Wonders and Miracles

"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." Job 5:9
Hallelujah. Praise His Name. Our pastor survived the 9-hour surgery on his aorta. The surgery itself is a miracle. God worked through the hands of a Christian doctor to perform this wondrous deed. I'm assured that we have only begun to witness the Wonderful Miracles God has yet to show us. I'm awed and grateful. We were there all day with his wife and our church family so we're tired, but overcome with happiness to see that everything works and he lives.
Pray with us for his healing, please.

Thankful Remembrances

"I thank my God every time I remember you....He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3 and 6. Whenever someone comes to mind, pray for them. The Holy Spirit has placed that remembrance in your head. God has blessed us with the ability for continual prayer. We don't have to stop what we are doing or go to a special place in order to pray. We can pray anywhere and at any time. My pastor is facing surgery and verse 6 gives me hope that he will be able to complete the work he was sent to do.
It gives me hope for his future here on earth. Lord, please, work a mighty work in my friend's life. Amen.

I made this work of altered art in a demonstration done last Saturday to gain interest for a mixed media class I'm planning to teach in September. It measures 5" x 7 1/2" with the lace extending another 1 1/2" below and the ribbon hanger another 3" above. I used a copied image of a photograph, wallpaper, scrapbook paper, book binding, yarn, sticker, ribbon rose, lace, ribbon, old buttons, a flower twig and jute twine. An old book cover was used as the base.

Singing Under His Wings

Psalm 63:6-7 "On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings." As I was looking for appropriate verses to accompany this art, I found Psalm 63 and immediately thought of my pastor who is in ICU awaiting another surgery on his aorta, the second in less than 6 weeks. Interestingly enough, in his note to the congregation that was read to us this morning, he quoted verse 7. I think it is fascinating when this happens. I don't believe in coincidences or accidents. I feel everything is planned by God and the working of the Holy Spirit brings believers together through happenings like this. Pastor, I'm praying that you will indeed sing again, a song to us of victory and praise for the glorious things God has done in your life. Thank you , Lord, in advance for caring for this wonderful man of God. I look forward to the blessings that will come from you regarding his healing. I love you and honor you for your greatness. Amen.

This card (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") is made on a playing card base. I used a copied image of a photograph and other ephemera, glitter glue, paint, gesso and matte gel medium.

Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 Things were very unpeaceful when John wrote these words of Christ. All around us we see and hear of everything but peace. I feel desperate at times wondering if things could get worse--then I remember-- Christ gives the only true peace we need. Even when things are beyond despair, Christ's promised peace soothes my ravaged soul.
I made this altered art today in a demonstration done at a local craft and decorating store. I'll be teaching a mixed media class there in Sepember. I had about ten people sign up and a few more interested in my 3 hours there. The art has a very old book cover as the base, collaged newspaper words cover with tracing paper, a little girl image, ephemera and a ribbon and it measures about 4 1/2" x 7 ." I used buttons and a charm on bent wire as the hanger.

The Shelter of Your Wings

Psalm 61:4--"I long...to take refuge in the shelter of your wings." What a place to rest! When my life is on track and I remember to look to God first in trouble, I can always find the shelter about which the Psalmist sings.

I can always find the shelter about which the Psalmist sings
When I remember to find refuge underneath God's wings.--Sally L. Smith 7/27/07

I decorated a very inexpensive photo album with this art. It measures 4 3/4" X 6 1/2." I keep my unsold ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) in it. This is one of my favorite photos in my collection. She looks so innocent and sweet--very unlike the real world. I removed the cardboard decorative sheet already in the album and painted and decorated it with a butterfly stamp, ephemera, and glitter pens.

A New Creation

Collage: a work of the visual arts made from an assemblage of different forms, thus creating a new whole.
When we are Christ's, Christ makes us into new people. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" I'm glad God gives me a new day to be a new creation. Make me what you will, Lord.

This box measures about 4" x 7" x 1" and is perfect for ATC/ACEO's. It will hold at least 24 of them. I've collaged it and painted the inside. Then I coated it with gel medium and etched designs in it, stained the etching and then dry brushed with a gold.

Storms of Life

There are so many storms in life. My pastor is back in the hospital with complications. He was on the mend from a replaced aortic arch and doing well and now pain due to a blood clot. How discouraging and scary. There was an explosion and fire down the street and breast cancer the other direction down my street. Anywhere we look there are problems and terrifying situations. Sometimes we need to remember who made the storm and who can calm it. The Bible, in Mark 4:39-40, tells of such a situation: "He (Jesus) got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' " It's hard to remember to not be afraid when the world comes crashing down on us, but Jesus asks us to "have faith" so I guess that's what we are supposed to do. Father, forgive me for not having faith that you know what is going on and that you will take care of things. Help me turn everything over to you. Amen.

