Haven't you always wanted......... to combine digital photo editing with your art and make it look really special?  I've signed up for D.J. Pettitt's class which begins Jan. 4.   I love her work and I think I will learn a lot plus have fun with this class.  Hurry over and check it out.

A sample by D. J. Pettitt

What Lies Beneath?
This is my 12 X 12 on "MDF".  I wish I had posted the very beginning stages, because even though it seems like just some paint "slapped on", this is about the third "generation" or third pass.  The neat thing about this is that like almost all other art, there are no mistakes.  It can always be fixed.  I tried some purple on this -- didn't like it.  Don't like it???? Just cover it up and move on.  I'm not yet finished but thought I would post now.  I'll try to post each "generation" as I do it.  On my list of things to do this year - learn to make videos.  I enjoy seeing how others put together their work.

  

Winter Wonderland

And what to my wondering eyes should appear...........

You know the rest.

.  We have a beautiful home and garden shop in Newport Beach called Roger's Gardens.  Every year at holiday time, they have their entire indoor accessory rooms decorated for Christmas.  They have two rooms devoted to collectibles including Christopher Radko ornaments.  Quite pricey but so much fun to visit. One table was laden with costume jewelry trees and a sphere.  This artist must have spent many hours making these.  One was all pearls and gold, one silver, one multi-colored, one all gold.  The sphere was done in onyx and gold.  Spectacular!!  And, they were sporting price tags of $400 to $1000!!  I'll have to be happy with the pictures.  There was so much going on, I couldn't possibly post all the images, but you get the idea.

The Unusual

Just look at this incredible card from Linda.  I went to my mailbox Saturday and found this waiting for me.  I think it is one of the most beautiful cards I've seen.

You should see this!!! The background cardstock is flocked.  Then there is the gold mesh layer with frayed ends.  Over that is the image and all the little fan and star elements have been set in beeswax or encaustic.  This card  really stands out!!  Thank you Linda.

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas!

Today I got out cards I made for past Christmases.  Lots of memories.... I don't know about you but every year I swear I'm going to cut down on the number of cards I send.  And every year, I don't because I can't figure out who I would want to cut.  I'm just so sure (haha) everyone looks forward to my handmade cards, so every year I go into production mode for several days to produce these little gems.  Then when I go back and look at previous cards I've made plus the cards I receive, I'm happy that it is still a tradition for me. 

The mantle could use a little more pizzaz... will have to work on it. Do we have enough Buddhas?  I forgot to tell you I collect them.  The one on the hearth is usually where the tree is so the fireplace is a little overrun with them.  They do give such a feeling of serenity though....

I simply believe that some part of the human Self or Soul is not subject to the laws of space and time. 

 ~Carl Jung

The tree is all decorated.....

and even the big Buddha is ready for the holidays!

Peace

Today I felt myself back away from the chaos of the holidays.......I'm enjoying some quiet and solitude.  Years ago our tradition was to buy for each family member on both sides.  As time went on, we changed that tradition to drawing names and finally we have settled on gifts only for the children.  Last year Mike and I gave one gift to each other.  This year we said let's go out for a nice dinner.  We don't need any more things.  We are all decorated with the tree and mantle plus little white lights on the shrub outside by the entryway.  The grands will come on the 18th to make cookies.  This is a tradition we honor each year.  It is so much fun.  I've attempted bring some variety into the mix, but they are happy with the same sugar cookies decorated with colored icing and sprinkles!   

I'd like to hear from all of you regarding

 the traditions you celebrate.  Perhaps you celebrate traditions other than Christmas.   Do you bake, entertain, do you stay home, do you travel to stay with relatives or have a "destination holiday"?