Back To Reality...

 After a really fabulous 11 days at the beach and being unplugged it actually feels good to be connecting and arting again. I'm still editing photos but you can see a few in my last post. I had every intention of getting through more of my drawing lessons from the Draw Your Awesome Life class but with good friends and perfect weather I just couldn't bring myself to do any of it. However, I'm ready now!

 I combined several challenges to create this page including Art Journal Journey-for this month's challenge of Frida kahlo; Mix It Monthly-for this month's theme of Crazy Dresses; and the Simon Monday Challenge for the theme this week "Scratched Up-embrace imperfection and get grungy". I'm also linking to Art Journal Every Day and Paint Party Friday.

 I was fortunate to get to a special exhibit showcasing Frida's art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art back in 2008. This exhibition was brought in to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the birth of this Mexican artist (1907-1954). The art was incredible to be able to see up close and there were over 100 photos of Frida and her circle from her personal collection. Truly a memorable experience.

 For the background I layered on a thick coat of gesso with a palette knife then made marks into it. Once dry the DTP technique was used using Distress ink pads (Ranger) in assorted colors. Frida and butterfly images are from ARTchix Studio. I made the dress from a gelli print paper and stamped the pens (Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection-Artful Artifacts over it. Edges of image were sponged with black ink before gluing to the pg. Flowers, fabric bit and gold glitter glue(Ranger) were added to embellish. Rubber stamp (Hero Arts International Skyline) was stamped along the bottom. Quote(Stamp Camp) was stamped on white card stock and cut apart. Once glued in place I smudged charcoal pencil around the words and image for depth.

 While at the beach I did mange to watch the video for the August calendar as prompted by JoAnne Sharpe's DYAY class and get most of it finished before I got home:

 The small wings and title are all glittery but I just couldn't capture it. It's a shame because this spread looks so much better in person. The prompt was to use butterflies, fireflies and dragonflies- or any other flying things like bees- for our dates to write in. Linking this to Kate Crane's Calendar Project.

 One last challenge piece is this card:

                       I'm linking this to the Simon Wednesday challenge for the theme of "summer".

 It will be so fun catching up with you and seeing what you all have been up to lately. Please do visit these challenge blogs (some offer great prizes!), be inspired, and join in-you are welcome anytime!

                "Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough."   Emily Dickenson