Stencil, spray, stamp

Tony is in Christchurch for  long weekend, having some Granddad time with our gorgeous grandson Rory and his parents, Yasmine and Adam. He also had a day out with his brother Roger. Which means I am looking after the animals and making art. When Tony’s away the tv never goes on, the bed doesn’t get made, the meals are whatever’s quickest – and I tidy up just before he comes home Faith, Goldie and I spend our days in my home office – me at the computer or art desk, Goldie on the sheepskin and Faith on the mohair rug in the lazyboy. How good is our life? Here’s a little of what I have done over the last couple of days.  The green one is a card, the rest are in my art journal. I also did some scrapbooking but they’re a pain to scan or photograph, especially at night.

First Mother’s Day without Mum beside me

It’s been an odd day – it’s the first Mother’s Day where I haven’t had Mum beside me, but I know she is with me anyway. I miss her. End of story….

Tim’s 12 tags of 2013 – May

Last month I started participating in Tim Holtz’s 12 tags of 2013 challenge. Each month Tim designs a new tag and posts really detailed instructions about how to recreate the look. This month the tag uses remnant rubs, Distress stain inks, enameled tags, film strip ribbon and much more. I didn’t have all the bits ‘n bobs in my Tim stash, but boy, that stash sure is growing! I substituted where I needed to; one of my missions this year is so use up all my old supplies. I tend to hoard supplies I love, but really I should buy, use and enjoy instead.

I’m enjoying finding a whole lot of fabulous new arty blogs, and (virtually) meeting their authors, by visiting all the links to completed at the bottom of the challenge.

Back to my art journal

Yesterday I got the paper finished early, which meant I had time for art again today. Nice! Spray inks, tattered floral die by Ranger, old rub ons.

This ANZAC Day

This ANZAC day I spoke at the Waverley RSA service, which was a privilege.  As always, I remember with love my Dad, Mansel Barker, and Dad 2 Jack Robinson (my best friend Sandra Robinson’s Dad). I also acknowledge the loss of so many ANZACs overseas, and am grateful our Dads came home. 

Able Seaman M Barker, June 1945

Getting there

Remember I said I was burying the evidence? It’s now lost under gesso and ink, stenciling and more ink! It’s not finished but it *is* starting to make me happy. Even Tony could see what was happening once I hauled out a photo of the gardens in Aquino (or was it St Angelo?) that we photographed as we walked down to the bridge over the Rapido River for the yearly commemorative service with the American and Italian soldiers. Edit: my geography and memory is poor – see correction in comments – thanks Kay. Here’s a progress shot, including a blurry one showing the layers, and the original photo I’m using as inspiration:

Burying the evidence

The initial work on this canvas went well; the colours turned out as I had hoped, the drips went the right way and I was happy. Then it all went pear-shaped. Nothing I did worked and, even though I knew it needed more layers, I put it away in frustration. It’s a lovely heavy-duty canvas so I have pulled it out and am going to have another crack at it. I’ll post photos of what happens.