Creative Prompts (more prompts for fun

I've created the new prompt list for September 2020. While I will be creating cards with my friends that relate to these prompts I may also use them in my art journal or just topics to consider on my walk. Join us and please share your work on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kNACkofit

 September Prompts

[ ] 9.1 Turquoise and sand

[ ] 9.2 Coruscate: to reflect vibrantly, to sparkle

[ ] 9.3 food

[ ] 9.4 Oh my stars

[ ] 9.5 Too funny

[ ] 9.6 The 1-2 punch

[ ] 9.7 Friendship

[ ] 9.8 Bad habits

[ ] 9.9 Fun fold

[ ] 9.10 Manly

[ ] 9.11 Patrotic

[ ] 9.12 Sunshine

[ ] 9.13 Butterflies

[ ] 9.14 Have you got a wild hair?--today is your choice

[ ] 9.15 Zoo

[ ] 9.16 Just 2 layers

[ ] 9.17 Europe

[ ] 9.18 Rainbow

[ ] 9.19 Dance

[ ] 9.20 Circle

[ ] 9.21 Love, love, love

[ ] 9.22 Dogs or cats or both if it's raining haha

[ ] 9 23 Flower arrangement

[ ] 9.24 Weave

[ ] 9.25 Hello

[ ] 9.26 Glitter

[ ] 9.27 lumpy bumpy, you're going to need a cardboard protector and extra postage for this one

[ ] 9.28 Evening

[ ] 9.29 Halloween

[ ] 9.30 White on white

The card at left is from the August prompt "portrait." I painted/drew a face from my cousins collectiom. "Cousin Elsa will always have Paris."

The card below is for the sympathy prompt in August.

Pandemic Projects Anyone?

July was Christmas in July for me as I created more Christmas cards then I will ever need to send this year (even with the expanded list I have prepared). 

I used some of the techniques I've learned in my new online art workshops presented by Amanda Evanston. For cards I painted watercolor paper with abstract florals. After they dried (tick, tock, tick tock) I cut the paper to make designs for the front of our cards. 

Prompted for Fun

 My friends Eddy and Lynn invited me to join their card prompt group. Every day there is a one or two word prompt and we create a card with that prompt and then text a photo of it to each other.

Here are a few of my recent entries:

1.  Prompt was music

2A and 2B. The washi tape prompt put me on a roll and I made these two plus 3 more which was great since I hadn't used my washi stash in a long time... The circles on the pear card are made by taping multiple strips of washi to cardstock and then punching out the 

circles. Thank you Pinterest for that reminder.

3. The hot air balloon card was for the wind prompt

4A and 4B. These are for the yellow-orange prompt which is one of my favorite color combos so I made a total of 6 for this one...

5. The Alice card is one of two that I made for the prompt grid. My other one is more grid-like but it's currently MIA.

6. The peacful pink bird is for the watermark prompt

They do it so well

I enjoy making videos and posting them on YouTube. I have not posted one in ages.  There's a good reason for that...

So many others do it so well, there's no need for me to do it again.

 I say this with gratitude, appreciation, and quite cheerfully.

 Here is a link to the playlists on my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/nachattin

 As you view it you will see some of the things that interest me. Many of them I've never mentioned on the blog because they are not topics I focus on here in the blog.
This means you now have some insight into what interests me in the world. It also leads me to suggest that you look at the playlist on any You Tube channels created by individuals. I have found this enlightening, possibly because I'm always curious and occasionally find myself down a rabbit hole..

Here are some recent greeting cards I made inspired by videos and Pinterest which is another rabbit hole I'll address another time-smile.

Both cards are goofing around
with doodles
and Grunge stamps
 by Stampin' Up.

They are also here because everyone likes photos and reads more with pictures.

Labels and Signs

This is a great eyeliner, however,
I haven't noticed my "sexy" boosted.
My sexiness hasn't increased either.

My husband and I have enjoyed spotting and interpreting signs and labels over the last 15 years. Funny, I never thought of it as "a thing" for us until I started writing this post. Cool, something else we enjoy doing together.

Eyeliner is fabulous. I've been wearing it since I sold Mary Kay back in 1982. Back then, the liquid eyeliner fad of the '60s had disappeared and the most common eyeliner wearing people were punk rockers and heavy metal bands. David Bowie and Boy George were also fans of eyeliner--do they fit in those groups?

So, the smart folks at Mary Kay taught their Beauty Consultants and thereby their customers to use a tiny bit of liquid eyeliner at the very base of the lashes to add fullness. This little tip really does make lashes look fuller and it helped sell liquid eyeliner during the dry spell.

