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.