Mable's Rose Revisited

Several years ago we stayed in Sarasota for five days.

On one of those days,while my husband played golf, he dropped me off at The Ringling.

I had the whole day to myself. 

To stroll at my own pace, and do whatever I chose was so liberating. I took my time, and lots of pictures.

There was so much to see!

Although the Art Museum was not to my liking, I was totally in love with the colors and textures used in the house. 

The surroundings...Banyan trees, gardens and water seemed magical somehow.

One of my favorite spots was Mable Ringling's rose garden. 

My visit was back in the time of Zentangle coming of age. Let me make a side note here, that I was always taught in art class not to copy the art of another...to be original. To draw from life. Since I loved the idea of tangles, I did what I called, ZIA: Zentangle Inspired Art. I don't think I coined the name, but it just made sense to me. I added little curls, a bit of textured line, and loved how it turned out.

 I actually decided to use one of my drawings as my logo. (see my title bar, above)

Florida offers so many beautiful locations from which to gather inspiration and photos. 

Coloring is another of my passions. I guarantee you will see more of it!

Stay creative,

A Love for the Past

"Thoughts of Love" featuring Gecko Galz 

Gecko Galz Products I used in the above card:

Ladies of the Court Digital Collage Set

Very Vintage Junk Journal Kit

St. Peters Square Mini Paper Pack

Hello and welcome to my studio.

It's a fresh new year!  We all have a clean slate...a chance to start again. 

In my life, and here on my blog, I have found the need to spend the next year being as purposeful as possible.

As I pondered this idea, I came up with some questions for myself. Here they are:

"What am I passionate about?"

"How have I been gifted?"

"What can I share that my family, my friends, and my followers need?"

After giving these matters some thought,  I concluded the following...First, I am passionate about the past. I am drawn to historical fact and fiction. Stories of times past draw me in...causing me to explore further. Historical sites intrigue me. I realized that I also enjoy saving and repurposing items from the past...making them useful once more, if only as décor in my home.

Secondly, I am an artist. I have been told I have an innate sense of design. I am thankful for several wonderful teachers in my younger years, who have helped hone my gift. 

These two facts bring me to the final conclusion that I can share my designs and art with those who might share a love for the beauty of our past, or who are just discovering how history is reflected in our own lives. 

So here we go! My year will be focused on using historical references to create not only art, but repurposed items which have a history of their own. I will endeavor to give them new life, new purpose. 

This excites me!  My work will not be all that different from years past, but will definitely be redefined and more purposeful. I have been self-directed toward a definite purpose. 

Items I repurposed on the above card

Aluminum drink cans (flowers)

Necklace (flower centers)

Doily

If you find that you are also looking for a directed purpose, I hope you will take a few moments to ponder the questions, 

1. What is my passion?

2. What is my talent?

3. What can I share that others can use?

Let me know what you come up with!

I hope you enjoy what you experience here this year.

Cheers to 2018!