The Looking Glass

"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like one who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like," James 2:23. I'm really bad about remembering faces and I'm sure the one in the mirror can't be me! I'm not that old! Oh, yes, it would be scary if I forgot what I looked like from day to day. I'm changing so quickly that I could fool myself. Back to the scripture: Paul is using this illustration to convince his readers that God's word is serious business. Is it to you?

I used a playing card for the base of this art. On it I collaged a copied image, tinted it with watercolor pencils, etched in gel medium, painted, and applied torn letters.

Troubles Without Number

Psalm 40:11 states, "O Lord...may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me." This computer problem has been a hassle. I had all my art ready for my daughter to enter for me while I was on vacation, but a power outage ruined my computer and I wound up taking it with me on vacation and having my son-in-law fix it for me. Seems like sometimes things just don't go our way in life. We have to resort to Plans B, C, or D when things go wrong. When I took things into perspective, this was a very minor set back in my life. So many other things go wrong to so many other people that I felt ashamed to think this was so horrible. I'm so grateful I have a wonderful family (many of whom we saw on our vacation), a wonderful husband, and a great and glorious God. I'm not going to "sweat the small stuff" (to borrow a recent book title) when I have so much going for me. Thank the Lord.

This art was made on a watercolor paper base (2 1/2" x 3 1/2"). I used newspaper words for the background, a copied image tinted with watercolor pencils and I stippled the edges with paint.

Major Shut Down

Romans 8:28-"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." I had a major computer shut down after a power outage two days ago. I'll be out of commission until Labor Day weekeend. We're going on a week's vacation and I had planned for my daughter to post my daily entries, but...we'll have to wait. God's blessings for your week.

Instruction and Knowledge

"Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold," Proverbs 8:10.
Riches can disappear in a flash, but knowledge lasts until you have no brain power. Interestingly, the Proverbs were written by King Solomon, the wisest and most wealthy man alive in those days, yet he saw that riches meant nothing without instruction and knowledge.

I used a playing card as the base, painted it, adhered ephemera, tinted the photo with colored pencils, etched in gel medium and dry brushed with gold paint. I used part of a book binding for the label and wrote the word with a Micron pen.

The Guard

Psalm 141:3--"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips."
Wow! Did this verse grab me! I had just downloaded some new pictures from a seller and here was a guard. Now, to put it all together. I really need to take heed of this scripture as my lips seem to do their own thing much of the time. This needs to be my prayer every day!

I used a playing card (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") for the base, cut ephemera to fit, added a brass heart lock and drew a key in the guard's hand. The door actually opens and closes on this poor prisoner. I used a strip of sheer ribbon as the hinge.

The Lord Delights

Psalm 147:11 states that "the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." The word fear means to revere, but sometimes I just fear him. Some of the things I do and have done deserve punishment and I don't deserve to have him delighted in me. My only hope is that His unfailing love will sustain me and that my asking His forgiveness will give me another chance to prove my love for Him.

I used a ratty old book cover for this art. I added a copied image and assorted ephemera. I etched some designs in matte gel medium and hightlighted them and the book decoration with gold paint. I added some pearls from an old necklace, some ribbon, tulle, scrim and an artificial floral stem for the hanger.

As For Me and My House

We make choices every day. What will your choice be today?
Joshua demanded that the people of Israel make a choice to either serve the pagan gods of the land or the one true God of Israel. He, as leader of his house, declared, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," Joshua 24:15. Who are we serving today?

I made this 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" card for the weekly challenge using this verse in my "Art In The Word" Yahoo Group. This is a group of like-minded women who love the Lord and declare His glory through their art. I enjoy being a member of this group and maybe you would too. God gifted His followers to use their talents for Him.

I used ephemera photographed from magazines and altered digitally, paint, matte gel medium and a cellophane transparency of my ancestors.

Near Me

Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your gentle spirit be know to all men. The Lord is near." Wow, do I need this verse! Many times gentleness is far from me. Ask my husband. I want to be gentle and loving, understanding and patient but sometimes these things live in another world--a world far away from me. When I remember that the Lord is near, I call on Him to fill me with the gentleness I need, but, unfortunately, I don't call often enough and I let my way be done instead of the Lord's. I think the picture of the little girl looks gentle. It looks like she's asking the Lord to be near her. I found that the words of this old song fit this thought. Interestingly, the second stanza had the word "tarry" underneath the first stanza's "near me." The Lord does "tarry," an 1800's word for "stay," with us. Some days I don't know why He would want to stay with me but I'm glad He does. The same would go for my husband.