Today liquid eyeliner is popular again. I love the cool dramatic looks I see on women. 

Sadly, my 55-year old eyes do not not look good, much less sexy, with dramatic eyeliner. It only emphasizes the crepe skin and droopy lids. 

Even if I weren't in Slipper Camp this year, the eyeliner issue would not be worrying me in any way. Slipper Camp is just an added boost to my self-confidence and appreciation of my own beauty.


The Slipper Camp philosophy of living fully in each moment has heightened my awareness of signs and labels. So "sexy booster" eyeliner is amusing partly because of it's grammatical snafu and partly because I've never had my sexy boosted. Should I get a refund?

Slipper Camp: A kinder, gentler boot camp designed to promote living well every moment.

Camp Motto: Being kind to yourself makes you strong.

Checkout my personal progress and all the tasks on http://www.artfultourist.blogspot.com/ (search key word slipper camp)

Follow along with the  Slipper camp tasks on the Live Safe, Live Well Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kNACkofit?ref=br_rs

We represent the lollipop kids...

I've been combing Pinterest for "pun" gifts. Stuff like an Owl image and the words "Owl always love you" or chocolate bars with a card that says, "you're the best, bar none." Supposedly these were for business promotions and gifts, but then the OBESSION kicked into the mix.
 
The obsession is candy bouquets. There is nothing new about candy bouquets. I made them in coffee mugs as gifts in the 80's and taught them several times as workshops.
 
My first venture into Candy Bouquets 2014 was a miserable failure. I should have taken pictures, but I was rushed. Bottom line: I had the wrong candy, the wrong Styrofoam, and I was rushed.
 
I was ready to give up. I promise I was totally ready to give up. I put the supplies away and put the candy in an area approved for in-home consumption. However, the sugary bright arrangements of confection would not release me.

I kept pinning ideas and pondering designs. I found myself  in stores picking up containers that would work well as a base for a candy bouquet. Then the containers jumped into my cart and followed me home.

Last week when I was out running errands and getting ready for our trip to California--it happened. I drove past a candy warehouse. It was right on my way home. I'd never noticed it before. This miraculous reveal right in front of my eyes was a sign from somewhere (probably not from the heavens) that I must move forward with the candy project.

A quick U-turn and I was there. An hour later I was leaving the store with brightly colored lollipops and a receipt (no refunds allowed) for $26.92.



 
Apparently the time was right for Candy Bouquets 2014. After only a couple hours I had four candy bouquets and 3 pieces of leftover candy (not counting the lollipop I taste tested for purely scientific reasons).

They are now all posted on my Pinterest Page under gifts.

Total supply cost including containers, ribbons, and better Styrofoam was $8.79 per bouquet. Not a bad cost for a gift and about the same as a bouquet of grocery store flowers. With good fortune and no similar OBSESSIONS on the horizon--I should be finished with my Candy Bouquets 2014 adventure. You never know though, I've always been a "sucker" for lollipop bouquets.

We'd like to welcome you to Munchkin Land.

Gratitude Practice

Walking outside in Florida mean "critters." I appreciated
this snail one day--especially the fact that he was
on our mail box. SNAIL MAIL ROCKS.

Today’s Slipper Camp Workout #11

Gratitude Workout:

 

Go outside, look around and be thankful for one thing you normally take for granted in nature. Marvel at the beauty of one plant that provides oxygen to the world, at the sky overhead whether sunny or cloudy and how changes in climate create the cycles of nature. Appreciate one bare tree that means you can see the beautiful shape of branches without distraction. Remind yourself that being thankful lifts your spirit.

 

Bonus challenge: Try this every time you step outside for one week or longer.

 

 

Slipper Camp: A kinder, gentler boot camp designed to assist you in living well.

Camp Motto: Being kind to yourself makes you strong.

Checkout my personal progress and all the tasks on http://www.artfultourist.blogspot.com/

Follow along with the  Slipper camp tasks on the Live Safe, Live Well Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kNACkofit?ref=br_rs

The case of the missing photos...

I adore the BBC Sherlock. Season 3 just started.

I like how the episodes run about 2 hours--like a

mini-series.

I can't seem to locate the photos on my blog posts from January 2013 all the way back to 2007. Perhaps someone with more understanding of Blogger could help me out here?

What I know is that the vast majority of my photos have always been uploaded from my computer. These seem to comprise all the missing photos.

