequently have Copic markers.

If you have maybe made your selection, whether promarkers or copic,
however; you may want to consider that a "google search" brings up tons of
copic tutorials versus promarkers for a ton of information when it comes to copic combination colors to use, blending combinations to use, color combinations to buy for future purchases and tutorials with copics used in card craft listed. I've never
regretted copic

__________________
Carolyn

Here is a link about Promarkers - http://www.promarker.info/

Tria Flex (brush tip) Pro

PROMARKERS -

Alcohol based, non-toxic, permanent ink

Multi surface application: use on paper, card, vellum, acetate, glass, wood, metal and plastic

Outstanding tone and vibrancy

Colours are transparent and can be overlaid to create a variety of tone and shading effects

Ideal for illustrators, students and hobbyists

Twin tipped allowing for a variety of strokes within one marker

148 colours available

I hope this post clarified some differences between the markers, and showed why I choose COPIC as my marker of choice :)

Thanks for visiting - stay creative!!

Lorri xo

Journal Girl

2011-10-06T17:06:00.003+08:00

INTRODUCING "MS DETERMINATION"

This is my latest painting in my newest journal... she is long across two pages :)

Todays Sketching

2011-10-06T16:42:00.004+08:00

Today I have been absorbing myself with some little sketches, some of these might be painted, some may not.

Here's a little peek at some of my most recent sketches that I have not uploaded before.

These are 30 second scribbled faces:

Colour Challenge with Jordan

2011-10-06T16:24:00.005+08:00

I finished my little painting for the colour challenge... I did find it hard to work with a limited amount of colours, especially the one's we both chose.

We chose RED, BLUE, GREEN & LIGHT ORANGE

Here's my Finished Girly :)

Don't forget to pop over to Jordan's blog and check out her out too, she is an amazing young artist!!

Here's Jordan's gorgeous heart art from our challenge -:

I enjoyed doing this with you Jordan, and thank you for considering me to collaborate with <3

ATC Swap

2011-09-23T18:14:00.010+08:00

STAMPOTIQUE Cuties

CLAY FACED ACEO's

Hello everyone,

I am running an ongoing atc swap. ALL WELCOME!!

Here's the details:

Everyone is welcome to join the fun.... 3 atc's minimum - 6 maximum.

ATC's will be swapped among the group of cards received, so you will receive 3 sparkly new cards from another creative soul. I will try to swap like for like but believe no matter what your level of skill is, that we all learn from each other and we all start somewhere - so If you are New to ATC's you are welcome to join too!

It would be wonderful if you could try to make your cards 'arty' and do your best work. There has been a lot of talk about atc's where someone has just stuck a sticker on a background paper - this isn't really making an effort. So please do your best, your efforts will be rewarded by other ATC's made with care and attention :)

You will need to send your cards to me, so please email me - artivity3@gmail.com to get my postal address.

I will cover the return cost of the envelope back to you - as I'm in Australia and understand you can't send me postage stamps that I can use. If you can send an addressed envelope that would, however be appreciated and will be very helpful.

The swap is ongoing, no rush, no deadlines, no pressure - just make your cards and send them to me when you can.. they will be sent out with other cards as the other cards arrive.

You can send me cards regularly too - so if you want to send more cards say a couple of weeks later, then YES please do so :) Even if I have no cards to swap from anyone else, I will always swap my cards with you!

If you would like a little inspiration - please feel free to join my groups on flickr..

SCRAPPINDIPITY (my business name) - Over 700 members and growing. This group is for all paper arts, journalling, mixed media, atc's, aceo's, paintings etc., A wonderful group of very talented people - so feel free to get lost in the amazing art here :)

ARTIST TRADING CARDS - with over 3000 members, there is lots of ATC's/ACEO's to browse here!!

I will send the invitation to participate to the groups too.

If you haven't been to USTREAM, I am also now broadcasting there LIVE on a RANDOM basis. I have some recorded videos, and some You Tube videos but I'm very new to recording - so be warned, I'm quite laughable at times. Also I may warn you that my streams are very open and I say it like it is! You might hear the occassional swear word HAHAHA. My USTREAM Channel and my YOUTUBE Channel

Thanks for participating :)

If you wish to

One on One colour Challenge

2011-09-20T11:50:00.003+08:00

Hello Everyone,

I'm very happy to be doing a ONE-on-ONE colour challenge with Jordan, I will keep you posted on the progress. Meanwhile why not take a peek at Jordan's blog :)

The colour combination is going to be fun, and a little challenging too

Fibromyalgia Web site Art

2011-09-14T17:55:00.001+08:00

I was thrilled a while back to be asked to have my art featured on a FM website.. of course I very happily gave my permission.