I used a playing card, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2," for the base. I painted the background, added old lace, a copied photo, other paper ephemera including old music, buttons, ribbon, measuring tape and I etched a little rose in gel medium and tinted it with paint.

When The Storm Sweeps By

Proverbs 10:25--"When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." Yes, you may the only one standing. Sometimes the storms of life are overwhelming to the point of destruction. All around you, you see others failing in their walk, wilting from the pressures of life, giving in to the temptation to turn away from God, and finding other things in this world to take the place of the Living Lord. Will we be the only ones standing? I hope so.

This is a fiber art quilt I made for my nephew for his wedding last weekend. It measures about 9" x 11" and is constructed from clipped yarn lain on muslin, covered with tulle, basted, then quilted and embroidered. I used a black binding and mounted it on an artist's frame. It took about 8 hours to complete but I like the results and he did too. He had placed his order last summer when he saw one I had made for my mother-in-law (his grandma.) I don't do many of these anymore, but I think I may be inspired from this one.

Longing

Psalm 119:131-132 "I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me."
Do you find yourself in a longing mode with an empty feeling--a yearning-for-something- else-attitude?
Maybe that feeling is the hole in your heart waiting to be filled with the living Lord. Seek His word. Find his compassion, peace and strength by asking. Seek His wisdom for all your ways. Don't hide from Him, seek Him out. Long for Him! You won't be disappointed.

This card base is watercolor paper measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", the usual Artist Trading Card format. I used ribbon, faux pearls, buttons, a leaf skeleton, copied image, gel medium, finger nail polish, ink and paint.

Being Heard

2 Chronicles 30:27 "The priests and Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place."
The priests and Levites had been away from God for so long that God had not blessed them by hearing them when they prayed. When Hezakiah, the king, decided everyone should return to the true God, the priests and Levites returned and prayed and God listened. If you feel your prayers are not going above the ceiling, dedicate your heart to God totally and return to Him wholeheartedly and He will return to you. Remember, we're the ones who walk away.

This playing card-sized art was collaged on a watercolor paper base. I used assorted ephemera and etched a strip in gel medium and outlined the edge of the card with gold paint.

Got Breath? Praise!

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. PRAISE THE LORD." Psalm 150:6
It's interesting that this is the last verse in the Book of Psalms. It's a reminder to me that as long as I last here on earth, praise for God should be on my lips--no matter what. This Psalm is full of references to instruments (another reason I like it), but its what is within us that praises God, not what contraptions we use. It interests me, too, that "everything that has breath" should praise God. I wonder??? How do animals praise God? I'll have to look into that one.

This 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" card was created on pre-decorated card stock onto which I added paper ephemera, gel protection, color from pencils and paint.

All God's Angels

Hebrews 1:6 "When God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, 'Let all God's angels worship him.' " Angels should not receive our worship. They were created to worship God and his Son, Jesus, as are we. This little "angel" looked so peaceful and awed. I can just image God walking into its presence and this little one looking on adoringly. I must keep my focus on the adoration of God and His Son and allow angels to have their proper place, ministering servants of God.
This card (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") is a trading card that has been painted and collaged with paper ephemera. I etched in gel medium and used glitter pens to fancy up the butterflies.

And The Two Shall Be As One

My nephew got married today. This is how I saw him and his new wife as they left the sanctuary. He doesn't seem old enough to be married even though he is 24. They made a cute couple. Now he has someone besides himself for which to care and I'm confident he'll do well.
Ephesians 5:31 states: "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."
I used a trading card as the base (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") and added paint, paper ephemera and etched in gel medium. I then dry brushed and printed with gesso.

Harvest Banquet

"On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet...," Isaiah 25:6. What a joy to not have to diet in heaven! I made this card for my Christian Mixed Media Yahoo Group, Art In The Word. If you are a Christian artist you might want to check out this new group on Yahoo.
I will be gone from the computer for a day or two--the next post will be late Saturday evening, August 11. Blessings all!

This card's base is a trading card measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2." I used paiant, paper, and glitter glue. I etched in gel medium and dry brushed.