I drew/doodled this! I'm very excited. I was inspired by a

 design on Pinterest, but still, I love it.

Only lately have I been using photos directly from my phone without editing.

Since we're talking mysteries here...I recently joined an ATC swap group that will feature a different European city as the theme every month. February was London for the theme and embossing for the technique.

Here's the mystery part---I made two of my ATCs with Sherlock Holmes images.

Now please, someone, anyone? Even Ferris Buhler--please help me solve the mystery of disappearing photos. THANKS.

Go Raw

Here's one of my raw food smoothies made
with my new super bullet that Sir Henry
got me for Christmas--there's kale in there :)

Today’s Slipper Camp Workout--Workout # 7

 Eat one whole, raw food. We have all heard that eating less processed food is better for us. Start today and eat one thing that is not processed in any way.

Bonus: Try a raw food smoothie at the store or homemade

 

Enhancements:

·         Try one piece of fruit, four baby carrots, or a single slice of tomato.

·         Eat your one thing completely by itself—no salt, no dressing, nothing but one whole food.

·         Visualize your body saying thank you.

 

Slipper Camp: A kinder, gentler boot camp designed to assist you in living well.

Camp Motto: Being kind to yourself makes you strong.

Follow along with the  Slipper camp tasks on the Live Safe, Live Well Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kNACkofit?ref=br_rs

Mixing it UP a bit

Sir Henry and I have taken on a new saying here at the Taj Mahal in the trailer park. "2014 is the year of....." We've filled in the blank with everything from paying off my medical bills to modest portions, to releasing clutter and remodeling the living room.

We don't think of these as resolutions as much as we consider them goals. We love it.

My small art-big impact wish for you today :)
Original artwork ATC copyright nachattin 2014

I've started some personal "2014 is the year of...." and wanted to share them here (some you have already seen, but now they are all in one place).

2014 is my year of.... (in no particular order since they all matter)

• whole life living
• value driven lifestyle (faith, family, calling)
• back to living debt free
• back to a more comfortable and healthy clothing size
• self-defense mission rolled into my calling
• spending no more than $20.00 per month on immediately consumable art supplies (like glue, ink refills, etc.) with the exception of crop fees
• smoothie making
• small art with big impact (ATCs, tiny canvas, small altered items, even tiny cards)
• my first experience with Project Life style scrapbooking ( I haven't scrapped traditional style since 2008)
• increased internet presence and (subtle yet consistent) affiliation marketing
• reminding myself that "It's that Easy" (including consistency :)
• renewed commitment to the release and receive standard
• keeping it simple and focused

Based on these goals, I commit myself to using this blog for art as well as whole life living topics. After all, I am by my own definition:

"The Artful Tourist---Norma Anne Chattin, one who moves in delightful observation living like she is on vacation in a world of colors, textures, scents, and tastes. I am not afraid to ask directions and willing to talk to strangers. I share, I create, and I make friends easily with fellow travelers."

Expect more posts and greater variety of posts which are inclusive of my goals. I look forward to your comments and subscriptions (which I've never really promoted before but I have decided to increase my internet presence).



One little $10 personal alarm can
provide a HUGE amount of noise.
Order from my web site
http://www.mydamselpro.net/LIVESAFELIVEWELL/
 

Art Doll Collage Card

My cherished friend Cindy was having a birthday and I wanted to make a fabulous card. I have been viewing a lot of the "she art" lately and thought I would incorporate that theme.


I used an 11.5" by 4.25" card base and layered on dictionary paper, ink, pale yellow cardstock and then the doll.

I made her head first and then fitted the body, crown, arms, legs, and hair to work with body. I started to write "fitted to scale" but this dolly is not really to scale at all, is she?

I used print paper scraps (I think it might be Basic Grey, but don't quote me). All the parts are outlined in black ink.

I had a cool envelope in my stash for the card. This one took about 2 hours to complete and I loved every minute of it.

Dictionary Pages everywhere

This design is adorable with the ballet skirt
cut separately and slipped on the doll. Makes
a pretty hanging ornament.

After buying two huge dictionaries at a yard sale I began working them into all kinds of projects. The paper is thin, so it collages well and light background so it can be stamped and colored.


Try those paper chain dolls or just a solo dancer for a design reminiscent of childhood treasures.

All three of the dancer cards were featured
in a make-n-take at the FCC Crop & Stamp
fundraiser. They can be assembled quickly

Adapt and change patterns to work with the dictionary paper. I used one I found through Pinterest that was designed to hang. The pattern was large and the skirt had cuts like a snowflake.

