Raven Musings tag art

I've had a vision of wacky raven tags in my head for a while now. It was time to let it fly!

I started out by painting a raven head on sturdy scrapbooking paper, a favorite medium of mine. Then I made a tag shaped body, added a stamped heart from another patterned paper, applied the monarch butterfly sticker on heavy paper, a few jewels, a black Swarovski crystal for her eye, a phrase on a clear sticker that says "Believe in Yourself" and the finishing touch that cracked me up...the Chuck Taylor sneakers!

I'm actually pretty sick of butterfly wings and party hats, but they really do work when called for. I tried doing heart wings and raven wings. Nope, didn't look right.

I also kept the back in mind when creating this even though this side won't show.

At least the colors are pretty together. I'll add my signature to the back too, and then onto Etsy she goes!

Here she is on the studio door, hanging out until she moves to her new family.

Okay, I've had my little bit of fun for the day.

Now on to the sketchbook project!! Pressure, pressure, pressure as the deadline nears!

~Happy Sunday~

Illustration Friday: Savour

Good thoughts in,

Bad thoughts out.

Deep breath in,

exhale slowly.

Savour the peace within.

patterned paper, acrylic paint, colored pencil

Illustration Friday: Diary

Her heart was an open book.

For Illustration Friday's prompt: Diary

Digital colage with colored pencil embellishment 

Illustration Friday: Renewal

Hmmm, another struggle for the right image again this week. I'm not sure this thrills me but I'm sticking with it anyway. I do feel the Lotus is a sign of renewal. Maybe that's why so many spas use it as their logo and on their brochures.

I'm deeply feeling the need for renewal. I haven't been taking very good care of myself since this move. I can't seem to get out of my own way and I hardly ever feel well anymore.

Well, time to change the old attitude and bad habits that keep me stuck. I know that if I keep doing the same things I'll get the same results. From this day forward I'll work on renewing my body, mind and spirit and become more of who I want to be.

I can't wait for the transformation but at the same time I know I must practice patience because that's where I keep falling down. I want results yesterday.

I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. This is the year. It really is!

acrylic on 6"x6" canvas

Illustration Friday: Hatch

My heart fluttered to the point of bursting.

That's when I remembered to open the escape hatch to let my feelings fly free.

For Illustration Friday's prompt: hatch

Digital collage printed and scanned, colored pencil enhancement

IF : Vacant

Heart Vacancy

Occupancy available.

Previously damaged, needs

loving restoration.

Only thoughtful, kind, and

gentle people need apply.

Honesty is a must.

For Illustration Friday's prompt : Vacant

Acrylic, colored pencil, collage on patterned scrapbook paper / click to enlarge

IF : Missing you so much...

I worked all day on a painting for this topic today and ended up not using it. It just wasn't the right fit. I kept going back to one of my favorite illustrations I used for a promo mailer a couple of years back. This guy is really a heartbreaker, isn't he? Dogs miss us whether we're gone at work all day or just going to the bathroom with the door closed. They're missing us whether it's five minutes or five days, doesn't matter to them just as long as we come back. I feel sad for the ones who are waiting for someone who isn't going to return, ever. Thankfully a lot of those guys end up in new homes with someone new to miss! I have one of those rescues. Trust me, she never looked back! Now she's missing ME when I'm at work, or checking for mail, or out for dinner ...but at least I leave the bathroom door open. I know...too much information!

Fine point Sharpie, watercolor, and Prismacolor pencils.