Whimsical Santa {Art Journal}

Just a little freehand sketch done in my altered book (an old copy of A Christmas Carol). I had not used acrylics in a while, so this one was almost like using a new medium. I’m afraid I’m becoming hopelessly attached to watercolor. The idea for this little character came from a piece of our Christmas wrapping paper.

The right-hand page has an interesting history of the character of Santa.

#AlteredBook #WhimsicalSanta #acrylic #sketch #SantaClaus

Winter Solstice

So, tomorrow is the Winter Solstice. This is Missouri. It should be cold and maybe even snowy. But, no, it’s 60-ish. Taking a break from the Christmas cooking, to sit on the deck with coffee. It’s just strange, honestly.

Little Christmas Bears {Art in Altered Book}

Just doing some sketching and painting in my old copy of A Christmas Carol that I have altered to use for Christmas art.

This idea came from one of my Christmas mugs. Not the greatest “art work,” I admit, but it makes me smile.

#AlteredBook #sketch #watercolor #ChristmasArt

Christmas With Siblings

We enjoyed a special time in our home, celebrating our annual Sibling Christmas.

Russell and me, Janene (sister) and her husband David (who is my husband's brother), Keith (brother) and his wife Michele

Always lots of time spent in the kitchen! Duh!

Stockings from Christmases at our grandparents (60+ years)

Just wanting to do something special for my brother this year, I commissioned a friend, Jenny Frith, to paint a pet portrait of Keith’s special Belle, who has been gone for a few years now. Jenny’s work is incredible, and I highly recommend her.

My siblings and our spouses always enjoy our special times together. Daddy has been gone since 1988, and Mother passed in 2013. Since it’s “just us,” it is even more important to us to get together, laugh, cry, eat, drink coffee, play family games, and remember. We are always remembering. The memories are good.

Shepherds Keeping Watch {Bible Art Journaling}

I have always loved the Christmas Story. When I was in third grade, I was chosen to recite the story from memory (yes, in public school…those were the days), from the KJV.

So, I particularly love hearing it and reading it from the King James Version, the version of my journaling Bible.

In 1978, I was privileged to visit The Holy Land, where we were taken to a hillside that would likely have been similar to the location of the shepherds on that wondrous night. After that, I loved the passage about those simple shepherds even more.

Sketched in my journaling Bible and watercolored with Inktense Blocks (permanent when dry).

#ChristmasArt #ScriptureArt #FaithArt #BibleArtJournaling #IllustratedFaith #Inktense