This is a fiber art quilt made on a muslin base. Finely clipped yarn makes the colored background and embroidery over tulle gives it texture. I sold this piece last year.

Give Wings To Your Prayers

"The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place," 2 Chronicles 30:27. When we bless others in the Lord's name, looking away from ourselves, we can be assured that those prayers are taking flight. I need to send more "you" prayers than "me" prayers. If you ever doubt that God hears you, pray for someone else.
HOW I MADE THIS PIECE:
This piece of altered art is based on a book cover and the complete piece measures about 6" x 8" with the wire hanger extending another 2 1/2" above. I've used an assemblage of items: barn paint, mossy tape, dry wall grid, pillow ticking, measuring tape, plastic cup, book binding, scrim, sheer ribbon, wallpaper, stamp, buttons, charms, cardboard waste from stencil, glitter pen and edging from an old handkerchief. The cover is backed with brown paper. All of these are added to the assemblage with matte gel medium. I've added a thick coat of gel medium around the image to make a frame and then etched a design, used black stain, then dry brushed with gold.

Everything For Our Enjoyment

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment," 1 Timothy 6:17. Isn't summer great! Sun, water, sand, friends, fun, SWINGS--what fun! We can sometimes overlook the creator of all of these things. He provides them for our enjoyment. Even though God really didn't "create" swings, he gave man the ability to do so. However, you've got to think about grape vines in the forest--natural swings. How great a God is He!

I made this little card for a Lottery Drawing for my Mixed Media Yahoo Group. People submit pictures of cards they have created (this one's theme is "Summer Fun") and then in two weeks a name is drawn to choose the winner. I won last time so I picked the theme and I draw the name. People who have entered send their card to the winner. It's a fun way to collect little ATC's (Artist Trading Cards.)

The Value of The Book

"Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." Ecclessiastes 12:12. This really sounds like an excuse given by a high school student when a term paper is due, but actually this is in the Bible, the one book that brings life back to the body when its words are heeded. I look in the Bible for help, strength, encouragement, historical data, poetry, tips on how to lead a Godly life, how to treat others and heavenly inspiration--just to name a few. No other book in the world is as meaningful to me as the Bible.

Welcome Home

How sweet is this? Daddy has brought firewood home to his family and are they happy to see him! We take so much for granted in this world. How many of us have to depend on firewood as the only source with which to heat our home and cook our food? Sometimes I need to be reminded how much I really have. Feel free to use this for yourself, but beware of selling it. I am not sure whether this is copyrighted or not.

The Strength of a Horse

Psalm147:10-11 says, "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." I'm glad to know I don't have to be physically strong to serve the Lord. All I need to do is fear (revere) God and hope in his unfailing love. Even though things are not always what I think they should be, I can be assured that He know the best way for me.
My job is to keep looking
And hoping to see
The very best way
He has waiting for me.
I have decorated a common notepad and scored it so the ATC can be removed when the pad is full. ATC stands for Artist Trading Card and measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2."

Fear Not

There may be a reason that the phrase, "fear not," appears in the Bible 365 times (so I've heard.) I believe God means what he says and that's what we are to do. Trust him and don't fear life. One of the scriptures that states this is Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." I found an interesting paragraph in a very old and torn up book that I have used on this piece: "for when young lips have drunk deep of the bitter waters of Hate, Suspicion, and Despair, all the Love in the world will not wholly take away that knowledge." This, also, is a true statement. Praise God, that we have him to love us in his heavenly love--a love that passes all understanding.
{I used an old book cover, wallpaper, ephemera, book binding, lace and buttons to decorate.
It measures 5" x 7 1/2" with the wire hanger extending another 3" above.}

Song of Love

King Solomon, a lover of God, is said to be one of the wisest men ever and wrote many songs. In one of his, the Song of Solomon (Song of Songs in some translations of the Bible), Solomon advises us to take love seriously. He portrays human love in poetic fashion. Solomon 1:4 says, "How right they are to adore you." This is said by Solomon's beloved wife to be. She is talking to her friends who are praising Solomon. Some scholars say that the Song of Solomon is like God loving Israel or Christ loving his church. Christ used the metaphor of a bride when he referred to the church, the followers of Christ. This little card (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") just says "adore." I thought I saw that look in this girl's eyes. I've use paper, ephemera, an image of a photo and I etched in gel medium around the image and stained it.