Today while streaming, the discussion about Frida came up and I mentioned this website, which I had not visited for quite a while.

I thought I would share my art via this website :)

FIBROMYALGIA & FRIDA KAHLO

Giveaway by Clare

2011-09-14T17:14:00.002+08:00

The wonderful Clare from my Ustream friends is giving away a little bundle of goodness -
Check it out here at Clare's blog and take a browse of all the other loveliness on her blog :)

ANGELIC Resin Canvas

2011-08-18T20:35:00.001+08:00

ANGELIC Resin Canvas
Originally uploaded by auslorri

Filled reverse canvas, with beautiful cemetary angel (compliments of my flickr friend)
Little bottles filled with glitter, mica and teeny stars. Texture paste frame with gold embelllishments, beads, sprinkles and gold patina.

twitter award

2011-07-25T00:29:00.001+08:00

I got awarded a Bronze Twitter Helper Award......

Well I didn't know such things existed.. I haven't been using twitter for long, but was happy to accept this award for being 'helpful' on twitter :)

Set of 5 clay angel aceo's

2011-07-23T12:45:00.001+08:00

Set of 5 clay angel aceo's
Originally uploaded by auslorri

More cute little Clay angel ACEO's

Via Flickr:
These are PURPLE not blue like the picture shows.. don't know why my camera did this :

Clay Angel ACEO's

2011-07-22T12:12:00.003+08:00

I had fun making these Clay faced Angels :)

The green one is going to my online Ustream friend Dede, who actually sent me the background papers from one of her stream giveaways!

I have kept one for myself, so I can create some more. I was inspired a long time ago by another creative flickr friend "Cindy" - I don't have her blog or link :( and have wanted to make these little angels for the longest time.. so here they are!

Enjoy, and if you would like the last one from the set it's now available on my ETSY store.
I hope to make some more very soon!
If you have ATC's to trade, and wish to trade, email me and maybe we can work something out where I make you one for trading.

Thanks for visiting me today :)

Traci's giveaway

2011-07-19T13:30:00.001+08:00

Head over to Traci's quickly - a fabulous giveaway is on offer!

Arty Uploads

2011-07-10T21:09:00.007+08:00

DAYNA's Twin DEIRDRE

Today I'm sat bundled up in front of my gas heater, armed with tissues, throat lozenges & snuggling with a blanket - The Flu Lurgy got me! So I thought it would be a good time to upload some works that I haven't yet blogged.

The original DAYNA from where her Twin emerged

I love making backgrounds, and playing with paint, spritzes, crayons, pastels and whatever I can get my hands on to make yummy mixtures of colour splurges and splashes, did I say drippage?? I love drips and runs and bleeds and smooshes... yup I'm delirious = lets blame the cold and flu meds!! teehee Ok, lets show you some more work - oh but btw, I also LOVE numbers and letters :)

Backgrounds for my Journal & Some journal pages

What's on my desk.. works in progress

2011-06-24T11:18:00.006+08:00

"Be Vulnerable"

Here's a further peek into what I have been doing this week....

Journal Pages, spritzed with VIP's and a mask.

A Canvas using lettered background, VIP spritzes and splashes

A fun digital made using an IPhone Application wordfoto

The paper towel inky, yummy mess, I will tear into pieces and stick into some journals

This was a sign I saw in Perth City - I loved the colours and design.

The 'almost finished' "Be Vulnerable" painting

Acrylic pendants I made hanging from a nice metal birdcage

"Live Wholeheartedly" painting in progress.. I don't like her so far so I will be making lots of changes to her face.. more and more layers, and a change of her eyes somewhat I think!

This picture is from a magazine, taken with my IPhone, I love this idea! Especially love those gorgeous cushions. I'm not normally an 'orange' lover, but this works so well and is so fresh and happy.

UStream video

2011-06-17T16:02:00.001+08:00

My first video... fuzzy blurry with fast moving objects.. beware!! LOL
I'm showing a few of the works in progress and a couple of pieces of art I have done.

