Fresh ink.

As the end of my master's program looms, I am planning on some fresh ink. I have decided on this unlikely image:

carved in Firm Kut, the larger is 1.5", the smaller 1"
I carved the first, then decided I wanted it smaller.

The dragon is a highly nuanced symbol as it combines the serpent and the bird, which in isolation each carry their own symbolism. Together, the dragon is a powerful, mythical creature dating back to antiquity. 

Although the dragons of the East and the West have quite similar physical characteristics, their symbolic representations are drastically different and, in a way, indicate the cultural differences between these civilizations. The most notable difference between the Asian and European dragons is that while the European folklore has portrayed the dragons as evil, fearsome and malevolent creatures, the Asian cultures regard them as benevolent beings. (https://www.ancient-symbols.com/dragon-symbolism.html)

I have always been fascinated with dragons, and love the portrayals of dragons in films like Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon, and even those dragon-like creatures in Avatar. Come to find out (from a friend who is a Reiki master and knows about such things), my Chinese zodiac is a dragon. And, even more interesting was, while playing in the Wizarding World, I discovered my patronus is (would be?) a dragon. If you are unfamiliar, (which I suppose most are not), a patronus is a type of 'anti-dementor' guardian. Dementors are symbolic of soul-sucking depression, and frankly, who isn't tormented by soul-sucking depression now and then, especially these days. All that to say - dragons keep showing up in my life.

Back when I finished my mindfulness studies program at the start of the pandemic, graduation festivities were summarily cancelled. So, I marked the accomplishment with a mindfulness symbol tattoo.

As everything started locking-down, I quickly determined that I could make the best of it by taking another master's program. It sure has kept me occupied, without a doubt. But, my graduation for this degree will again come and go without fanfare. I have chosen the dragon to represent this challenging psych program, but also as a way to acknowledge these past years of (political, societal, and climate) chaos. Just like the semi-colon on my wrist, a dragon symbolizes resilience through difficult circumstances. I am still here and moving forward. 

the Breathe symbol,
carved in Firm Kut, .5" x 1.5"

Another symbol I really resonate with is the 'breathe' symbol, which incorporates the 'om,' described as the universal vibration. It seems, to me anyway, that human spirituality and science are merging - but in reality, they have always been intertwined. This symbol embodies both the scientific and spiritual concept that all things, including human breath, have a unique vibration, and they come together to create the sound 'om.' The inventor and scientist Nikola Tesla once said "If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration." 

I haven't added the Breathe symbol in permanent ink ... yet. So many of us have tattoos - have you carved yours? Seems like they might make pretty good sig-stamps :)

Just a little craft project...

Haven't been doing much carving lately, partially due to major life changes and partially due to the serious lack of my favorite carving material (PZ Kut).  But, I did try my hand at decoupage with some very fun results!

what started out as a simple box and some cool scrappin'
paper became the box for some interesting coasters...

I was going for the antique-y look to go with some
other boxes I have going on in the room...

I added a key embellishment to compliment the key
motif in one of the papers I chose.  These cork 'coasters'
are really big stamps - at least they were by the other stencils and stamps...

you've gotta love flowers and leaves  :-)
Also, I brushed on some gold leafing around the top edge.

even the inside is fun; I used paper with an antique feel

the bottom - yep, it's me!

One thing I would suggest, if you are about to embark on some decoupaging of your own; use Collage Pauge Instant Decoupage (I chose the matt finish).  It is far superior to Mod Podge, and doesn't leave you with a tacky project (that's what I hate about Mod Podge).  It's almost twice as expensive as M-P, but it's well worth it.  (I also used this to seal the cork 'coasters' so they wouldn't crumble with handling and use - worked great.)

A word about paper; I selected three 12x12 sheets that were closely related and making sure one had an accent color to make the project pop.  Mindfully measure and cut carefully, and layout your design prior to gluing down (using the Collage Pauge).  I found that using a sponge 'brush' gave a more even application than a brush, and no stray brush hairs in your finished project.  Also, if doing a box shape, don't neglect your rotary cutter and cutting mat - these tools worked great to cut excess paper off the sides.  Use a piece of fine grit sandpaper to marry edges together and then bust out your favorite corresponding ink pad and sponge dauber to give it a soft, aged look around the edges.

Tim Holtz has some incredibly cool feet that you can attach to a box such as this, but they were a whopping $7 (which is cheaper than I found them online) just for the feet.  Well, that was out of my budget on this trip, but I can add them later, if I want.

Have you ever tried a decoupage project?  I'd love to hear about it!

Cool Product!

Everytime I use this product, which I just found about six months ago, I get questions.

So, here it is - Sheer Shimmer Spritz by Tsukineko

"We received samples in Gold and Sparkle and both are eye-catching and got high marks from both our in-house staffers and staffers scattered far and wide. The spritz is lovely and translucent, and adds a pop of color without overwhelming your project. It has a whispered, barely-there quality that delivers quite a punch...The Pssst! Shimmer Spritz bottle is 7ml of pearlescent shimmer and about 4" tall. Available colors are Gold, Sparkle, Copper, Pewter, and Silver and are pleasingly priced at approximately $3 a bottle. With elegant shimmer, an easy-to-use pump spray that even after numerous uses didn't clog, and a thin bottle that fits snugly in your hand for better control, the Pssst!! Shimmer Spritz is absolutely SNR approved." (Scrapbook News & Review)

I absolutely love this stuff - it works like a charm, is just enough glitz to add pizazz to an otherwise rather dull project and it dries quickly.  However, you can burn through the little bottles rather quickly (the package says 'travel size spritzers'...I'd sure like a full-sized bottle!), and it does over-spray so you have to be careful.  My local JoAnn's never seems to have what I want when I want it, especially this item.  It is always sold out, or worse...stolen from the packaging.  Ugh.

My favorite is the 'frost' offering, but I have tried the gold and silver, too - both with good results.

So, give it a try for a little added bling to your stamping projects!

Crafty Blessings

So, the kids yell down to me sitting at the computer, "Mom! You got a package!" I had heard the UPS truck drive up, but didn't really think much of it, since I had nothing on order.

As I made my way to the desk just inside our front door, I thought to myself, "if they called me to see the auto-delivery Proactiv order, I'm gonna..."

Then the blue package caught my eye...that's no Proactiv box. Wha...?? Badge-a-Minit?? I know what that is!! NO WAY!

Quick, bust it open...

No way! Who? Why? Oh my goodness...how cool!! Without missing a beat, the kids and I broke out the instructions and started to put together a button. Cut open the plastic bags, quick...come up with 'artwork' for our first attempt. Slowly read the directions, make sure we are doing it correctly...

And *poof*, there went the electricity! *insert tunnel-noooooooo here*

Well, no lack of power is going to stop this button-making train, no sir! We steadfastly continued and were glad no electricity was needed to operate this little baby...(one of the few things we own that doesn't require power, actually).

And then, out it came - PERFECT! Our first button!

How cool is that??  I know, now you want one.  I've wanted one for YEARS!

Thank you so much to the beautiful soul who gifted this oh-so-fun piece of equipment to me - you are a blessing beyond what you could possibly know.  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

What a wonderful surprise!  Now, what other buttons do we need to make...