Created By Hand challenge: Nature

I decided it was time for me to try another art challenge...I've been writing in my art journal as my life appears to be on the verge of a change. I decided to add a challenge into my journal. The theme this week at Created By Hand was Nature. So here is my journal page before I start writing in it... the tree was painted in water color and I used a Tim Holtz stamp for the background. I also used the Distress ink pads in Marmalade. The sticker quote is something I've had for ages.

Glass Bird

This weeks art challenge over at http://mixedmediamonday.wordpress.com/ was entitled Feathered Friends. Immediately I was inspired! Earlier in the week, I found this little bird cage at Michaels. In my own stuff at home, I had this crystal glass bird that had served time as an alter item representing birds and freedom and enlightenment. Now she has a new home and a new job!

The note "stay with me" is from the caged bird to the free bird.

I used the Tim Holtz grunge board and his texture hammer for the background inside the box. I stamped the handwriting onto that. In the pictures you cant see it very well, but the texture hammer added those little bumps. I also used the ink pads to create a more aged look.

The tree branch is also something I have had for a long time...used to sit on my bookshelf. I think it likes its new position better :)

India Postage

Think Monday-Think ATC posted an India Theme challenge and since I have spent some time in Tamil Nadu, (southern) India, I thought it was the best way to get back into my weekly challenges. So here is my entry using a photo I had taken of a begging woman who was wearing a make shift eye patch. Im not even sure she was aware that I was taking a picture of her.

During my time there I used a Nikon FM2 camera. Below are some of the other pictures I took of the street children. They were always happy to smile for my camera! These kids were standing if front of a coconut wagon that was being pulled by a buffalo.

And these boys below were proud to pose for me. (although my goal was unposed shots, the picture came out very nice.) To me it embodied the spirit of Indian people. Regardless of what they did or didnt have, or how poor they appeared, they were proud and very happy. I noticed the ladies always wore flowers in their hair and bells on their ankles.

The original photo of the begging woman:

Altered Money Banks

The money banks I made for my sister and mother to save for our trip to Rome. The one on the right I used a salt box and the one on left I used a plastic flavored coffee container. During the flight, my sisters bank got a little messed up. But the detail can still be seen. And the top of the salt box has a compass on far side. I gave these as Christmas gifts. We just returned from Rome a week ago...so during that time they saved $800!(combined) Maybe I need one!