I hope to get better with practice and be able to broadcast some live video tutorials, demo's and then in the future some workshops.

Take a peek and dont laugh too much :)

Outpourings

2011-06-02T10:53:00.004+08:00

Outpourings

For this piece I tried to get more texture into the paint, by painting several layers over and over. I added splashes of colour to get a more colourful face.

I think I like her - do you?

Since scanning this picture I have added some eyelashes and she is coming together nicely.

The piece of watercolour paper is too large for my scanner, so it lifted and let light in causing a blur :(

I will have to photograph the completed painting again, but here's some I have so far.

Making a template for her dress

The messy work in progress

Adding the 'outpourings' to her dress

Sitting on my cupboard, waiting to be framed.

Mothers

2011-05-08T01:18:00.001+08:00

Something to think about on Mothers Day - and every day!

Read it through to the end :)

Mum, Me & Dad

Mum, I miss you and I wish I could hold your hand again.

When you came into the world, she held you in her arms.
You thanked her by wailing like a banshee.
When you were 1 year old, she fed you and bathed you.
You thanked her by crying all night long.
When you were 2 years old, she taught you to walk.
You thanked her by running away when she called.
When you were 3 years old, she made all your meals with love.
You thanked her by tossing your plate on the floor.
When you were 4 years old, she gave you some crayons.
You thanked her by coloring the dining room table.
When you were 5 years old, she dressed you for the holidays.
You thanked her by plopping into the nearest pile of mud.
When you were 6 years old, she walked you to school.
You thanked her by screaming, "I'M NOT GOING!"
When you were 7 years old, she bought you a baseball.
You thanked her by throwing it through the
next-door-neighbor's window.
When you were 8 years old, she handed you an ice cream.
You thanked her by dripping it all over your lap.
When you were 9 years old, she paid for piano lessons.
You thanked her by never even bothering to practice.
When you were 10 years old, she drove you all day, from
soccer to gymnastics to one birthday party after another.
You thanked her by jumping out of the car and never looking back.
When you were 11 years old, she took you and your friends to the movies.
You thanked her by asking to sit in a different row.
When you were 12 years old, she warned you not to watch certain TV shows.
You thanked her by waiting until she left the house.

Those teenage years
When you were 13, she suggested a haircut that was becoming.
You thanked her by telling her she had no taste.
When you were 14, she paid for a month away at summer camp.
You thanked her by forgetting to write a single letter.
When you were 15, she came home from work, looking for a hug.
You thanked her by having your bedroom door locked.
When you were 16, she taught you how to driver her car.
You thanked her by taking it every chance you could.
When you were 17, she was expecting an important call.
You thanked her by being on the phone all night.
When you were 18, she cried at your high school graduation.
You thanked her by staying out partying until dawn.

Growing old and gray
When you were 19, she paid for your college tuition,
drove you to campus, carried your bags.
You thanked her by saying good-bye outside the dorm so you wouldn't
be embarrassed in front of your friends.
When you were 20, she asked whether you were seeing anyone.
You thanked her by saying, "It's none of your business."
When you were 21, she suggested certain careers for your future.
You thanked her by saying, "I don't want to be like you."
When you were 22, she hugged you at your college graduation.
You thanked her by asking whether she could pay for a trip to Europe.
When you were 23, she gave you furniture for your first apartment.
You thanked her by telling your friends it was ugly.
When you were 24, she met your fiance and asked about your plans for the future.
You thanked her by glaring and growling, "Muuhh-ther, please!"
When you were 25, she helped to pay for your wedding, and she cried and told
you how deeply she loved you.
You thanked her by moving halfway across the country.
When you were 30, she called with some advice on the baby.
You thanked her by telling her, "Things are different now."
When you were 40, she called to remind you of an relative's birthday.
You thanked her by saying you were "really busy right now."
When you were 50, she fell ill and needed you to take care of her.
You thanked her by reading about the burden parents become to their children.

And then, one day, she quietly died. And everything you never did came
crashing down like thunder.

"Rock me baby, rock me all night long."
"The hand who rocks the cradle...may rock the world".
Let us take a moment of the time just to pay tribute/show appreciation to
the person called MOM though some may not say it openly to their mother.
There's no substitute for her. Cherished every single moment.
Though at times she may not be the best of friends, may not agree to our
thoughts, she is still your mother!!!
She will be there for you...to listen to your woes, your braggings, your
frustations, etc.
Ask yourself.....have you put aside enough time for her, to listen to her
"blues" of working in the kitchen, her tiredness???
Be tactful, loving and still show her due respect though you may have a
different view from hers.
Once gone, only fond memories of the past and also regrets will be left.

**DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE THINGS CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART. CLING TO THEM AS
U WOULD YOUR LIFE, FOR WITHOUT THEM, LIFE IS MEANINGLESS*

A Day made of Glass

2011-04-28T09:17:00.003+08:00

Wow, this video is incredible - well the future possibilities are breathtaking.... I hope I get to play with some of these amazing things in my future.

A day made of Glass

Welcome to "Dayna"

2011-04-21T10:33:00.008+08:00

Last Monday night I started sketching a lovely lady, I posted the sketch onto facebook and asked my friends to give her a name - "Dayna" was gifted to her. Here I'm showing some quick step by step images of the process that became the completed mixed media painting of Dayna.

I hope to make Dayna into beautiful greeting cards and possibly some other yummy products, along with a few of my favourite 'girls'

Let me know what you think about her please....

Enjoy :)

The original sketch

Dayna is now painted, all pretty with her red hair & soft lips.

Deciding which background papers to use:
Background papers glued and painted, and placing Dayna over top to decide where she looks better.

After deciding where she would sit, I lightly marked under the cut-out with pencil. Then I added a shadow of green to blend her into the background.Here's a close up of the bottom left hand corner - I love numbers!!

A close up view of her face and the green shading

Here's an even closer view of her face.

Thanks for visiting my blog, and remember - like Dayna is telling you - YOU ARE SPECIAL :)
xoxo

Also, please remember - All artwork on my blog is © Lorri Lennox 2011 If you wish to use my images in any way, please contact me.

Inspiration, Motivation & Direction

2011-04-18T16:06:00.003+08:00

Hey there Blogger and friends,

Well it's about time I decided to sort my art issues out..... I am so scattered with what I love to do, what I want to do, what I should do, what will or won't sell (to help me feed myself haha), and what inspires me etc etc

I have so many ideas floating in my head which need to be given impetus and motivation!
My recent trip to Melbourne has really gotten me thinking - out loud via my blog.

Do you find you have lots and lots of things you like, which makes you a little unsure of what to do, where to start, what next etc?

I do. It confuses me.

So today I have gone through all my folders on my pc where I save my favourite artists works. I have printed off pages and pages of small images of the art that I like best. One's that inspire me the most.

Basically I just looked through the images and without any thought just chose the one's that jumped out at me the most. I printed them as 9-ups - just big enough to see but no use for anything. I did this so I could start an inspirational journal or notebook. (I don't steal or use artwork without permission) This is for me personally, and what I'm planning to do is look at each piece of work individually and ask myself some serious questions...

For example:

What jumped out about this artwork the most?
What is it I like about this piece the most - is it colour, composition, linework, background etc
Would I be happy working my art like this consistently, or would I get bored easily?
(I do get bored, and although I value consistency - I couldn't do the same old same old day after day) So this question is very important for me.

I'm hoping to somehow 'brand' my artwork, into a marketable product range. This is a dream I have had for a while and I now have the intention to start it happening!! But where do I start? That's the biggie for me.

I would like you to help me out, my special art friends and blog buddies.

If you could answer a few little questions for me, about my art - just like the questions I am asking myself about your art :) Then I would truly be forever grateful.

Could you please look at my artwork/art jewllery, and then give me some answers to four little questions...

1. What is it you like about my art the most?

2. Do you easily recognise my artwork, if so how?

3. What do you think I should focus upon the most?
(I ask this because I have worked in many areas - ie: Atc's/Aceos, mixed media paintings, collage using vintage images, jewellery making, tote bags etc)

4. What product lines do you think would suit my style of work?
(notebooks, greeting cards, pocket mirrors, badges, clothing, bookmarks, prints, pendants, etc)

Now I'm going to paste in these little pictures into a notebook, and start compiling a list of everything I like or don't like about each piece of art. Then I will go over my results and see what common threads seem to appear - I need to streamline my style and focus on the things I love the most for my new productions. Then I will add the responses from my questions into the book and see if there are any 'connections' which can lead me to some decisions about where to go next.

I appreciate your feedback.

Love and creativity to you - Lorri xo