Friendship Blooms in Open Hearts--Recycled from previously used greeting cards

Shaping up Nicely

All of these cards were drawn and cut from circles. We used recycled greeting cards and paper scraps.

The card blanks, including the printed file folder ones, were purchased on sale at major craft store and are manufactured by DCV. They are really handy for quick cards when affordable.

Just Cuttin' Up

More designs from the Recycled Greeting creative session taught this summer:

Designer note: Use a black
pen to make borders around
the shapes and around the edges
of the card. Stamp or write
word greetings on the front
to balance design.


Circles and leaves--simple easy fun.
Reminds me of the amazing and
talented Mary Engelbreit.



Just one big bloom & handwritten sentiment.            



Just draw, cut, and paste. This design used print
 paper from scrapbooking scraps.

Let's give some art away

Wish Big with three candles.

Designing and delivering creative arts classes for the first time in years has been a joyful experience for me in 2013. These creative art sessions are free and designed with the premise that it doesn't take a ton of supplies and tools to make fun cards and gifts. One of the philosophies of these programs is that when we create we honor our Great Creator.

Wish Big sentiment printed from computer.
Candle and flame cut from greeting cards.

The sessions are held monthly (except November and December) at First Christian Church in West Palm Beach, FL. We meet on Saturday morning from 10am-12pm. Feel welcome to email me if you wish to attend or start a similar program in your area.

One of my favorite sessions featured recycling previously used greeting cards into new cards. We starting with free-hand drawing of shapes onto the cards, cut them out, and pieced the shapes together. We used a "guide sheet" of shapes to get us started and I've published that here along with a few samples. Stay tuned for more designs from this session.

Pattern/guide for freehand drawings

Experience Discovery

"Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead." 1 Peter 1:6, 5x7"
 original art card by NAChattin 2013

For the last few years I’ve had an annual “one little word” with me throughout the year. I didn’t call it the “OLW” until later when I discovered that lots of writers and art journalists were doing it too—and doing it in ways I really liked. (http://aliedwards.com/blog/one-little-word  and http://onelittleword.typepad.com/ for example) I combined their techniques with mine.

One of the many awesome God-things about joining First Christian church in WestPalm Beach was that they do a “OLW” for the entire congregation. The words are printed on stars and drawn by every member. I drew EXPERIENCE as my OLW for 2013.

One of my wonderful art EXPERIENCES this year has been to start doodling and painting and collaging on cards and occasionally canvas. I’ve had a sketchbook near me when I am relaxing and I’ve been studying the work of scads of other artists online, mostly on Pinterest. From simple shapes to Zen-tangles, I love using pens, paper, and glue to make designs that are unique.

 

"Just my size" 5x7" original art card by NAChattin

 

 

To see all of the posts of my original to me designs click on key word Uncharted Destination tour.

 

 

Getting Patriotic all Summer

I love my country. No matter what your politics you have to admit that you were blessed to be born or naturalized as a citizen of this country.

As summer begins I think about two kinds of cards, decor, entertaining, etc. The first is patriotic and the second is "beachy fun."

Take a look at all these ideas for patriotic party crafts and recipes at JoAnn.com

Patriotic rarely goes out of style--this card was

made in 2005 and I'd still send it today.

 

Art Journal and Doodle Inspiration

Journal doodles are popping up on every page lately. At first I was working on doodle dollies and then I moved on to bunnies (from Noni Art) and bugs and flowers like this bee on a purple bloom.

I’ve been asked often where I get the inspiration for doodle shapes. Most of the Noni art is just Zen. I look at the painted area like I’d look at clouds to find shapes. On fancy artist days, I think of myself as a sculptor looking at stone before chipping out the statue.

Doodling on blank paper or newsprint is a bit more defined. I look online for inspiration, I practice, and I make it my own. I’ve traced photos in my journal to turn them into doodles, I’ve doodled photos, and I’ve looked at my rubber stamps for inspiration.

Some of the Zen-tangle things I worked on a while back are coming into play as well. I don’t concentrate on filling each space as much as I start with a few lines and work out. Next I “find” shapes in the doodles much like the Noni art process.

See http://www.artfultourist.blogspot.com/2013/04/noni-art-what-you-get-when.html for background on the Noni Art.

Noni Art--I give you my heart

“I give you my heart,” is Noni art that was also inspired by a Pinterest pin. The heart is popped up with glue dots.

 

See http://www.artfultourist.blogspot.com/2013/04/noni-art-what-you-get-when.html for background on the Noni Art.