Song of the Broken Heart

Sometimes a broken heart is not all bad. As David said, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise," Psalm 51:17. This book cover base measures 5" x 7 1/2" and the sheer ribbon hanger extends another 2" above. I used wallpaper, stickers etched with gel medium, old music, a copy of an old photograph, two brass charms, text from old book, book binding, old lace and two rhinestone pink plastic rose buttons. I was thrilled when this was finished. I love it. It will be hard for me to sell it. Making this made me decide to ask some of the craft stores around if they would let me teach a class in making altered art. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Speaking The Truth

Ephesians 4 :15 says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that, is, Christ." Prior to this verse it says that people are crafty and will draw the believers away by their "deceitful scheming." This verse states what the believer's job is. This also means "stretching the truth." Question: Is is true or not? and answer accordingly. The big kicker here is "in love." How do we say what we need to say truthfully without hurting another's feelings? That's where God comes in. I need to pray before I speak so my words are meaningful and not hurtful. Big job for a big mouth! This verse reminds me to be aware of what I say. "Oh, be careful little mouth what you say," is an old children's song that still has meaning for me today. This little ATC expresses this verse for me.

Sharing The Word and a Photo

Occassionally I'll share a devotional thought and/or scripture. Maybe one day when I get smart enough on the computer I'll put them in order on a Web Page... maybe. Until then---2 Timothy 2:22 says "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." I created this little ATC Sunday afternoon. It measures the usual 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" and the German Fractur is translated freely, "for many years" or "many years before." She looks so sweet, but even the sweet get sucked in under the wiles of the evil one and many at an early age. When this happens they carry it all their lives. Only Christ can heal a wounded heart.
I found this lovely lady in a Victorian Album. She was lurking amongst the other photos of 1800's era people. She looks so elegant to me. Makes me wonder on what plantation or mansion she lived. I love the Victorian dress. Help yourself to her photo and create away. I own her photo so I may create using her picture as well.

A Book Cover and Two Cards Make Art

This is a picture of my model, Emily. I painted a dress for her and have altered her into a fairy princess.

I call this piece "A View of Life." It measures 6" x 9" with the twisted wire hanger another 2" above. I've combined cloth and lace with my etching and altered paper images. It has an "interesting" appearance--much better in real life, as are they all.
I found a picture of a civil war soldier in an old album with 1800s photos. It's a great picture, much better than this one. Since I don't have a laser printer, all my ink jet pictures have to be sealed with gel medium and it distorts the color and clarity sometimes. I'm having trouble with a name for this one: Unattainable Dream, Dream of the Heart, Someday? I don't know.
I've used one of my favorite photos. I love this picture. I finally have decided to use wings. I have a thing about fairies, but I love the pictures with wings. I used etching around her in the purple background. Both the cards above are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2." All three are going on Etsy today.

An ATC and Another Necklace

I made this ATC for a Yahoo group lottery. Whoever wants contributes to a theme and a name of one of the participants is drawn to win all the entries in that lottery. The theme for this is "Independence." I would think all battles should begin with prayer.
I made another chandelier tear drop crystal necklace. This has a picture of a 1920s flapper and is larger than the last. It measures 2" x 1 1/4." It hangs on a black ribbon.

A Necklace and Three ATCs/ACEOs

I tried my hand at this and it turned out pretty cool. Decoupaged picture on crystal tear drop.
This measures about 1 1/2." Greek woman tear drop necklace. The tear drop is hung on a black ribbon.


I'm using a little different style with these ATCs/ACEOs each measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2." The sayings are pieced together from a set of vellum sayings and each picture has a landscape background. I've stamped around the edge for the lacey effect.

Altered Art and an ATC/ACEO

"Look at the birds. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?", is the quote for this Altered Book Cover measuring about 5" x 9" with a twisted wire hanger.
I used words from the text as well as the cover of an old children's book.

"Wisdom vs Rules" is the title of this ATC/ACEO measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2." I've used an old handwritten poem, "somebody cares...somebody prays...;" a caution from a tag, "observe these precautions;" a latin dictionary word "tutus...protected, safe secure...;" and the word "explore;" and the word, "wisdom" adores her head like a crown. The world is a difficult place, especially for young people. The things taught by well-meaning parents are sometimes forgotten when peer pressure pushes.

I made a little doll out of this little doll. Maybe you can make one too or whatever. Hope you like her.